Dairy Program Coordinator

USA The Nature Conservancy; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Dairy Program Coordinator to help develop, implement, and improve the North America Agriculture Dairy Program. You will coordinate projects, manage agreements, and administer incentive payments, collaborating with Finance, Legal, and state BUs to ensure successful delivery.

Your role includes data management, reporting, and supporting administrative functions, with opportunities for travel and remote work from a U.S. home office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination.
• Experience managing contracting and payment processes.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting the data.
• Experience managing and implementing multiple projects.
• Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement internal and external projects for NA Ag Dairy Program.
• Manage producer agreements and incentive payments in line with guidelines and funder requirements.
• Facilitate meeting prep, agendas, notes, and follow-ups; support process improvements.
• Handle data management, program metrics, and reporting for internal and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with policies, donor/legal/IRS requirements; assist with budget prep and contracting.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

3 years related experience

Contracting & payments

Reports & data analysis

Project management

Business process analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Dairy Program Coordinator supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the North America Agriculture Dairy Program. This role combines program coordination, project management, contracting, data management, and incentive payment administration. The Coordinator works closely with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of the dairy program on multiple levels. Core focus areas include: Project Coordination Plan and execute internal and external facing projects; coordinate among internal TNC teams (e.g., Finance, Legal, State BUs); facilitate project team meetings and follow-up actions; manage logistics for special events and meetings; update and maintain internal databases; and support a variety of administrative and programmatic functions.

Contracts & Business Systems Management

Manage producer agreements and administer incentive payments for our Feed in Focus program, ensuring enrolled farmers receive timely and accurate payments for completed practices in compliance with program guidelines and funder requirements. Maintain proficiency in the systems and resources utilized by the team, including data security requirements, to execute assigned tasks. Organize and maintain data related to program metrics, including program databases, to share with both internal and external program partners.

Team Support

Manage meeting preparation and facilitation, including developing agendas, recording notes, and tracking follow-up actions. Contribute to continuous program improvement by identifying opportunities to refine processes, improve workflows, solve problems, enhance user experience, and improve effectiveness. Provide guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures and communicate with staff across the Conservancy, as well as with vendors and business partners.

Responsibilities & Scope

Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems. Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information. May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams. Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally. Financial responsibility includes purchasing; processing invoices and transfers; negotiating and contracting with vendors; and participating in budget preparation. Manage projects with several variables - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability. Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work is varied and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines. Work within scope of program’s strategic goals. May require occasional domestic travel for multi-day retreats, meetings, and conferences. May work long/flexible hours as needed to coordinate with staff and partners across the US.

This is a full-time, 2-year position with the possibility of extension based on continued funding. Working location is remote from a home office within the continental United States.

We’re Looking for You:

The North America Agriculture Program (“NA Ag”) is a highly matrixed team that works closely with TNC divisions; state business units (BUs); and whole system and global teams to scale up the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and programs across the U.S. We work with public agencies, companies, NGOs and others to unlock financial and technical assistance, mitigate risk, support producer-led networks, bolster innovation and technology, and advocate for best policies that enable agriculture practices that improve environmental and social outcomes. We’re looking for a mission-driven, project management professional that understands how operations contribute to team and organizational success. The ideal candidate should have a strong project management skillset with experience leading operations functions for a various, multi-disciplinary team. They will possess exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. If you have a passion for conserving and protecting the natural world, addressing climate change and enhancing the sustainability of our food system, and believe in TNC’s mission and values.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination.
• Experience managing contracting and payment processes.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting the data.
• Experience managing and implementing multiple projects.
• Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $85,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.