Senior Programs Manager

Job Title: Senior Water Program Manager

Employer: Resource Central; Boulder, CO

Job Status: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Program Director: Water & Energy

About Resource Central

Resource Central is an award-winning nonprofit in Boulder, Colorado, determined to make conservation so simple that you don’t even realize you’re doing it. Established in 1976, our innovative programs have helped more than 1,000,000 people save water, conserve energy, and reduce waste. And we're just getting started. Learn more at ResourceCentral.org.

Candidates with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from a range of social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Job Purpose Garden In A Box is one of Colorado’s most successful and accessible water conservation programs. It helps residents easily replace turf with professionally designed, low-water garden kits that are beautiful, affordable, and simple to install. The program removes barriers to sustainable landscaping while creating a strong connection between people and their outdoor spaces.

The Senior Water Program Manager leads the continued growth and evolution of Garden In A Box, ensuring it remains not just effective, but deeply valued by the communities it serves. This role is responsible for setting strategic direction, managing a talented team, and ensuring the program delivers measurable impact while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among participants. It also oversees related initiatives such as Waterwise Yard Seminars and applied water conservation research, working across departments to align goals, strengthen visibility, and build partnerships.

We are looking for a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and skilled communicator who is passionate about conservation and understands how to build programs that resonate with people. This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly visible, high-impact initiative that is helping shape the future of Colorado’s landscapes and neighborhoods.

This hybrid-remote role offers flexibility while including regular in-person collaboration at our Boulder, CO office and periodic site visits across Colorado. The salary range is $75,000 to $90,000, and Resource Central provides tremendous benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 403b retirement plan with match, generous paid time off and paid holidays, wellness reimbursement, free bus pass, and more.

Principal Responsibilities

The essential duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead Program Strategy and Positioning: Set the vision and guide the growth of Garden In A Box, ensuring it delivers measurable conservation impact while helping people reimagine their yards as beautiful, low-water landscapes that foster pride, connection, and lasting behavior change.
• Oversee Program Operations: Ensure seamless execution of Garden In A Box and Waterwise Yard Seminars, aligning delivery with environmental, financial, and partner goals.
• Lead and Support the Team: Supervise program staff, cultivate a positive team culture, and provide mentorship and development opportunities that support high performance and retention.
• Drive Research and Innovation: Manage Resource Central’s applied water research efforts, using data to evaluate impact, pilot new ideas, and secure funding and strategic partnerships.
• Represent and Elevate the Program: Promote Resource Central’s leadership in water conservation through public speaking, partner engagement, and external communications.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with marketing, finance, development, and engagement to align efforts, improve systems, and ensure organization-wide program success.
• Champion Continuous Improvement: Collect and apply customer feedback, team insights, and industry trends to refine program processes and enhance overall quality

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to set vision, think long-term, and grow programs with measurable environmental and community impact.
• Team Development: Proven experience mentoring staff, managing performance, and building a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Skilled in using data to assess impact, guide program refinements, and support innovation.
• Customer and Partner Communication: Strong communicator with experience designing programs that engage participants and represent the organization publicly.
• Operational Management: Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, logistics, and internal systems for smooth program execution.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, project management tools such as Monday.com, and CRM platforms.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Track record of work that reflects a clear passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience leading customer-facing or mission-driven programs with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum 2 years of experience supervising staff, managing performance, and supporting professional growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver results, and track progress toward program goals.
• Demonstrated success growing a program, improving operations, or increasing public engagement.
• Experience building partnerships with funders, municipalities, or community organizations to support program impact.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for periodic travel across the Front Range.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or partner meetings.
• Must pass a background check and maintain a clean driving record.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please visit our Career page and complete the application.

Resource Central is dedicated to equal employment opportunities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job‐related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, gender expression, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable state or local law. It is our policy to maintain a non‐discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds