Partnerships & Program Support Officer

About the Job

The Partnerships & Program Support Officer plays a key role in advancing the mission of SAWS by building strong relationships, leading communications, supporting development, and providing essential administrative support. This position ensures SAWS Hurricane Helene recovery work and long-term wild public land stewardship are visible, well-supported, and effectively resourced.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, relationship builder, and detail-oriented administrator who can balance outward-facing partnership engagement with the behind-the-scenes systems that make partnerships and administration succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative & Grant Support

Support grant management by maintaining organized records, monitoring deadlines, and preparing supporting documentation.

Assist with report writing for grants, cooperative agreements, trainings, and donor-funded projects.

Track and document cost share / match contributions (volunteer hours, donations, in-kind) in compliance with 2 CFR 200.306 and agreement requirements.

Coordinate with directors on finance tracking and reporting for grants, agreements, and donor gifts.

Provide logistical support for trainings, stewardship-related events, and board meetings (time for general governance or fundraising activities will be tracked separately and charged to non-federal sources)

Maintain accurate databases and files related to partner agreements, development, and donor stewardship.

Communications & Storytelling

Lead SAWS outward communication through social media, newsletters, and website updates, ensuring alignment with brand and mission.

Develop communications and outreach content that supports public engagement, program reporting, and transparency for stewardship and Helene recovery projects.

Manage a social media calendar, ensuring consistent and engaging content.

Draft newsletters, press releases, and donor communications.

Collect and manage photos, videos, and field stories for development and outreach.

Partnership & Development

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with agency partners, donors, foundations, and community groups.

Represent SAWS at outreach events, trainings, and community gatherings to strengthen partnerships and expand visibility.

Organize donor and partner engagement events, volunteer days, and recognition opportunities.

Lead and support fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship activities such as Giving Tuesday, year-end appeals, peer-to-peer fundraising, etc. (unallowable costs under federal awards; time for these duties will be tracked and charged to unrestricted / private sources).

Manage donor stewardship, including acknowledgements, reporting, and recognition activities.

Assist with grant writing, prospect research, and reporting for foundations, corporations, and government partners.

Develop and track fundraising dashboards and metrics for leadership and board review.

Explore sponsorship and partner engagement opportunities tied to stewardship and recovery programs.

Strategic Contributions

Connect SAWS mission, Helene recovery, and long-term stewardship programs with donors, partners, and the public through clear, compelling storytelling.

Provide consistent updates to leadership and board on communications, fundraising, and partnership progress.

Benefits

Salary range : $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Details available upon request.

Flexible work schedule with occasional evenings / weekends for events.

Qualifications

Required

Professional experience in nonprofit management, communications, development, or related field.

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

Experience with fundraising, donor relations, or community engagement.

Excellent organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail.

Proficiency in social media platforms and communications tools (Canva, Mailchimp, etc.)

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to SAWS mission and values.

Preferred

Experience with grant management and reporting.

Familiarity with donor management databases (CRM systems).

Knowledge of conservation, wilderness stewardship, trails, or outdoor programs.

Event planning and public speaking experience.

Bilingual (English / Spanish) skills.

About Us

SAWS sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. We provide stewardship to protected wild public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky. Founded in 2010, SAWS partners with federal land managers to provide shoulder-to-shoulder stewardship efforts and support for training, skill-building, and community engagement in trails, wilderness, and conservation needs. SAWS works to support safe access to public lands, preserve natural resources, and develop the next generation of conservation leaders. SAWS is headquarters in Asheville, NC with an office in Roanoke, VA.

To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and one or two short writing samples that demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Samples can be drawn from existing work (such as a newsletter, social media post, report excerpt, or press release). If you do not have formal samples, you may adapt existing content we provide during the interview process no need to create new content for your application. Send materials tokaitlindevarona@wildernessstewards.orgwith the subject line Partnerships & Program Support Officer. Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email as well.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace. SAWS values a safe, inclusive work environment, free from discrimination of any kind.

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