Director of Fire Management

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our organization as the Director of Fire Management. As the Director you will be responsible for overseeing the planning development implementation and evaluation of the Fire Management Department and its programs. Our Department of Fire Management works on projects that support 1) planning and implementation of collaborative prescribed fire on partner and private lands 2) training fire practitioners 3) developing workforce capacity including multi-state fire management crews 4) research and innovation in the wildland fire tech space.  You will play a crucial role in driving our mission forward ensuring that our programs are impactful efficient and aligned with the organizations strategic goals. This leadership position requires exceptional organizational communication problem-solving and risk management skills and a deep commitment to our mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities:

The Director of Fire Management reports to the CEO.

Department Development and Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives in line with the organizations mission and vision.
• Help build strategic objectives and vision for the Department of Fire Management.
• Collaborate with staff and external partners to design plan and execute projects that align with the organizations mission and values.
• Monitor and evaluate department outcomes making data-driven decisions to improve department effectiveness and impact.
• Ensure that staffing and Departmental structure align with current and predicted projects and workload.
• Oversee program implementation ensuring adherence to timelines budgets key performance indicators and program objectives.
• Identify grants and other funding opportunities that are on-mission for the department and organization. 
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports to funders Board members and other partners; provide updates on department outcomes challenges and future plans.
• Assists with development and implementation of DEIJ initiatives and actions.
• Assist with grant application development to fund projects that are in line with the departments vision.
• Develop and review policies SOPs and Procedures in the Fire Management Manual.
• Assist with development of templates for prescribed fire contracts landowner agreements and MOUs that can be used for various Fire Management projects.
• Oversee IQS management for employees and contracted partners.
• Additional administrative duties as assigned.   

Team Leadership and Management:

• Builds supervises and leads team(s) to effectively execute the mission and vision of The Ember Alliance.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment encouraging teamwork professional development and a shared sense of purpose among department staff.
• Ensures a physically and psychologically safe and kind work environment.
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Fire Management and/or Program Managers providing mentorship guidance evaluation and support including the development of Individual Development Plans.
• Supports the Program Managers in the professional growth of department staff including the development of Individual Development Plans.  
• Identify training opportunities and share new and relevant research to ensure industry best practices. 
• Assist Department employees with Emergency Response protocols.
• Serves as Fire Duty Officer (FDO) as needed. Supports FDO process improvement.  

Wildfire and Community Preparedness Subject Matter Expertise:

• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to Program Managers and Project Managers.
• Create and improve systems and organizing processes to support safe wildland fire operations and a functional command environment.
• Assist with implementation of prescribed fires on state federal and private lands as an RXB2 or other qualification as needed.
• Lead consequence analysis and complexity rating for prescribed fire implementation. 
• Work with Senior Strategic Team to manage contractual liability for prescribed fire operations.
• Assist with preparation and review of burn plans. Approve NWCG burn plans (if RXB2 qualified).
• Instruct at training events as needed.
• Participate on an Incident Command Team as needed.  
• Support the intersection of science and prescribed fire implementation.  
• Review documents for technical soundness. 

Strategic Planning:

• Serves on the Senior Strategic Team that reports to the CEO. 
• Provides quarterly or as needed reports at the Board of Directors meetings providing timely updates on successes and challenges. 
• Work closely with the Senior Strategic Team CFO and Board of Directors team to develop and execute the organizations strategic plan and annual operating budget.
• Identify opportunities for department growth expansion and collaboration with external partners.
• Provide input on the allocation of resources and budgeting to support department activities.

Partner Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations funders and community leaders.
• Build manage and extend formal and informal partnerships with local state governmental and NGO agencies and contacts in the US and internationally. 
• Codify relationships with partners through MOUs MOAs and cooperative agreements.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements (Participating Agreements Joint Venture Agreements Master Agreements etc.) with a diverse range of donors (State Federal NGO etc.).  
• Represent The Ember Alliance at external events conferences and meetings advocating for our programs and cultivating partnerships.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team to raise awareness of our programs and impact through various channels.

Policy Engagement and Support (Preferred not required):

• Coordinate with other SMEs to improve fire-related policy at local state and national levels. 

Qualifications :

Required:

• Degree in Ecosystem Management or related field or 10 years combination of education and experience in wildland fire management
• Two or more years of experience managing a department with proven experience in successfully designing implementing and evaluating programs.
• Passion for the organizations mission and a commitment to social impact.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to build inspire lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Exceptional communication skills including the ability to effectively convey complex information to various partners and navigate difficult conversations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically develop innovative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Experience in budgeting resource allocation and financial management for programs.
• Experience developing and negotiating agreements and contracts.

Preferred:

• ICT4 RXB2 DIVS Masters or PhD in Wildland Fire-related field or 15 years combination of education and experience.  
• Five or more years in department management and executive leadership within a nonprofit including a track record of successfully designing implementing and evaluating programs.
• Event organization and fundraising.  
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance requirements for federal contracts.

Additional Information :

Schedule Requirements

This is an at-will position. The average work week is 40 hours but the schedule may vary depending on project needs. 85% Office Remote/15% Travel (approximately)

Pay and Benefits

Salary: $41.00 per hour salary annualized as $85280. The Ember Alliance uses an hourly wage for all employees. Overtime will be based on operational needs. 

Benefits: Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months afterhire. 

Work Location

Preferred locations: 1st Fort Collins CO 2nd Colorado 3rd Montana 4th Southeastern United States 5th anywhere

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a one-page cover letter a writing sample three professional references and a resume. Only applications through SmartRecruiters will be considered. Review of applications will be on-going. Applications for this position will no longer be accepted after March 22 2026. Please specify your earliest available start date. 

Employment is contingent on submission and review of NWCG qualification documentation. 

Remote Work :

Yes

Employment Type :

Full-time