Community Capacity Program Manager

The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national nonprofit organization of wildland fire practitioners, planners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape.  TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work / life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org

Position Description Overview

The Community Capacity Program Manager is responsible for implementing the mission of the Community Capacity Program, as well as identifying strategic areas for program growth and expansion. The mission of the Community Capacity Program is to educate and empower communities to use fire as a restoration tool in their local landscapes, through grassroots efforts such as the development of Pile Burn Cooperatives and Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges. The Community Capacity Program Manager will provide leadership to Project Managers and other staff, train new staff, oversee project budget management/invoicing and completion of project deliverables, and ensure directives from the Director of Fire Management and Senior Strategic Team are followed in the Program. This position will supervise staff within the program area and will report to the Director of Fire Management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement and develop the Community Capacity Program by identifying and securing funding, managing project budgets and contracts, and reporting on program activities.
• Work with the Director of Fire Management to align Program goals with Department strategy.
• Represent the Community Capacity Program in external forums, meetings, and strategic conversations to promote visibility and collaboration. Specifically, attend Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative (NCFC) meetings, Colorado Fire Commission Prescribed Fire Subcommittee meetings, and other regional partnership meetings.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with partners relevant to the Community Capacity Program including the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and place-based partners across Colorado.
• Provide subject matter expertise, project management, planning and coordination on projects within the Community Capacity Program such as the Northern Colorado Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (NOCO TREX), Pile Burn Cooperatives, the Colorado Prescribed Fire Guidebook, and other projects with a focus on building community fire capacity.
• Maintain a strong understanding of Colorado prescribed fire policy and regulations as they apply to the Community Capacity Program. Ensure all projects adhere to state fire regulations, operational standards, and departmental objectives.
• Identify new opportunities to build prescribed fire and wildfire resilience capacity across Colorado with key partners by working collaboratively with partners with shared goals, applying for funding, etc.
• Lead the development of new program areas and expand existing ones that advance TEA’s mission, partnering closely with the Director of Fire Management. Identify organizational needs, design strategic solutions, and ensure Program achieves measurable impact.
• Work with the Director of Fire Management to secure funding to support projects within Program (via writing project proposals, applying for grants, etc.)
• Supervisory duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to travel based on Program needs.
• Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to level of current qualification, on as needed basis as determined by supervisor.

Pay and Benefits

Pay: $34/hour

Benefits: Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire.

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified as FFT2 or higher.
• At least 2 years managing multiple projects or high complexity projects.
• Experience securing and administering funding (e.g., grants and contracts).
• Experience working collaboratively with partner organizations.
• Subject Matter expertise in community outreach/ education, wildfire mitigation, or prescribed fire.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree.
• Grant writing skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Creating budgets & budget management skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Suite products including Excel, Word, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience planning and leading educational workshops and other training events with diverse audiences.
• Experience with community organizing.
• Experience developing Memorandums of Agreements (MOAs) or Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with partners.
• Knowledge of Colorado prescribed fire policy and regulatory environment a plus.
• Experience developing and reviewing contracts (e.g., Fee for Service Contracts) a plus.
• Supervisory experience a plus.

Schedule Requirements

Up to 25% of the position may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary based on weather and project needs. 10 to 16-hour days may be required during prescribed fire season. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, traveling for extended periods of time, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice. 

Work Location

Fort Collins, CO preferred. Remote work may be an option depending on candidate qualifications.

Other Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older, have a current and valid US driver’s license, and be legally eligible to work in the US. Employees are required to live in the US. Employees are required to complete a background check and motor vehicle record check prior to employment. Employees are required to hold a company credit card and may be subjected to a credit check. Failure to pass any of these checks does not automatically disqualify you from employment.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, NWCG qualification records if applicable, and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website. The position will close on August 7, 2026. Please specify your earliest available start date in your cover letter. 

Candidates that meet 75% or more of the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.