Position Opened: June 10, 2026

Accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early for this role. This position may close early if we receive a high volume of qualified applications. 

Join the TreesCharlotte team as our Director of Programs!

TreesCharlotte is seeking an organized, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Programs. This role is full-time exempt and responsible for overseeing all community-facing programs, events, education, and engagement efforts while leading a high-performing team dedicated to growing Charlotte’s urban forest. The ideal candidate is an experienced manager who can see the big picture, effectively coordinate multiple priorities, and ensure programs are delivered with excellence. They will bring strong organizational skills, the ability to manage complex projects and teams, and a passion for creating meaningful community impact.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs will provide leadership and support to a team that includes the Urban Forest Educator, Urban Forest Manager, and Events & Volunteer Manager.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Minimum 5 years of management and team leadership experience.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and track record of strengthening existing partnerships while cultivating new opportunities.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Nonprofit, community engagement, environmental, education, or event management experience is a plus.
• Saturday and some evening availability, during planting season
• Experience or knowledge of arboriculture or urban ecology not required but preferred.

If you’re ready to advance your career while making a lasting impact on Charlotte’s urban forest, we’d love to hear from you. We encourage you to review the full job description below. Interested candidates should send their cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Allison Rhodes, allison@treescharlotte.org.  Please include “Director of Programs – [Last Name]” in the subject line. At this time, we are not accepting phone calls about this position.

Director of Programs Job Description

Position Overview

TreesCharlotte is seeking an organized, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Programs. This role is full-time exempt and responsible for overseeing all community-facing programs, events, education, and engagement efforts while leading a high-performing team dedicated to growing Charlotte’s urban forest.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manager who can see the big picture, effectively coordinate multiple priorities, and ensure programs are delivered with excellence. They will bring strong organizational skills, the ability to manage complex projects and teams, and a passion for creating meaningful community impact.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs will provide leadership and support to a team that includes the Urban Forest Educator, Urban Forest Manager, and Events & Volunteer Manager.

About TreesCharlotte

TreesCharlotte partners with the community to plant and care for trees, growing a healthier canopy for everyone.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Event Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight for all TreesCharlotte programs, events, and community engagement activities.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals, mission, and budget priorities.
• Oversee and lead planning and execution of tree plantings, tree adoptions, tree care initiatives, educational programs, and special events during the week and Saturdays during planting season.
• Lead cross-departmental coordination to ensure successful program delivery and participant experience.
• Monitor program outcomes and identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies to support successful program delivery.

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise and support program staff through coaching, goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and positive team culture.
• Manage workloads, priorities, and resources to maximize effectiveness and impact.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, partners, volunteers, funders, and public officials.
• Support efforts to expand TreesCharlotte’ s reach and impact throughout Mecklenburg County.
• Represent TreesCharlotte at community events, meetings, and speaking engagements.

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team on strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Develop and monitor program metrics, budgets, and reporting systems.
• Support marketing and communications efforts that promote TreesCharlotte’s mission and programs.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of management and team leadership experience.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Experience overseeing multiple programs, projects, or events simultaneously.
• Experience leading projects and events from planning to execution and reporting matrix to senior leadership.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to balance day-to-day operations and long-term goals.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and track record of strengthening existing partnerships while cultivating new opportunities.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Nonprofit, community engagement, environmental, education, or event management experience is a plus.
• Saturday and some evening availability, during planting season
• Experience or knowledge of arboriculture or urban ecology not required but preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000-80,000 annually 
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• 50% employer-paid medical insurance
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
• 2% SIMPLE IRA company contribution
• Competitive PTO package
• 12 paid office holidays
• Hybrid work environment, commitment to work life balance
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on Charlotte’s urban forest and community

Equal Opportunity Employer

TreesCharlotte does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Allison Rhodes at allison@treescharlotte.org with the subject line: Director of Programs – [Last Name].

We recognize there is no “perfect candidate,” and that passion, potential, and alignment with our mission can be just as valuable as years of experience. We encourage candidates who meet many, but not all qualifications to apply.