About Great Outdoors Foundation

The Great Outdoors Foundation is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting water quality and advancing conservation through collaboration, innovation, and stewardship. Through initiatives such as the Conservation Acceleration Fund, we work at the intersection of agriculture and environmental sustainability, partnering with co-ops, farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders to implement lasting change.

Position Summary

The Conservation Coordinator supports the planning and implementation of conservation programs and projects that improve water quality at a watershed level. This position works directly with the Conservation Acceleration Fund Team and technical experts to advance conservation practices that reduce nutrient and sediment loss, enhance habitat, and strengthen watershed resilience.

This role also provides organizational and administrative support, including coordination of board and committee activities, stakeholder communication, and contract and grant-related tasks. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about environmental stewardship, with experience in conservation and nonprofit operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Oversee incoming project funding requests through the Conservation Acceleration Fund and maintain the project database.
• Track projects across various stages from incoming funding requests through project evaluation and funding award.
• Coordinate with GOF operations and marketing teams on projects-related needs, which may include contract preparation and providing project information.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a point of contact for basic inquiries regarding the Conservation Acceleration Fund application form, providing program information and ongoing communication as requested.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our partners.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including technical experts, funders, and community members.

Project, Contract & Grant Support

• Assist with grant implementation, including tracking deliverables, budgets, and timelines.
• Support grant proposal development and reporting, demonstrating a general understanding of grant funding processes.
• Assist in drafting contracts, agreements, and related documentation with partners and participants.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, organizational policies, and program guidelines.

Board & Committee Coordination

• Prepare agendas, materials, and supporting documents for board and committee meetings.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, schedules, and communications.
• Record and distribute meeting notes or minutes as needed.
• Support board and committee follow-up actions.

Data Management & Reporting

• Collect, manage, and analyze program data to track conservation activities and outcomes.
• Support monitoring and evaluation efforts, including water quality metrics.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and communications for funders, partners, and internal use.

Outreach & Education

• Support workshops, field days, and outreach events.
• Develop educational materials and communication tools to promote CAF funded projects.
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and community events as requested.

Qualificatios

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of relevant experience and/or coursework in conservation, environmental programs, agriculture, or nonprofit work.
• General knowledge of conservation practices and water quality improvement strategies.
• General understanding of grant funding and program administration.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally.

Preferred

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience preparing or managing contracts, agreements, or program documentation.
• Familiarity with conservation programs (e.g., cost-share or incentive-based programs)
• Experience supporting board or committee coordination.
• Knowledge of GIS, data management systems, or monitoring tools

Key Competencies

• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships and works effectively across diverse stakeholders.
• Communication: Effectively communicates with partners, and committee and board members.
• Organization: Manages multiple projects, deadlines, and administrative responsibilities.
• Problem Solving: Applies practical, science-based solutions to conservation challenges.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, office-based, and administrative environment.
• Mission Alignment: Demonstrates a strong commitment to water quality and environmental stewardship.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with minimal travel (<15%).
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings or events.
• May have the opportunity to work from home pending supervisor approval.

Benefits & Work Environment:

The Great Outdoors Foundation offers a flexible work environment where there is opportunity to have flex hours working from home. The first 60 days are required to be in office for training and oversight and will require a 60-day review. The training period has check-ins of 30,60, and 90 days.

Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, HSA & FSA accounts, d, dental, vision, LTD, STD, Life, retirement contributions, and paid time off with standard holidays.

The physical and mental demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential job results. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to achieve the essential job results.