Manager, Public Lands Program

Founded in 2010, Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos with partners and opportunities to improve their lives and create an equitable society. Ultimately, we establish bridges of access that provide a path for the development and rise of Latino leaders and elevates their voices in areas where we are underrepresented. Our core values are trust, dedication, excellence, service to comunidad and versatility. While Washington, D.C. serves as our headquarters, employees work in a virtual environment.

This is a pivotal and energizing moment for our Conservation Program as we expand our national footprint, deepen strategic partnerships, and elevate Latino voices in the conservation movement. Hispanic Access connects a vibrant network of Latino leaders—from faith communities and students to journalists and nonprofit allies—to the outdoors and to meaningful roles in environmental stewardship. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming what we know to be true: when Latino communities are meaningfully engaged, their deep-rooted passion for land, water, and wildlife not only shines—it shapes the future of environmental policy.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Public Lands Manager is a key member of our Conservation team and serves as a national leader in advancing community-driven public lands advocacy. This role centers on engaging Latino communities—particularly faith leaders and grassroots networks—to elevate awareness, expand access, and promote stewardship in the protection and preservation of public lands. 

The Manager will lead the design and execution of strategic campaigns and events that amplify community voices, cultivate lasting partnerships, and influence conservation policy. Responsibilities will include overseeing national initiatives, coordinating advocacy efforts, and collaborating closely with local partners to create meaningful, culturally rooted conservation outcomes. This role requires up to  35% travel to lead in-person events, conduct community outreach, and implement field-based programs across the country. This position reports to the Conservation Director.

ROLE/RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Organizing and Engagement

• Cultivate and mobilize grassroots networks—including local leaders, faith-based organizations, and underrepresented communities—to build collective action around public lands issues.
• Travel regularly to engage directly with communities, listen to local concerns, and co-create impactful conservation events and campaigns.
• Lead planning and execution of regional and national community events (e.g., Latino Conservation Week, advocacy days, public forums) to strengthen public engagement in conservation efforts.
• Provide training and resources to community members to equip them with the tools to advocate effectively for public lands protection.

Advocacy and Campaign Design

• Develop and implement targeted advocacy campaigns to advance conservation policies at the federal, state, and local levels, particularly those impacting Latino and frontline communities.
• Work with faith leaders and community stakeholders to elevate shared stewardship values and encourage civic participation in environmental decision-making.
• Coordinate strategic messaging, storytelling, and mobilization efforts in collaboration with the communications team.

Program Strategy and Project Management

• Lead the development of the organization’s public lands conservation strategy, ensuring it reflects the priorities and lived experiences of the communities we serve.
• Manage a portfolio of public lands projects from conception through evaluation—ensuring they meet deliverables, remain within budget, and align with organizational goals.
• Monitor and report on program metrics, outcomes, and community impact.

Partnership Development

• Build and sustain partnerships with local, regional, and national conservation organizations, faith coalitions, government entities, and academic institutions to enhance program reach and influence.
• Collaborate with the Development team to identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant proposals and reporting.

Spokesperson & Thought Leadership

• Serve as a visible and trusted voice for the organization on public lands issues in the media, at conferences, and through written content (e.g., blogs, op-eds).
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing insights and context on policy changes, community perspectives, and grassroots impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public policy, nonprofit management, community organizing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in conservation, community engagement, grassroots organizing, or advocacy.
• Proven experience designing and leading advocacy or community-driven campaigns, ideally related to public lands or policy change.
• Demonstrated ability to engage faith leaders and culturally rooted networks in social or environmental causes.
• Strong project management skills, including experience overseeing events, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and managing budgets and grant deliverables.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, storytelling, and translating policy issues into community-centered language.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 35% to communities across the U.S. for events, meetings, and trainings.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to Latino communities, expanding access to public lands, and addressing environmental issues that impact these communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, mission-driven team environment.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with public lands policies, land management agencies (e.g., BLM, USFS, NPS), or relevant federal/state advocacy landscapes.
• Experience working within faith-based initiatives or multigenerational community programming.
• Proficiency with CRM tools, advocacy platforms, or virtual organizing technologies.
• Grant writing or fundraising experience is a plus.

LOCATION

This is a fully remote position. While location is flexible, preference will be given to candidates located in or near the Washington, D.C. metro area.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary range: $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
• Unlimited vacation policy and 10 sick days per year.
• 13 paid holidays annually.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Monthly phone/internet stipend.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.

Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law.