Program Manager, Prairie Projects

SeedChange | Canadian Programs
Part-time (28 hrs/week, 80% FTE) | Remote (home-office based in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba) | Unionized position | Starting Salary $82,865.97 (Band 3, Step 1) prorated to FTE. 

About the Role

SeedChange is looking for an experienced Program Manager, Prairie Projects to lead the management, implementation, and reporting of our projects across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This is a role for someone who can hold the big picture and the details at once — planning and overseeing funded initiatives, building strong partnerships, keeping budgets and donor requirements on track, and helping shape where our Prairie programming goes next.

You'll work closely with farm organizations, farmers, researchers, funders, and sector stakeholders to drive project outcomes while contributing to the strategic growth of SeedChange's work in ecological seed systems, seed sovereignty, and agroecology.

Reporting to the Director, Canadian Programs, you'll operate remotely from your home base in the Prairies, with regular travel within the region and occasional travel to Ottawa and beyond.

What You'll Do

Project Management (40%) Lead coordination and oversight of assigned projects, developing workplans, schedules, and documentation. Monitor activities against objectives, budgets, and timelines; identify risks and implementation challenges and address them proactively; coordinate partners, consultants, and researchers; and ensure delivery aligns with donor agreements. You'll also coordinate farmer engagement, research, and training activities as projects require.

Partnership Development and Management (20%) Build and maintain strong relationships with project partners, farmer organizations, research institutions, and sector stakeholders. Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned partners, facilitate collaboration, support partnership agreements and contracts, and help identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that advance SeedChange's mission.

Budget and Contract Management (10%) Monitor project budgets and expenditures, support annual budgeting and forecasting, review partner financial reports, and work with finance and administration staff to ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Manage project-related contracts and service agreements as needed.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting (10%) Support monitoring and evaluation activities, track outputs and outcomes against indicators and deliverables, and compile and analyze project results. Prepare narrative and donor reports and partner updates, and document lessons learned to strengthen organizational learning.

Strategic Program Development (10%) Identify future project and funding opportunities related to ecological seed systems, seed conservation, participatory plant breeding, and sustainable agriculture. Contribute to concept development and proposal writing, monitor sector trends, and provide strategic advice on partnerships and emerging opportunities.

Organizational Contribution (10%) Participate in organizational planning, team meetings, and cross-program collaboration; contribute to organizational learning and strategic discussions; and represent SeedChange at relevant meetings, conferences, and sector events.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary degree in organic agriculture, agroecology, environmental studies, rural development, plant breeding, seed systems, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in nonprofit program management, project coordination, partnership management, agricultural extension, applied research, or a related field
• Experience managing grant-funded or donor-funded projects
• Experience working with farmers, agricultural organizations, research institutions, and community-based organizations
• Experience coordinating agricultural research, training, or knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Experience managing project budgets and reporting requirements
• Strong understanding of food sovereignty, food security, seed sovereignty, ecological agriculture, and sustainable food systems
• Knowledge of participatory research approaches and farmer-led innovation processes
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning principles and practices
• Familiarity with agricultural production systems and farming organizations across the Prairie provinces
• Excellent project planning, management, and organizational skills
• Excellent relationship-building and partnership management skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management/budgeting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating technical knowledge into plain language
• Comfort facilitating meetings and events, both in-person and online
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote team environment

Nice to have:

• Experience developing funding proposals and supporting fundraising initiatives
• Understanding of seed production, seed conservation, plant breeding, and seed policy issues in Canada

Working Conditions

This is a remote, home-office-based position located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba. The role involves regular travel within the Prairie provinces, occasional travel to Ottawa and other locations, and occasional evening or weekend work in support of project activities and organizational priorities. Success in this role depends on being able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a remote environment.

How You'll Know You're Succeeding

You'll know you're thriving in this role when projects are delivered effectively and achieve their intended outcomes, partner relationships are strong and productive, reporting and accountability requirements are met on time, project budgets are managed responsibly, and you're actively helping shape SeedChange's future program and funding opportunities.

SeedChange is committed to building an inclusive, equitable workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

This position will remain open until filled.

To apply: Please send your résumé and cover letter to https://weseedchange.bamboohr.com/careers/44