Wesley Family Foundation is hiring a Bilingual Coordinator to lead our expanding conservation and land management programs. This position will play a crucial role in coordinating our main initiatives: developing land management plans, coordinating spring planting efforts, conducting ecosystem research, and publishing conservation information to support environmental stewardship across Northeast Ohio.
About Our Main Projects
The Bilingual Coordinator will work directly on these core conservation initiatives:
Land Management Planning Develop comprehensive land management plans for our sanctuary properties and partner sites. This includes creating detailed stewardship protocols for native woodland restoration, habitat development, and sustainable land use practices. The coordinator will work with forestry experts, ecologists, and community partners to design management plans that support biodiversity, ecosystem health, and long-term sustainability.
Spring Planting Coordination Lead the coordination of spring planting efforts across multiple sites, including the selection and sourcing of native Ohio plants (oaks, hickories, maples, Ohio buckeye, eastern redbud, dogwood, pawpaw, and native understory species). This role involves managing volunteer teams, coordinating with nurseries and native plant suppliers, scheduling planting events, and ensuring proper planting techniques for long-term success.
Ecosystem Research and Development Support ongoing research into local ecosystems, soil health, native species interactions, and habitat restoration outcomes. The coordinator will help design research protocols, collect and organize data, coordinate with university partners and environmental scientists, and contribute to our understanding of how native plantings and habitat restoration support wildlife and ecological resilience.
Conservation Information Publishing Develop and publish educational materials about conservation practices, native species, and environmental stewardship in both Spanish and English. This includes creating guides, brochures, social media content, website articles, and educational resources for donors, volunteers, community members, and educational partners. Materials will reflect both scientific accuracy and cultural accessibility.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management:
- Manage and coordinate foundation conservation initiatives from conception to completion
- Develop and implement program strategies aligned with organizational goals and environmental best practices
- Monitor program progress and prepare regular status reports for stakeholders and the board
- Coordinate with Ground, Nourish, Sanctuary, and Learn programs to ensure integrated approaches
Educational Materials Development:
- Create compelling educational materials in both Spanish and English about native ecosystems, conservation practices, and land stewardship
- Collaborate with donors to develop resources that align with their priorities and communicate program impact
- Ensure all materials are culturally appropriate, scientifically accurate, and accessible to diverse audiences
- Develop content for website, social media, print materials, and educational programming
Grant Lifecycle Management:
- Oversee the full grant process including research, application, award management, and reporting
- Maintain relationships with grantors and ensure compliance with all grant requirements
- Track deadlines, deliverables, and budgets for all active grants supporting conservation work
- Prepare comprehensive grant reports that demonstrate program outcomes and environmental impact
Donor Relations and Community Engagement:
- Work directly with donors to understand their environmental and educational goals
- Provide regular updates on conservation program impact and outcomes
- Support fundraising efforts through compelling storytelling about ecosystem restoration and conservation success
- Build relationships with community partners, volunteers, and educational institutions
Property Management and Legal Coordination:
- Manage property-related issues for foundation sanctuary sites and conservation parcels
- Coordinate with courts of equity on land-related matters as needed
- Deliver formal notice, letters, and legal correspondence to relevant parties
- Maintain accurate accounting and documentation of all communications with individuals, organizations, cities, counties, and townships
- Create and maintain comprehensive records of correspondence, decisions, and interactions that serve as the organization's source of truth
- Ensure all legal and administrative communications are properly documented, filed, and accessible
- Support the foundation's long-term mission success through meticulous recordkeeping and transparent communication practices
Remote Coordination and On-Site Task Management:
- Coordinate on-site property management and ecosystem development tasks from remote locations
- Make calls to contractors, suppliers, and service providers to solicit quotes and negotiate pricing
- Schedule work crews, deliveries, and site visits to ensure timely project completion
- Document all quotes, agreements, scheduling, and work completion results
- Ensure compliance obligations are met and that foundation funds are utilized productively
- Verify that contracted work is completed correctly and meets foundation standards
- Maintain detailed records of vendor communications, project timelines, and expenditures
- Coordinate between remote planning and on-site execution for property management and ecosystem development projects
- Serve as primary point of contact for coordinating practical implementation of conservation plans
Zoning, Building Codes, and Permitting:
- Research and navigate local zoning regulations affecting ecosystem development, agroforestry, and sustainable land use
- Work with municipal building departments to understand permitting requirements for conservation structures and land improvements
- Prepare and submit permit applications for structures, land modifications, and agricultural activities as needed
- Ensure all foundation projects comply with relevant building codes, zoning ordinances, and land use regulations
- Communicate with city, county, and township planning departments regarding land management activities
- Stay informed about zoning changes, agricultural exemptions, and conservation-friendly ordinances
- Advocate for policies that support sustainable land development and ecosystem restoration
- Coordinate with legal counsel when zoning or permitting issues require professional interpretation
- Maintain records of all permits, zoning approvals, and regulatory correspondence
- Support land acquisition efforts by researching zoning classifications and permitted uses for prospective properties
Required Qualifications:
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English (written and verbal)
- Strong project management and organizational skills, particularly for environmental or conservation programs
- Experience with grant writing, management, or nonprofit administration focused on environmental work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex ecological concepts for diverse audiences
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both office and outdoor field settings
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and content management systems
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to various program sites across Northeast Ohio
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, nonprofit management, or related field
- 2+ years of experience in environmental nonprofit sector, conservation work, or ecosystem restoration
- Experience coordinating volunteer programs and community planting events
- Knowledge of native Ohio plants, woodland ecosystems, and habitat restoration practices
- Familiarity with environmental grant funding sources and conservation fundraising
- Experience working with diverse communities on environmental education and stewardship
- Background in scientific writing, environmental communications, or educational program development
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health and wellness benefits
- Professional development opportunities in environmental fields
- Meaningful work with direct environmental and community impact
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration, habitat development, and conservation science
- Opportunities to work outdoors and connect directly with the natural environments we're restoring
To Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter (in English or Spanish), a writing sample, and two professional references to the foundation. Application deadline is February 28, 2026, with interviews beginning in March and a flexible start date of April/May 2026 for the right candidate.
Wesley Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer celebrating diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We especially encourage applications from individuals with direct connections to the communities and ecosystems we serve.