MDF Program Manager – Grazing & Working Lands

Job Summary The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking a qualified and motivated Program Manager to lead MDF’s grant‑supported work under the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative (GRACI). This position is responsible for managing day-to-day implementation across multiple states, including supervising and coordinating staff, working with partners, and ensuring successful delivery of grazing management and wildlife habitat improvement projects on private lands. The Program Manager will report directly to the Director of Private Land Conservation and will work under that direction to ensure successful program delivery, including regular coordination on priorities, progress, and implementation. Primary Responsibilities • Manage implementation of MDF’s GRACI program within the Great Plains Initiative • Assist with hiring, onboarding, and supervising program field staff responsible for landowner enrollment and project delivery • Lead and coordinate program field staff across multiple states • Work directly with private landowners and ranchers to evaluate grazing systems and develop practical grazing management improvements • Promote and design adoption of regenerative and adaptive grazing practices that improve grassland health, production, soil health, water function, and wildlife habitat • Conduct outreach to identify, engage, and enroll landowners in the program • Work closely with NRCS field staff and partners to incorporate Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, etc.) where feasible • Manage grant administration, including budgeting, record keeping, tracking accomplishments, and reporting to NFWF • Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, deliverables, and timelines • Support development of partnerships, including engagement with corporate partners and potential funding sources • Develop and maintain systems for tracking program metrics and outcomes Education and Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in rangeland management, natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, agricultural sciences, or a related field (Master’s preferred) • Minimum 5 years’ experience in conservation, rangeland management, grazing management, ranch management, or a related agricultural field • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grazing management plans • Experience working with private landowners • Experience supervising staff or leading teams For more details and announcements: https://muledeer.org/careers/