POSITION SUMMARY / GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Program Manager to help lead one of California’s most impactful wildfire mitigation efforts. While this role may be assigned to support multiple grant programs, its primary focus will be CFSC’s Wildfire County Coordinator Program—a flagship initiative designed to strengthen local wildfire resilience at the county level across the state of CA. Learn more about this exciting program:

This is a unique leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape how wildfire mitigation and local coordination are implemented across California. The Program Manager will lead strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the County Coordinator Program, working at the nexus of community resilience, state and local partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Operating within a matrixed leadership model, the Program Manager is responsible for coordinating internal and external partners, overseeing programmatic and grant deliverables, and representing CFSC and the program across a wide stakeholder landscape. While the position does not supervise staff, it serves as a project lead guiding cross-functional teams from grants, finance, communications, development, and leadership toward shared outcomes. 

Ideal candidates will bring deep experience in program management, strategic thinking, grants administration, and stakeholder engagement—especially within a public, nonprofit, or community resilience context. This is a key leadership role with visibility across local, tribal, and state wildfire mitigation landscapes.  

This full-time exempt position is grant-funded, with an annual salary range of $90,000–$105,000, depending on experience. CFSC offers competitive benefits, including insurance, retirement, vacation/sick leave, and professional development support. The position is eligible for telework (with occasional Sacramento office presence) and statewide travel is expected. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

All duties and responsibilities below apply to the programs directly assigned to the Program Manager. Discretion to assign programs lies with the Grants Manager. Under general supervision by the Grants Manager, the Program Manager shall:  

Project Management & Program Leadership (45%)  

Please note: this is not a supervisory position.  

• Coordinate cross-functional planning and implementation efforts to ensure County Manager Program initiatives align with CFSC’s broader strategic goals.  
• Operate as a project lead in a matrixed team environment, assigning roles and guiding staff from other departments toward program outcomes.  
• Lead the launch of new subgrant programs, including application development, pre-award processes, post-award implementation, and closeout.  
• Lead the development of grant applications, logic models, workplans, deliverable tracking systems, and reporting tools for assigned programs.  
• Provide programmatic data and metrics to Communications, Leadership, and Development teams to support storytelling, program evaluation, and resource sharing.  
• Develop and maintain programmatic materials and resources to support program activities and increase visibility.  
• Support the strategic planning and development of new funding proposals to sustain and expand assigned programs.  
• Assist the Grants Manager with strategic and operational planning efforts for the Grants Team as related to assigned programs.  
• Serve as the lead internal representative and Manager for assigned programs within CFSC.   
• Lead bi-weekly grant team check-ins for assigned programs and facilitate related internal program meetings.   
• Develop and deliver reports to CFSC Executive Leadership on program progress and outcomes.   
• Prepare and present program activity updates for CFSC’s Board of Directors.   
• Assist the Grants Manager with contractor management, specifically by overseeing contractors’ tasks related to programmatic deliverables.  

Grant Administration & Management (35%)  

• Lead the tracking of master grant deliverables and outcomes, ensuring they are met within required timelines.  
• Oversee the development and maintenance of master grant workplans, coversheets, and internal tracking tools (e.g., Planner Boards, Teams Channels, and project documentation).  
• Manage master grant budgets, including development, oversight, and compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.  
• Lead programmatic reporting efforts to master funders for assigned programs, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete submissions, in compliance with CFSC’s policies.  
• Monitor grant budgets to identify issues with noncompliance, spend pacing, or needs for budget adjustments or modifications; notify Grants Manager immediately and propose solutions.  
• Assist the Grants Manager and Finance Team with invoicing and financial recordkeeping related to assigned programs.  
• Maintain internal and external communications for assigned grants, including funder reporting, internal tracking, and key stakeholder updates.  
• May step in to manage a small portfolio of high-risk or complex subgrantees and/or support Grants staff on complex or high-risk cases as needed.  

Community Outreach, Stakeholder Engagement, & Collaboration (15%):  

• Serve as a lead program representative to external partners, including state, local, and tribal government agencies, subject matter experts, and community based organizations.   
• Represent CFSC and the program(s) at meetings, conferences, interagency working groups, and other events.   
• Build and maintain positive partnerships with stakeholders in support of program goals and CFSC’s mission.   
• Collaborate closely with the Communications and Development teams to share programmatic stories, data, and outcomes with the broader community.   
• Oversee and participate in external events, training, and workshops related to assigned programs.   

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)  

• Contribute to additional projects or tasks as needed to support the organization’s financial, business, administrative, grant management, or other operations as requested.   
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Grants Manager or Executive Leadership.   

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE:   

• Project Management
• Problem Solving  
• Forward Thinking  
• Technical Skills in Grants/Program Management & Compliance 
• Attention To Communication  
• Leadership 
• Thoroughness  
• Analytical Thinking  
• Adaptability  
• Written Communication 
• Judgement  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in natural resource management, public administration, community planning, or related field and a minimum of five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A current CA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance are required. Certification in Federal Grants Management preferred.    

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:   

Willingness and ability to travel to conferences, events, trainings, site visits, and meetings, including occasional evening and weekend work and travel. Reliable transportation is required to drive to meetings and events (mileage is reimbursable).          

OTHER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES:     

1. Financial, Contract, and Grant Management Expertise: Advanced budgeting, financial management, and contract management skills with a strong understanding of federal grant regulations, Uniform Guidance, cost principles, and nonprofit financial requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding organizational and sub-grantee activities.  
2. Leadership and Team Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team in a matrixed model of leadership in a positive, team-oriented approach, including experience with geographically dispersed teams. a Ability to work productively with a variety of people and groups with varying interests.  
3. Relationship Building and Communication: Proven success in building and maintaining productive relationships with nonprofit organizations, government entities, funding agencies, and community stakeholders. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex topics to diverse audiences and build consensus among stakeholders.  
4. Organizational and Planning Skills: Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities, with a capacity to manage changing priorities, multitask effectively, and meet deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail. Strong work ethic, with the ability to work without close supervision and meet deadlines.  
5. Wildfire and Mitigation Knowledge: Experience with wildfire-related issues in California, including effective mitigation measures and working with Fire Safe Councils or similar organizations on community wildfire resiliency efforts.  
6. Commitment to Inclusion: A strong personal and professional commitment to creating and maintain and inclusive culture for all.   
7. Nonprofit administration: Familiarity with nonprofit administration and firm understanding of internal and external requirements of nonprofit organizations.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email a resume and cover letter to Felicia Dunn at [email protected] to apply.