Join Our Team - Now Hiring:
POSITION: Program Manager (Full-time employee)
ORGANIZATION: Environmental Defenders Collaborative (defenderscollaborative.org)
POSITION LOCATION: Remote
About Environmental Defenders Collaborative: The Environmental Defenders Collaborative (EDC) is a pooled fund, established in 2017, in response to the growing risks for environmental defenders worldwide. Grants from the Environmental Defenders Collaborative are made within a framework that seeks to support both responsive and strategic funding opportunities. The primary aim of grantmaking is to help keep environmental defenders safe, by supporting urgent regranting for defenders under threat, and by providing funding for training on security. The Collaborative also supports efforts targeting the drivers of shrinking civil space and violence against defenders, including community organizing and mobilizations and strategic litigation.
Position Overview: The Program Manager plays a central leadership role in shaping and implementing EDC’s grantmaking, learning, and fieldbuilding strategies. This position leads the strategic design and execution of EDC’s programs while also overseeing core elements of the grantmaking process—particularly as they intersect with Action Partnerships, field knowledge, and participatory learning. The Program Manager ensures that EDC’s grantmaking and programmatic activities are responsive to context, strategically aligned, and informed by the evolving needs of frontline environmental defenders.
This role works closely with EDC’s Executive Director, Grants Associate, and Finance & Operations Manager and provides leadership across program design, relationship management, learning and evaluation, and internal systems development.
Position Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
PROGRAM STRATEGY AND DESIGN
Support the continued design, implementation, and refinement of EDC’s fieldbuilding and learning programs, ensuring alignment with EDC’s mission and strategic plan.
Develop annual and multi-year plans that integrate EDC’s programmatic goals with evolving field contexts and partnership opportunities.
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and other staff on regional and thematic priorities in the field of environmental defense.
Provide guidance on programmatic fit and emerging risks related to grantmaking and program implementation.
GRANTMAKING, ACTION PARTNERSHIPS, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Oversee EDC’s Action Partnership Program in collaboration with the Grants Associate, including onboarding, budgeting, reporting compliance, and ongoing relationship management with Action Partner points of contact.
Support the refinement and documentation of grantmaking systems and decision-making protocols to ensure accountability and equity.
Provide programmatic input on grant recommendations, risk assessment, and partner strategy.
Contribute to internal due diligence, grantee outreach, and communications related to grants processes.
Maintain high-quality information on grantees, partners, and program outcomes to support cross-functional learning and reporting.
Support the integration of EDC’s Learning & Evaluation (L&E) framework across all grantmaking and programmatic activities.
Analyze data from EDC’s grants database to identify trends, evaluate impact, and inform strategy.
Collaborate with the Finance & Operations Manager and Grants Associate to produce program reports, visuals, and knowledge products.
PARTICIPATORY LEARNING AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Coordinate participatory learning initiatives with Action Partners and grantees, integrating their experiences and insights into EDC’s program design and decision-making.
Facilitate thematic convenings, peer-learning exchanges, and collaborative reflection spaces in coordination with partners and internal staff.
Lead the planning and execution of external portfolio evaluations as part of EDC’s L&E implementation plan, including coordinating consultants, data collection, and internal reflection on findings.
Represent EDC in external spaces such as conferences, panels, and strategic coalitions, amplifying the voices of defenders and contributing to shared learning.
FUNDRAISING, FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT, AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Develop and manage program budgets, including Action Partnership allocations, in partnership with the Finance & Operations Manager, ensuring responsible use of resources and alignment with grant requirements.
Provide timely data, analysis, and content for proposals, donor reports, and learning updates.
Identify opportunities to align programmatic initiatives with funder interests and priorities, in coordination with the Executive Director and Institutional Partnerships consultant.
Identify and manage risks related to program implementation, including political, operational, and reputational risks.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Contribute to internal planning processes, strategic reviews, and special projects that advance EDC’s overall mission and effectiveness.
Supervise the Grants Associate and mentor other junior staff, interns, or consultants contributing to EDC’s programs, supporting their development and ensuring effective teamwork.
Act as a cross-functional bridge between program, grantmaking, finance, and operations teams.
Promote a value-aligned, collaborative team culture rooted in learning, inclusion, and care.
Qualifications:
Deep commitment to environmental justice, human rights, and the protection of frontline defenders.
Demonstrated ability to lead program strategy and implementation in complex, cross-cultural contexts.
Strong facilitation and relational skills, with experience in participatory learning or peer-based methodologies.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, including attention to detail and deadline management.
Familiarity with movement-led, trust-based, and decolonial approaches to philanthropy and capacity-building.
Ability to communicate clearly and compellingly, both in writing and in person.
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit program management, philanthropy, or related fields.
Experience working in or alongside environmental or human rights movements.
Experience with MEL frameworks and integrating learning into strategic planning.
Proficiency in managing budgets and working with donor-funded programs.
Experience working with a similarly structured intermediary pooled fund, preferred.
Working Conditions and benefits:
This is a full-time, remote position with occasional travel to convenings, field visits, or funder meetings (domestic and international).
EDC offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive, flexible, and mission-aligned work culture.
The Program Manager is placed in Work Band F, with a salary range beginning at $118,600 and progressing based on experience and performance in alignment with EDC’s compensation approach.
EDC is committed to pay equity and transparency and makes reasonable efforts to ensure parity in compensation and benefits across geographies.
To Apply:
Please send the following documents, via email only, to Stephanie Gommert [stephanie@defenderscollaborative.org] by November 21, 2025. Subject line: ‘EDC Program Manager Posting’:
Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing your relevant skills and experience.
Current resume/CV summarizing your education background and related work experience.
Brief professional writing sample (such as: memo, meeting minutes, report, or business letter). No more than three pages.
Names and contact information for three professional references. Applicants will be notified before any references are contacted.
Environmental Defenders Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.