Southern Cumberland Conservation Initiatives Associate

• Support program coordination, grant administration, land acquisition activities, and stakeholder engagement to advance community-centered conservation in the tristate area around Chattanooga, TN.
• Work closely with the Director of Capital Grants and collaborate across the organization to implement established conservation strategies, administer grant programs, and strengthen partnerships.
• Support development of project pipelines, conduct project research and analysis, prepare draft funding recommendations, and help manage projects through closing in coordination with OSI legal staff.
• Contribute to outreach that advances the use of climate science and community resilience practices as capacity allows.

This role advances community-centered conservation in the tristate area around Chattanooga, TN, supporting land protection that promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

• Bachelor’s and/or Graduate degree, or comparable relevant experience, with a focus on environmental studies, business, finance, or related areas such as agricultural economics.
• 3 years minimum of relevant professional experience in conservation, community development, planning, environmental policy, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations (10–15% regional travel).
• Physical ability to frequently sit for long periods, speak, read, write, use a computer keyboard, and occasionally stand, walk, lift, stoop, and bend.

Pay for this position is $63,000-$83,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience. This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week within regular business hours (typically 9am-5pm). OSI is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating and retaining a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters belonging, and offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities in the job application process.

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all, having partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. since 1974.