Our Mission in Action
Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests (AF) has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Director, Northeast Urban Forestry to join our Field Delivery team in our Urban Forestry department.
Since 2018, AF has been supporting communities by using the power of trees to address environmental injustices faced by the country’s most disadvantaged communities. With this, AF created a bold goal of delivering the needed technical expertise, workforce and funding opportunities, and policy guidance to help U.S. cities commit to and make progress towards Tree Equity across the country, with over 1,000 and counting.
American Forests’ Urban Forestry Field Delivery team delivers tools, resources, and technical assistance to city and state leaders and coalitions. Our team of regional urban forestry specialists serve as AF’s front-line staff to both proactively engage new cities and states in committing to Tree Equity, while also providing exceptional support and services to those already advancing Tree Equity.
What You’ll Do
As a part of the team, you will play a vital role in AF’s goals to deliver the benefits of Tree Equity to disadvantaged and historically under-resourced communities in cities across the upper Mid-Atlantic through Northeast region of the United States, with an initial focus on states with active American Forests partners and projects (primarily New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland).
The Director will lead AF’s strategy to deliver our resources throughout this defined region and collaborate across a team of urban forestry professionals who work together to support cities and states in committing to and advancing Tree Equity using best-in-class forestry tools and resources provided by AF and its partners. They will collaborate with a team of urban forestry professionals to help cities and states, and their community partners, advance Tree Equity using AF’s tools and resources.
The role requires leadership in addressing systemic barriers to urban forestry at local, state, and regional levels. This includes advancing political awareness, as the director will be engaging mayors and city and state elected and city and state agency leaders; shaping policy and planning frameworks by developing and informing ordinances, city and state programs, and regional action plans; and driving innovation in financing and advocacy to overcome chronic funding shortfalls in urban forestry implementation. The position will also connect local urban forestry practitioners, convene learning networks, and foster inclusive partnerships which engage and empower community leaders to help support local and regional urban forestry goals.
Success in this role demands being a known leader with established field relationships, who possesses strategic vision, policy expertise, and the ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders across sectors to build resilient, well-funded, and equitable urban forest systems across the region.
Major responsibilities include:
- Possess and develop city, state, and regional partnerships to garner action towards Tree Equity
- Support partners and coalitions in adopting our tools and resources to advance their Tree Equity programs via outreach, learning opportunities,and hands-on technical assistance with a priority focus on American Forests’ $55 million federally-supported intermediary fund Catalyst Fund grantees (primarily municipalities) in the region.
- Identify and pursue public and private funding opportunities to advance regional Tree Equity strategies
- Maintain awareness of urban forestry issues,cultivaterelationshipswithlocal,regionaland nationalleaders,and apply knowledge and direct resources within the region.
- Serve as American Forests’ expert on all aspects of urban forestry, tree species, cultural dynamics, and other related topics across the region.
Specific duties include:
Regional Strategy Implementation (65%)
- Develop & Implement Regional Strategy – In the first 3-6 months, develop and subsequently implement a regional strategy with measurable annual goals that supports American Forests’ urban forestry roadmap and addresses local partners’ barriers and challenges to equitable urban forestry outcomes in the region.This includes developing and sustaining relationships to foster strategic partnerships; providing learning opportunities and hands-on technical assistance; and launching and supporting coalitions of partners, amongst other strategies the Director determines are needed specific to the region.
- Foster Strategic Partnerships – Conduct outreach to cultivate (new) and steward (existing) relationships with urban forestry practitioners; state urban & community forestry coordinators; state environmental and natural resources departments; state urban forestry councils; and regional US Forest Service urban & community forestry program managers. Attend and present at key meetings to support city networks in adopting our tools and resources to advance Tree Equity programs and identify new funding opportunities.
- Conduct Outreach & Educational Opportunities – Support and at times co-lead national educational strategies, while also leading regional and local educational strategies to support cities in committing to and advancing Tree Equity. This will include developing and delivering presentations and trainings at conferences, meetings, and events, as well as maintaining a portfolio of cities to provide recurring engagements. The Director will respond to inbound requests for support from cities in the region and identify resources and opportunities for them to continuously engage in advancing Tree Equity.
- Technical Assistance to Cities, States, and Local Partners - The Director will manage relationships and provide leadership on American Forests’ (and partner) projects and initiatives in the region, including:
- Initial focus on providing on-going coaching and technical assistance to American Forests’ grantee-partners, funded through the above-mentioned “Catalyst Fund” in the region. These partners are primarily municipalities.
- Approximately 50% of this position is providing technical assistance on equitable planning and planting strategies and support for building coalitions with local community-based organizations, in close collaboration with Catalyst Initiative team. Additional efforts will focus on cultivating city champions such as mayoral leadership to sustain urban forestry initiatives through administrative transitions and budget cycles. Assistance may also involve navigating municipal bureaucracy with flexibility, addressing low staff capacity, and providing expertise on contractor management, tree inventories, and large-scale planting operations.
