VP, Urban Forestry

American Forests

Vice President leading the Urban Forestry team at American Forests, focusing on strategic national urban forestry initiatives and partnerships. Overseeing operations and program delivery for climate-resilient communities.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $155,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a partner to the Chief Program Officer of Tree Equity
Lead the national field strategy and operations of urban and community forestry efforts
Deliver impactful place-based programs across cities and states
Lead a distributed team of regional directors and senior program leaders
Connect emerging urban forestry science and research with on-the-ground program design and delivery
Manage two Senior Directors and establish clear performance expectations
Oversee Senior Director of Field Delivery and Senior Director of Catalyst Initiative & Fund
Leverage AF’s national partnerships to increase urban forestry interest and capacity
Maintain strong working relationships with state forestry agencies and city leaders
Navigate the urban forestry funding landscape with confidence
Lead, coach, and grow a distributed team of senior program leaders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

12–15 years of professional experience, with at least 5–7 years in senior leadership roles
Trusted leader in the urban forestry state and/or federal fields
Deep, firsthand knowledge of how urban forestry programs are funded, structured, and delivered
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-jurisdictional programs
Proven track record of building durable relationships with senior government officials, agency staff, municipal staff, and/or community partners
Strong operational and strategic instincts, including budget fluency
Experience managing or partnering with urban and community forestry programs
Familiarity with urban forestry science and research
Experience with grant programs, community capital strategies, or workforce development initiatives
Comfort operating in politically complex environments
Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice and community-centered approaches.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Health and wellness resources such as an Employee Assistance Program
Flexible spending accounts
Disability, life, and AD&D insurance
Vacation and sick leave
Paid holidays
Parental bonding leave
Bereavement leave
Military leave
401(k) plan with a 5% employer match

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

urban forestryprogram managementbudget managementgrant programscommunity capital strategiesworkforce developmentprogram designprogram deliverymulti-jurisdictional program leadershipenvironmental justice

Soft Skills

leadershiprelationship buildingstrategic thinkingoperational instinctscoachingteam managementcommunicationcollaborationpolitical navigationcommitment to community-centered approaches