Friends of the Cherokee National Forest is growing. We are beginning an exciting new chapter by adding professional staff capacity to help strengthen and expand our programs, partnerships, community engagement, and organizational systems. We are seeking talented, mission-driven individuals who share our commitment to supporting the care and stewardship of the Cherokee National Forest and the communities connected to it.

Associate Executive Director / Program Manager

Part-time | Approximately 20 hours per week | $30 per hour

Flexible schedule combining remote work, in-person meetings, field activities, and community engagement

Friends of the Cherokee National Forest is seeking an Associate Executive Director / Program Manager to provide professional staff capacity as our organization continues to grow.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board members, Forest Service personnel, volunteers, and partners, this individual will help plan, coordinate, and implement programs and projects while strengthening the systems and relationships necessary for FOCNF’s continued growth and long-term sustainability.

This is both a virtual and hands-on position for someone comfortable moving between program and administrative work, community and partner engagement, communications, and activities in the field. The successful candidate will have considerable opportunity to help shape the programs, systems, and partnerships of a growing conservation organization. 

About the Opportunity 

 This position offers a varied mix of program, operational, relationship-building, and communications responsibilities. Key  areas of work will include: 

• Program & Project Management: Help plan, coordinate, and implement volunteer activities, conservation projects, community events, and educational programs.
• Volunteer & Community Engagement: Help strengthen volunteer participation and FOCNF’s connections with communities throughout East Tennessee.
• Operations & Administration: Support budgeting, project tracking, grant administration, organizational systems, and day-to-day operations.
• Partnership & Relationship Building: Work with the Forest Service, foundations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Communications & Outreach: Support newsletters, social media, digital outreach, and other efforts to increase awareness and engagement.
• Organizational Development: Assist with partnership development and other activities that strengthen FOCNF’s organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume describing their interest in the position and the experience and skills they would bring to Friends of the Cherokee National Forest.

Application Deadline: November 6, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: December 14, 2026

Applications should be submitted by email to:

Mark Healey, Executive Director
mark@focnf.org