Chicago Region Trees Initiative Community Manager

The Morton Arboretum•Lisle, IL

32d•$67,000 - $77,000

About The Position

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), The Morton Arboretum’s urban forestry program, is building a healthier, more diverse, and more equitable tree canopy across the Chicago region—and beyond. We’re seeking a CRTI Community Manager to lead our Community Capacity Program, empowering public landowners and municipal leaders to manage their natural resources effectively. In this supervisory position, you’ll help implement the CRTI Master Plan, guide local governments on tree policy and ordinances, oversee regional subgrant programs, and supervise a dedicated team driving community forestry impact. We’re looking for a motivated, well-organized professional who thrives on collaboration, enjoys connecting with diverse communities, and is ready to make a real difference in the region’s urban forest. Position Summary : Responsible for managing, developing, implementing, and communicating the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Community Program, providing education, outreach, and training to public landowners and managers, and governmental entities to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the Chicago region. Work closely with the CRTI team to support and implement programs, and opportunities including the CRTI Master Plan. Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban and community forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, or natural resource management.
4+ years related experience required, such as urban forestry practice, research or grant management.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Good communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and customer service ethic required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications beneficial.

Nice To Haves

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist preferred.
UCFS Certified Urban Forest Professional or SAF Certified Urban and Community Forester preferred.
Experience in organizing meetings and presenting events or educational sessions preferred.
Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred.
Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage outreach, education, activities, and events for public landowners and managers to improve community policy, advocacy, and skills, including resources and training programs for residents to support and advocate for urban forestry with government entities.
Represent CRTI in regional public land focused organizations.
Manage and implement the public land goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan through coordination of internal and external groups.
Develop and implement the Operational Capacity Survey and integrate with the CRTI datasets to assess plan progress.
Solicit, develop, and manage urban forestry grants and special funding, including special project funding, and manage CRTI’s relationship with the IDNR.
Lead CRTI’s government and public land-related subgrant programs.
Lead the development of CRTI’s tree ordinance, policy, and plan recommendations and support creation and updates to applicable laws, policies, and plans at the local and state level.
Implement and manage the Chicago Region Carbon Program.
Manage the data collection, related CRTI tracking, and the IDNR Community Accomplishments Reporting System (CARS) contact database.
Contribute to contact database, resources, and web content for designated constituents
Conduct research for projects as needed.
Compile, organize, and present information in print and verbal communication.
Frequently work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven-county region, occasionally work on projects at the great lakes regional and national scales.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
Other duties as assigned.
Serve in a supervisory capacity of one or more employees, providing leadership guidance and communicating the organization's goals.
Hiring, training, coaching and developing team members, by providing recognition and feedback, and evaluating performance
Ensuring that team members adhere to the Arboretum’s policies and procedures, and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment
Building and maintaining positive working relationships with team members, colleagues, and other stakeholders to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment