Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Urban and Community Forestry US

at Sustainable Forestry Initiative

🏢 About Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is a unique nonprofit that advances forest sustainability through certification, education, and community engagement. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that partners with diverse stakeholders—from municipalities to corporations—to create healthier urban forests and a more sustainable future.

About This Role

This role leads SFI's urban and community forestry program in the U.S., managing a $5 million USFS grant and providing technical assistance to recipients. You'll drive strategic growth, build partnerships, and implement the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard, directly impacting urban resilience and community well-being.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing grantee progress reports and scheduling technical assistance calls with municipal forestry directors. Afternoons could involve meeting with a university partner to pilot the SFI Standard, followed by drafting a funding proposal for a corporate sponsor. You'd also connect with your remote team via video call to align on program goals and outreach strategies.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Sustainable Forestry Initiative Is Looking For

  • A seasoned urban forestry professional with 5+ years of experience and a deep network within the urban forestry community, including municipal, nonprofit, and academic contacts.
  • An ISA-certified arborist or urban forest professional who can leverage technical expertise to support grant recipients and advance the SFI Standard.
  • A proven grant manager with at least 3 years of experience overseeing U.S. federal or state grants, particularly in forestry or natural resources.
  • A strategic leader who can identify funding opportunities, build partnerships, and drive program growth in a remote, collaborative environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Sustainable Forestry Initiative

1

Highlight specific experience managing a USFS grant or similar federal program, detailing budget size, reporting, and technical assistance provided.

2

Emphasize your ISA credentials (Certified Arborist, Urban Forest Professional, or Board-Certified Master Arborist) and any involvement in standards development.

3

Showcase your network: name-drop key organizations (e.g., Arbor Day Foundation, American Forests) or municipalities you've worked with to demonstrate reach.

4

Tailor your resume to reflect strategic program growth—include metrics like number of partners engaged, funds raised, or communities impacted.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to SFI's mission and the specific requirements of the USFS grant program.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience managing a $5M+ federal grant and providing technical assistance to diverse recipients.', "Your passion for urban forestry and alignment with SFI's mission to advance sustainable forest management through certification and community engagement.", 'Your network and ability to build partnerships with municipalities, universities, and corporations to implement the SFI Standard.', 'Your strategic vision for growing the urban forestry program, including identifying funding opportunities and driving standards revision.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard in detail, including its key requirements and how it differs from other standards.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the USFS Urban and Community Forestry program, including recent grant recipients and their projects.
  • → Explore SFI's website to understand their certification programs, education initiatives, and community engagement efforts beyond urban forestry.
  • → Research SFI's recent news, blog posts, or annual reports to understand their strategic priorities and partnerships.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach managing a $5 million USFS grant and ensuring compliance while providing effective technical assistance?
2 Describe your experience with the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard or similar standards. How would you promote its adoption?
3 Tell us about a time you built a partnership with a municipality or corporation to advance urban forestry. What was the outcome?
4 What strategies would you use to identify and secure new funding opportunities for urban forestry initiatives?
5 How do you stay current with urban forestry trends and maintain a strong professional network? Give examples.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to clearly demonstrate 3+ years of federal or state grant management experience, especially with budgets over $1M.
  • Not listing or emphasizing required ISA credentials (Certified Arborist, Urban Forest Professional, or Board-Certified Master Arborist).
  • Submitting a generic application without specific references to urban forestry, SFI's standard, or the USFS program.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Sustainable Forestry Initiative!

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