Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships

Arbor Day Foundation; Oklahoma; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

The Arbor Day Foundation is seeking a Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships to define strategy, grow the planting partner network, and lead cross-functional teams. The role emphasizes developing opportunities, improving operating models, and aligning projects with funding opportunities and impact goals.

You will manage a team of 3 Project Development Leads, collaborate across Corporate Partnerships and Impact Fund, and travel internationally and domestically 3–4 times per year.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in partnership development, project development, operations, supply chain or sourcing leadership, or program strategy and operations.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic direction and growth objectives for Project Development to maintain a strong pipeline of high-quality, cost-effective projects.

Skills

Partnership development

Project development

Operations

Sourcing leadership

Program strategy

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Job description

The Arbor Day Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, is seeking a Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships.

Job Location: Lincoln Campus - Lincoln, NE 68508. Position Type: Full Time.

What you’ll bring:

• Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people.
• Our ideal candidate has 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.

Preferred

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

What you’ll do:

Operational Strategy & Functional Leadership

• 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.
• Travel 3 to 4 times a year international and domestic as needed.

Partner Network & Project Development Operations

• 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.

Team Leadership & Development

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• 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.

What success looks like:

• Develop and execute a cohesive project sourcing strategy that aligns the Foundation’s planting partner network and project pipeline with evolving funding needs across reforestation, carbon, impact fund, and community programs.
• Ensure the project portfolio can effectively respond to demand by balancing geographic coverage, cost, scientific rigor, and partner capacity.
• Expand and strengthen the Foundation’s planting partner network to increase responsiveness, resilience, and long‑term mission impact.
• Develop and empower a high‑performing team capable of supporting continued organizational growth and impact.

Your Support System

You’ll report to the Director, Mission Delivery and collaborate closely with Corporate Partnerships, Impact Fund, Individual Engagement, and Program leaders.

Days and Location

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Schedule: In‑office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; optional remote work on Wednesday and Friday. Office hours are 8am to 5pm.

Love Where You Work: Your Benefits & Perks

Health & Insurance

• 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.

Financial Wellness

• 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.

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Holidays - Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual company‑wide “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.
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick leave, and paid volunteer time‑off.

Learning & Growth

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.
• Learning Time - Team members are encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.

Wellness & Perks

• 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.

Benefits and perks may vary based on position and are subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against Team Members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ["protected class"] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the U.S. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact us at 402-474‑5655.