- Beyond Catalyst projects, the Director will develop new partnerships, scope opportunities, and identify funding sources to provide direct, hands-on support to additional cities advancing Tree Equity programs.Additionally,they will assist with American Forests’ events and corporate tree plantings in the region.
- Identify & Support City, State, and Regional Coalitions – Support may include coordinating meetings, workgroups, and in-person events; conducting outreach to engage new coalition members; and providing thought leadership to ensure coalition partners have the tools and resources needed to commit to and advance Tree Equity. Where applicable, collaborate with coalition partners on developing and implementing fundraising strategies to sustain partnership goals.
Program Support & Collaboration (20%)
- National Program Support – Where opportunities arise outside of the Northeast region, support efforts to establish partnerships and programs in new cities and geographies.
- Regional Collaboration – The team of regional directors each bring varied backgrounds and experiences to the collective work advancing Tree Equity. The Director will collaborate often with the group of fellow regional directors and others on the Tree Equity team to streamline processes, share knowledge, and deliver coordinated and uniform support throughout the U.S.
Administration (15%)
- Marketing & Communications – Serve as a key resource for prepping both internal and public communications related to American Forests’ urban forestry impact across the Northeast region, including participating in interviews and other media requests as American Forests’ regional expert.
- Budgeting – Support Tree Equity Operations team in developing and managing budgets for grant proposals, contracts, and subawards to secure and manage revenue in support of the regional strategy.
- Fundraising - Alongside the Senior Director and Tree Equity Operations and Leadership, collaborate with the Philanthropy on submitting proposals, assisting with donor communications, and generating reports and invoices to advance Field Delivery fundraising needs and operations in the region in 2026 and beyond.
- Operations - Manage and report regional project information via Airtable and Microsoft Office tools, including developing regional project budgets and project narratives upon request. Provide additional support on other duties as assigned to collaborate across the team and ensure the successful delivery and administration of team strategies.
What We’re Looking For
We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.
- 5-7 years of professional urban forestry experience in the Northeast, with established relationships with municipal and state agencies, state urban and community forestry councils and regional coordinators, USFS regional foresters, community-based organizations,and funders.
- ISA Certified Arborist and/or Certified Urban Forest Professional preferred, with a degree in urban forestry, urban planning, landscape architecture,environmental science,or a related field, and strong knowledge of urban forest planning, canopy assessment, and strategies forequitablecommunity-based urbanforestry. Candidates may also bringexpertisein planning, policy, or community engagement, reflecting the broad skillset needed for urban forestry leadership.
- Advanced knowledge of American Forests’ tools and resources, with a preference for candidates who can translate technical knowledge for diverse audiences.
- Experienceworking with diverse stakeholders andinforming and leading partnerships, particularly in the context oflocal,regionalor statewide cross-sector coalitions.
- Experience growing and managing complex projects in a remote environment, including developing and driving forward KPIs.
- Demonstrated abilityto proactively pursuerevenue generation opportunitiesto scale impact towards advancingTree Equity atvariousscales.
- Abilityto navigate municipal systems and priorities, including understanding city-wide tree management practices, budget structures, and administrative processes, while fosteringequitableplanning, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations and city champions.
- Experience either directly managing or being accountable for diverse and complex budgets and grants, including both private and public funding; strong acumen in research and grant writing; ease of working with Marketing and Communications and Philanthropy.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to confidently and persuasively sustain productive partnerships.
- Quick learner with exceptional attention to detail, with ability to work in a fast-paced environment and take initiative to develop systems that enhance team efficiency.
- Demonstrated commitment to American Forests values, which include advancing the interests of all people, embracing all perspectives, prioritizing work not by popularity but what is needed most and empowering people to take action, and a commitment to social and environmental justice.
Reporting and Supervision
The Director, Northeast Urban Forestry reports to the Senior Director, Urban Forestry Field Delivery. This position will ensure seamless internal coordination and accountability, as needed, across AF’s diverse Tree Equity department. This includes Urban Forestry teams working at both national and local scales, particularly the Catalyst Initiative team, as well as Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, GIS & Data Science, and Policy & Partnerships staff as they support our larger program goals. This position does not have any direct reports at this time.
Working Conditions
This is a remote position based in the United States, with a preference for residency in the state of New York, or the Philadelphia or Boston-metro areas. Up to 25% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. or to Seattle, WA may be required.
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. This is a one-year position, with extension pending future funding availability.
The budgeted salary range is between $80,000 and $95,000. Our benefits package includes:
Health and Wellness
Work-Life Balance
Financial and Retirement
Medical, Dental, & Vision
Vacation & Sick Leave
401(k) with Match
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays
Flexible Spending Accounts
Disability Insurance
Parental Bonding Leave
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Life and AD&D Insurance
Bereavement Leave
Pet Benefits
Military Leave
Our Core Competencies
Attitude • Communication • Organization • Problem-Solving & Creativity • Representing the Organization
About Us
American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.
