Programs Manager Job Description

The CVCFSC Programs Manager position is an at-will, two-year grant-funded position, working closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors and Administration Coordinator. It is anticipated that the position will continue well beyond the initial two years. The Programs Manager will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the CVCFSC’s wildfire programs with significant support from the executive director and administrative coordinator.  The manager will also expand the awareness of the mission and programs of the CVCFSC, develop relationships with a variety of audiences, including the media, local elected officials, fire agency personnel, nonprofits, schools, etc. Initially, the Programs Manager will focus on the following new and ongoing programs:

• Facilitate countywide collaborative planning process to update the Ventura County - Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to provide a roadmap of actions for communities to address their wildfire threat. A CWPP is a plan that communities create, in collaboration with emergency management, land management and fire agencies, allowing them to be proactive in managing their wildfire risk.
• Oversee Fuel Break Programs and Chipper Days to remove unwanted vegetation to reduce the flammable fuel load in communities that border the wildland urban interface threat zones.
• Reducing Wildfire Risks in Piru: Oversee new program to enable the unincorporated community of Piru to become more fire resilient, safer, and better prepared to withstand the threat of wildfire through vegetation management; home hardening, and education and outreach program for farmworkers living in Piru.
• Preparing homes and property in the Greater Conejo Valley Area: New program to prepare homes and property to withstand ember attacks in the Greater Conejo Valley Area. We also offer individualized HIZ Assessments to assist homeowners and others to identify specific projects to increase the potential to survive wildfire.
• Living with Wildfire webinar series: Organize a series of webinars on key topics (home hardening, homeowners’ insurance, Ready Set Go program, etc.) in English and Spanish.

Position Responsibilities

Development of the CWPP (70% time)

• Exceptional project management skills and experience coordinating large, multi-disciplinary efforts.
• Experience in wildfire mitigation and/or disaster preparedness.
• Ability to access the pulse of a community and work within the local community context, and identify a community’s capacities and resources, and use them in developing the CWPP.
• Ability to use existing social networks, and build new ones, to facilitate new and ongoing wildfire prevention strategies.
• Organizing and facilitate meetings with city and county representatives, and other diverse community partners as part of the CWPP process.
• Work closely with fire agencies to provide opportunities for technical assistance and coordinate education and outreach opportunities within the county.
• Oversee the CWPP planning process for both the countywide CWPP and local CWPPs.
• Act as liaison between CWPP committee and local fire safe council members.
• Write accurately, professionally, and effectively. Create and maintain written documentation of all CWPP related activities and prepare final CWPP.
• Able to effectively cultivate, engage and maintain diverse individuals and maintain enthusiasm in the planning process.
• Ability to conduct research and access fire codes, etc. and interest in the principles, practices, and techniques of wildfire mitigation.

Other Project Management Activities (15% time)

• Support development and implementation of CVCFSC’s Strategic Plan and annual work plans.
• Oversee new programs (Piru, COSCA, and webinar series) and existing chipper and fuel abatement programs.
• Cultivate new and maintain existing partnerships in Ventura County and the state of California.
• Oversee development and implementation of evaluation plans, metrics and data tracking for all programs and review and analyze evaluation data and outcomes and prepare reports

Outreach and Education (10% time)

• Support development of the quarterly CVCFSC newsletter and social media, including website and Facebook page.
• Ability to communicate professionally and deliver skillful presentations to a variety of audiences, including media, legislators, city and county agency personnel, academia, community members, etc.
• Identify, outreach, and engage stakeholders to partner with the CVCFSC
• Prepare external communications.
• Participate in the CVCFSC marketing, traditional and social media efforts (newsletter, website, Facebook page, etc.)

Administration (5% time)

• Write and disseminate meeting minutes.
• Track and monitor all programmatic expenditures
• Assist with the general responsibilities & requirements of the CVCFSC such as administration and facility support, answering phones, ordering office supplies, and assist as needed with various administrative tasks and facility issues. 

Other Duties as assigned

• This is a dynamic organization, and change is the norm, and it is expected that the employee will support the work of the whole team in carrying out our mission, and that may involve performing not only the functions and duties listed in this document, but also working outside the parameters of the job description, as the need arises.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s with equivalent relevant experience
• Three years of progressively increasing responsibilities planning, managing, and evaluating projects and programs.
• Previous experience working with non-profit organizations a plus.
• Experience working in Ventura County is a plus as is experience with fire science, wildfire prevention work and disaster preparedness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and be accountable to precise detail work.
• Ability to work within programmatic budgets.
• High level of initiative and able to work independently and in small groups.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Must possess a current, valid California driver's license, current proof of automobile insurance coverage, and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with website management and social media platforms. HTML knowledge is a plus.
• Punctuality and reliability; availability to work occasional weekends or evenings.
• Must comply with all CVCFSC rules, personnel policies, and standards.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience

Application Process

Send cover letter and resume by email to info@cvcfiresafe.org and put Programs Manager in the Subject Line.  In addition to submitting your cover letter and resume, please respond to the following two questions and return your responses by the January 8^th deadline.  Please do not call about the position.

Short response questions: 

1. Describe why your background and skillset would enable you to excel in this position. (150-word count)
2. Describe a time when you managed and facilitated a large, multi-disciplinary effort and describe the process and outcome.  (300-word count)

Organization Details