ColumbiaMDRecruiter Since 2001
the smart solution for Columbia jobs

Foundation for America's Public Lands - Program Officer, Recreation

Company: Cause Capacity
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 5, 2025

Job Description:

Foundation for America's Public Lands - Program Officer, RecreationWashington, United States - Posted on 04/28/2025

  • Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
  • Work Experience 5+ years
  • Salary $115,000 to $125,000
  • City Washington
  • State/Province District of Columbia
  • Country United StatesJob DescriptionThe Foundation for America's Public Lands is a pioneering startup on a mission to support the management of the Nation's public lands and waters. Chartered by Congress, we are the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with a pivotal mission: to foster strategic partnerships and generate private support to help connect more people and communities to public lands and waters, today and for generations to come.
    Standing on the cusp of an exciting chapter, we are set to become a cornerstone institution, working in close partnership with the BLM and a strong network of local to national stakeholders and partners who share our vision. Our work is ambitious, impactful, and essential - and we are building the inaugural team who will be critical to shaping the Foundation's future.
    With co-headquarters in Grand Junction, CO, and Washington, DC, we are poised for growth in our ability to support the BLM in stewarding the future of our nation's public lands and waters. Discover more about our mission and how you can contribute to this groundbreaking journey at www.americaslands.org .
    What We're Looking ForWe are seeking a Recreation Program Officer to join our Program Team, which oversees the external initiatives of the organization. This position is ideal for those passionate about public lands and partnerships with hands-on experience managing projects that increase recreation access, support rural communities, and steward natural resources.
    The role will collaborate with Program Team leadership to identify high-impact projects for investment, engage with partners and local communities, and act as a key liaison between grant recipients and the Foundation's finance and operations teams. The Program Officer will bring considerable expertise in recreation and conservation on public lands and in assessing what makes for impactful investments. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in grantmaking, partnership development, and program management, with a deep commitment to increasing recreation opportunities on America's public lands and waters.
    If you're eager to contribute to the health, accessibility, and sustainability of America's public lands and waters, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible and meaningful impact.
    What You'll Do
    Project and Partner Identification & Collaboration:
    Design and oversee the implementation of national recreation programs aimed at increasing recreation access and the user experience on BLM managed public lands and waters, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the Foundation.
    Work with BLM state offices and HQ to identify, assess, and prioritize high-potential recreation projects across each state, with a particular focus on expanding access and enhancing the visitor experience.
    Develop and foster relationships with both potential and existing funding partners through regular communication and occasional site visits to monitor progress and provide support. Develop partnerships with local BLM field teams who often work with partners on the ground to maximize the impact of the Foundation's investments.
    Evaluate grant applications and determine their alignment with the Foundation's goals, focusing on projects that enhance access to public lands and increase recreation opportunities. Serve as the primary point of contact for grantees, managing all grant-related inquiries and maintaining regular communication with grantees throughout the project lifecycle.
    Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including nonprofits, local governments, and private entities to enhance recreational opportunities. Actively engage with other foundations and potential donors to leverage the Foundation's grantmaking on relevant issues and opportunities.
    Take ownership of the story of recreation on BLM-managed lands by developing strategies and reports that communicate the importance of recreation, challenges, and future opportunities. Serve as a liaison between grantees and the Foundation's marketing and communications teams to promote partner success stories and provide visibility for funded projects.
    Reporting & Annual Review:
    Monitor and evaluate the progress of funded projects to ensure they meet established milestones and have a measurable impact on public lands recreation.
    Contribute to the development of communications materials for board members, providing updates on grant activities and key outcomes.
    Help oversee the creation of the annual report, showcasing the impact of funding initiatives and providing insights into the progress of projects.
    RequirementsDesired Qualifications:
    Grantmaking or Program Officer Experience : Over 5 years' experience managing large-scale programs and grants, particularly those related to public access, recreation, community development, or land stewardship. Experience in evaluating grant proposals, conducting financial feasibility assessments, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals is essential.
    Partnership Development : Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, companies, and local community organizations. Proven experience leveraging these collaborations to enhance grantmaking impact.
    Project Management & Communication : Exceptional organizational skills, with strong project management expertise and the ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and timelines. Strong communication skills to articulate grantmaking processes, manage grantee relationships, and communicate decisions effectively.
    Passion for Public Recreation : A genuine commitment to enhancing recreational access and promoting outdoor activities as part of the foundation's mission to connect people to our public lands.
    Expertise in Recreation or Related Fields : Strong background in recreation management, public program development, conservation, recreation industry or a related field.
    Data-Driven Decision Making : Ability to manage data related to recreation programs and evaluate grant impacts through data collection and reporting. Experience in using data to inform decision-making, track progress, and demonstrate the outcomes of funded projects.
    Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of budget management and the ability to oversee and allocate a multi-million-dollar grantmaking budget, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the program's goals.
    Experience with Participatory Grantmaking: Familiarity with participatory grantmaking processes, working closely with stakeholders to ensure grants reflect the needs and priorities of the communities and public lands served.
    Ability to Travel : Willingness to travel 10-20% of the time to engage with partners, attend events, and oversee project implementation.
    Why Join Us?This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering team dedicated to shaping the future of one of America's most vital and cherished resources-our public lands and waters. You'll be stepping in at the ground level of a growing organization, helping to lay the groundwork for how a new foundation can support the essential mission of the BLM. If you're inspired by purpose-driven work and want to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
    Benefits: Group medical/vision/dental benefits with 100% employer contribution for employees and 50% contribution for dependents; life insurance; 401k retirement savings plan; and generous holiday and paid time off policies.

    #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Cause Capacity, Columbia , Foundation for America's Public Lands - Program Officer, Recreation, Other , Washington, Maryland

Click here to apply!

Didn't find what you're looking for? Search again!

I'm looking for
in category
within


Log In or Create An Account

Get the latest Maryland jobs by following @recnetMD on Twitter!

Columbia RSS job feeds