Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships

Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm•Lincoln, NE

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arbor Day Foundation is seeking a strategic and people-centered leader to oversee how we source, develop, and grow the Foundation's network of planting partners across reforestation and urban forestry programs. As one of the world's largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We help others understand and use trees as a nature-based solution to some of the biggest global challenges we face today, like air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger. The Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships leads the Foundation's project sourcing and planting partner network development function across reforestation and urban forestry programs. This role is responsible for stewarding and growing the Foundation’s industry-leading network of planting partners while ensuring we can respond quickly and effectively to evolving funding needs with high-quality, cost-effective project opportunities. Through a team of Project Development Leads and strong cross-functional partnerships, this role drives sourcing strategy, grows the network and strengthens partner relationships, and continuously improves how we deliver the greatest possible impact from every dollar invested.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in partnership development, project development, operations, supply chain or sourcing leadership, or program strategy and operations.
Experience identifying, evaluating, and developing external partnerships and projects.
Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
Demonstrated success developing strategies, driving operational improvements, and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives and organizational change.
Strong communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in mission-driven environmental, conservation, or sustainability-focused organizations.
Experience building scalable partner networks, operating models, or project portfolios.

Responsibilities

Define the strategic direction, priorities, and growth objectives for the Project Development function, ensuring the Foundation maintains a strong pipeline of high-quality, cost-effective projects aligned with funding opportunities and impact goals.
Evaluate portfolio composition, market trends, partner capacity, and emerging risks to proactively respond to evolving funder needs and maximize impact per dollar.
Grow and strengthen the Foundation’s planting partner network by identifying new opportunities and developing innovative sourcing approaches.
Identify and implement improvements to operating models, processes, and tools that increase scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Design sourcing processes, tools, and partner engagement approaches that enable the Foundation to identify and evaluate the right opportunities faster, scale effectively, and maintain a high-quality experience for partners.
Establish and continuously improve partner evaluation and onboarding standards and processes that protect the quality of the Foundation’s network and ensure our work remains aligned, effective, and positioned for long-term impact.
Create operating mechanisms that provide the visibility, accountability, and coordination needed to steward this work well, enable effective decision-making, and support mission delivery at scale.
Provide clear direction, coaching, and support to 3 Project Development Leads to achieve both Foundation objectives and team member career goals – developing team capabilities in partner relationship management and strategic sourcing.
Foster a high-performing, mission-driven team culture aligned with Foundation values.
Delegate responsibilities and decision-making authority effectively while maintaining appropriate oversight.
Assess future capability needs and implement development plans, learning opportunities, and stretch assignments to build team capacity.
Build trusted relationships across the organization to maintain alignment, strengthen collaboration, and advance shared goals.
Partner with fundraising and program leaders to anticipate future demand, align project pipeline development with current and future funding opportunities.
Translate strategic decisions into clear implications for teams, processes, and ways of working.
Resolve cross-functional challenges by balancing competing priorities and reinforcing shared goals.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage - Multiple plan options, including PPO and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
Company-Paid Life Insurance - $15,000 basic coverage, plus voluntary options available.
Short- & Long-Term Disability - Fully paid by the company.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential counseling and resources for you and your family.
Supplemental Insurance Options - Accident, Critical Illness (includes infertility coverage), and Hospital Indemnity plans available for added peace of mind.
401(k) Retirement Plan - Immediate eligibility with company match up to 5%; full vesting after 5 years.
Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (HSA) - Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual companywide “Unplug Time” during the holidays.
Parental Leave - 12 weeks paid for birthing parents | 2 weeks paid for non-birthing parents | Available for adoption as well.
Vacation, sick leave, and paid volunteer time off
Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.
Learning Time - Team members are encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.
HealthJoy App – Included with medical insurance to simplify healthcare navigation and support.
Wellness & Recognition – Incentives, recognition gifts awarded for work anniversaries & birthdays
Exclusive Discounts & Free Admission – Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, golf and more.