Network Manager, Wildfire Resilience Funders Network

Department: Climate Resilience Fund

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote

Compensation: $38.00 - $48.00 / hour

Description

About the Climate Resilience Fund (CRF)The Climate Resilience Fund was founded in 2016 as a funder’s collaborative focused on building resources and capacity to advance the field and practice of climate adaptation and resilience. Our initiatives advance equitable climate resilience and sustainability outcomes for communities and for the natural systems on which they depend. Our strategies are designed to create leverage and strategic impact by facilitating collaboration across private philanthropic and U.S. federal agencies, and fostering collaboration among field-leading organizations. With a core focus on equity and sustainability, CRF strengthens the capacity of communities and natural systems to withstand the growing challenges of the climate crisis.

About the Wildfire Resilience Funders In late 2022, CRF was engaged by a group of foundation leaders to develop and grow the Wildfire Resilience Funders network (WRF). Our mandate is to cultivate a “learning and action” community that builds shared knowledge, alignment, and fosters collaboration. WRF’s goals are to advance collective understanding of strategies and solutions to address the burgeoning wildfire crisis and to facilitate effective collaborations for advancing wildfire resilience strategies and solutions across the western U.S.  
CRF has undertaken a two-pronged strategy in pursuit of these goals. The first is centered on learning and community-building activities consisting of regular WRF network meetings, communications, and annual in-person gatherings. The second is facilitating the development and implementation of collaborative funding strategies and projects that help network members align goals and activities and leverage resources. 
After nearly three years of operation, WRF membership now includes over 70 grantmaking organizations and 170 individuals. In addition, over 150 individuals from affiliate organizations (non-grantmaking) are able to enjoy network-wide activities. CRF supports collaborative efforts with subgroups (Wildfire Action Groups) which include between 8-16 members that share topical interests and explore opportunities for collaboration. The WRF network operates with support and guidance from a dedicated Advisory Committee.

Position Summary The Network Manager, Wildfire Resilience Funders Network is primarily responsible for growing and sustaining the WRF network as well as supporting the pursuit of strategic objectives of CRF and our partners. The Network Manager shepherds the network’s day-to-day activities with a central focus on network member engagements, planning and implementing the members’ learning agenda, supporting Wildfire Action Group efforts, engaging the Advisory Committee, and all related communications. The Network Manager is not necessarily a content expert but has experience working with or within the philanthropic sector and is adept at network management and facilitation. Working knowledge (and importantly, deep interest) in issues such as climate adaptation and resilience, social equity, wildfire resilience, and conservation is important to the role. 
The Network Manager must be highly organized, comfortable managing multiple efforts and prioritizing work day-to-day. Strong communication skills with the ability to work autonomously and escalate when support is needed are required. Knowledge and experience working within or with philanthropic foundations or affinity groups and an understanding of norms of management and finances of nonprofit organizations and private philanthropies are highly desirable.  Connections to and familiarity with the institutions and issues which comprise the context within which US communities work to understand and address the threats of a changing climate and wildfire in the coming decades is important to success in the role. 
The Network Manager works collaboratively with CRF’s leadership, program, and communications staff on all matters related to funder relations, external communications, fundraising, and other activities as assigned. Importantly, the Network Manager holds the horizon, so to speak, by looking ahead to where the network is going, planning the learning agenda for both the (bi-monthly) virtual and (annual) in-person convenings, and bringing ideas and plans forward for consideration by the Advisory Committee and CRF leadership. Listening to what network members are interested in, engaging them in exploring ideas, and networking and communicating regularly is a central aspect of the role.
The Network Manager reports to CRF’s Managing Director.

Key Responsibili