Department of Forestry Forest Carbon and Climate Program

The Position
The FCCP is seeking a visionary and strategic Program Director who will engage in elevating natural climate solutions, coordinating projects, and expanding our diverse partner network. This is a high-visibility and high-impact position that will be well served by an energetic leader possessing excellent communication and organizational skills. The Program Director will bring strong internal motivation to engage with the dynamic and rapidly growing forest, carbon, and climate community, bringing much needed science-based perspective and guidance to a wide range of actors from the private, public, and academic arenas. A demonstrated knowledge base in climate-smart forestry, climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, and a balanced perspective on the social, ecological, and economic dimensions of forestry is desired. The Program Director will work with the support of an interdisciplinary team while enjoying the autonomy to conceive of and develop new projects and partnerships. Be part of a decisive decade in sustainable development and climate action by joining and heading this dedicated and unique team.

The Team
Join a supportive, flexible, and interdisciplinary team of professionals offering a diverse set of expertise. FFCP is a group of ecologists, economists, policy experts, and communicators actively researching, synthesizing, and sharing current knowledge on forest and climate science, policy, economics, and natural resource management. This niche program prioritizes reaching decision-makers, professionals, and students engaged in the forestry community through accessible and curated materials that focus on the value of trees, forests, and forest products in addressing climate change. FCCP Partners represent collaborations across a burgeoning number of climate-focused organizations spanning the private, public, and academic sectors.

Current FCCP Projects + Research areas include topics such as carbon storage and emissions, carbon modeling, forest certification, forest product traceability, policy tracking, private sector climate strategies, carbon markets, forest ecosystem conservation, biodiversity, ecosystem services, wood utilization, harvested wood products, wildfire management, urban forestry, climate-smart forest economy safeguards, and human dimensions of forestry.

FCCP activities include participation in professional conferences; development and facilitation of courses, webinars, and workshops; research and scientific writing; and creation of unique educational graphics and videos. FCCP also offers a robust suite of online learning opportunities including a Graduate Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy, and Management, Professional Development courses, and freely available webinars.

Since its founding in 2014, FCCP has seen considerable growth and is uniquely positioned to provide science-based guidance to a rapidly expanding group of partners from the private, public, and academic sectors interested in natural climate solutions and sustainable development. The Program Director will apply their energy and knowledge to sustain momentum and development in the forest, carbon, and climate space; continue coordination on current projects; and explore exciting new directions for growth. This position has the potential to make a significant impact, bring visibility to forest-based climate solutions, and promote scientifically informed dialog on climate action.

This position is remote friendly and requires an advanced degree in forestry, policy, or a related field. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Inquiries to Dr. David Rothstein, Chairperson, FCCP Director Search Committee, by email at rothste2@msu.edu. For more information please visit:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/jobs/director-of-forest-carbon-and-climate-program