Project Manager | Cal Parks

Title: Project Manager 
Reports to: Director of Programs 
Supervises: Community Partnership and Impact Manager, Program Coordinator 
Location: Bay Area, CA – hybrid 
Job Type: Full-time Exempt 
Compensation: $85,400 – $100,500 annually 
Effective date: August 22, 2205 

MISSION: Protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all.   
VISION: Our vision is that Californians have a state park system that is accessible and relevant, adequately and sustainably funded, and stewarded for future generations.   


JOB DESCRIPTION:    

With a rich history spanning more than five decades, California State Parks Foundation champions the cause of California state parks, ensuring their protection and preservation for the greater good. By collaborating with park partners and dedicated park staff, as well as engaging policymakers in Sacramento, we actively address the challenges faced by our beloved parks. It is an exciting time for the organization as we recently released our 2024-2027 strategic plan, setting the path for continued growth. We are guided by our Justice, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (JEID) commitments as well as our core organization values: A Bigger Tent, Future Forward, Connections Create Results, and Celebrate California.  

The Project Manager leads CSPF's grantmaking, funds, and endowments, ensuring California’s state parks remain ecologically vibrant, culturally relevant, and equitably accessible. This position oversees the strategic direction, implementation, and evaluation of program and project initiatives, including Building Climate Resilience, Access and Experience, and Park Improvements.  

The Project Manager supervises the Community Partnership and Impact Manager and Program Coordinator, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development support. They are responsible for ensuring that all programs’ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are met or exceeded, driving measurable progress toward CSPF’s 3–5-year goals. Working across departments, the Project Manager collaborates with the other CSPF Programs, Development, Finance, Membership, and Marketing and Communications to translate on-the-ground results into policy influence, donor engagement, and compelling storytelling. They represent CSPF to external partners, funders, and state park stakeholders, serving as a trusted voice for the protection and preservation of California’s state parks. 
 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Leadership & Strategy (40%) 

  • Lead and manage all aspects of the program and project initiatives to achieve 3–5-year strategic goals, including the State Park Knowledge Center, grantmaking, climate resilience, access & experiences, and park improvement initiatives. 
  • In partnership with Finance, manage endowments, funds, and fiscal sponsorships, including creating annual spending plans and impact reporting.  
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and tracking of program KPIs, ensuring timely reporting and measurable impact. 
  • Direct and approve annual program workplans and budgets. 
  • Serve as the primary decision-maker for program priorities and resource allocation. 
  • Manage a portfolio of projects and grants focused on climate resilience and biodiversity goals, ensuring they deliver high-impact outcomes. 
  • Foster partnerships with park staff, community leaders, and conservation organizations to co-create solutions that enhance resilience and equity in parks. 

Staff Supervision & Development (20%) 

  • Supervise the Community Partnership and Impact Manager and Program Coordinator, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth. 
  • Provide regular feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and partner with & guide staff toward achieving program and individual goals. 
  • Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing among program team members and across CSPF departments. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation (20%) 

  • Represent CSPF at external meetings, site visits, conferences, and public events. 
  • Cultivate strong relationships with state park staff, nonprofit partners, funders, and policymakers. 
  • Work with the Development team to craft funding proposals and impact reports. 
  • Work with Marketing and Communications to share project stories through blogs, press releases, and other media. 

Oversee CSPF State Park Knowledge Center (20%) 

  • Identify emerging threats to state parks and opportunities for innovative and scalable solutions. 
  • Oversee and ensure accuracy and overall vision of the State Park Knowledge Center, integrating data into program planning and advocacy. 
  • Monitor and evaluate all funded projects for alignment with goals and KPIs, by composing EOY reports, deploying partners surveys, and conducting audits. 
  • Produce quarterly and annual reports detailing the program progress, outcomes, and lessons learned. 
  • Support and collaborate with the Program Coordinator on ArcGIS data management and mapping projects. 
     

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Minimum 5 years of program management experience, preferably in environmental conservation, community engagement, or nonprofit leadership. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, public administration, management, or related field.  
  • Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff. 
  • Strong knowledge of climate resilience, biodiversity, equity, and public land management issues. 
  • Experience with KPI tracking, program evaluation, and impact reporting. 
  • Excellent relationship-building, public speaking, and negotiation skills. 
  • Proficiency in project management tools and software, including MS Office, Asana, Salesforce, and ArcGIS. 
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice. 
  • Valid CA Driver’s license and ability to travel to attend meetings, park visits, and events. Travel may occur in the evenings, on the weekends, or require overnight stays.  
     

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

CSPF is a hybrid work environment, with the number of days in the office dependent on individual role and responsibilities. Our expectation is that hybrid staff live within a commutable distance and are available for scheduled meetings and/or office hours at the main office in San Francisco.    
 

JUSTICE, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND DIVERSITY 

At California State Parks Foundation, our mission is protecting and preserving the California state park system, for the benefit of all. We believe that California’s state parks are essential to the health, happiness, and quality of life for all Californians. If we truly are to benefit all, we must address justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEID) in our work. Our vision is a California state park system that engages a broad audience and is welcoming and accessible to all. As an organization, we commit to fostering an organizational culture that celebrates learning and growth, leans into difficult conversations and feedback, values connection to each other, and sustains staff and board members’ well-being and sense of belonging.  
 

COMPENSATION: 

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $85,400 – $100,500 annually, based on experience. Our employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; acupuncture and chiropractic; participation in 401k plan with match after one year of service; employee life, accidental, long- and short-term disability insurance; participation in pre-tax commuter benefits and flexible spending account; health and wellness, and hybrid office stipend after 6 months of employment; 16 days of accrued vacation to start, 13 paid holidays, birthday holiday, and sick time.   

The California State Parks Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Police Code, Article 49.