Learn About Friends of Trees

Job Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in joining the Friends of Trees Staff! If you do not see a job you are interested in, we always welcome your participation as a volunteer! And we encourage you to follow us on social media as we often share our open jobs there first! We are on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

All Friends of Trees staff play a critical role in implementing our Strategic Values of Sustainability, Stewardship, Safety, Connection, and Equity, through incorporating these values throughout their work. Learn more about our values and our commitment to equity.

Now hiring:

TITLE: Volunteer & Outreach Specialist

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Salaried, non-exempt. Full-time, 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE). Weekend events and evenings are common (2 per month).

HOURS: Tuesday to Friday schedule, with occasional weekends and evenings. Eligible for hybrid work. Scheduling a weekly combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote work will be determined with the Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager.

SUPERVISED BY: Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager

SUPERVISES: Interns

PAY RATE: Annual salary set at $44,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 12 days vacation (in 1st year), 8.8 holidays, and sick time. The organization will be closed during the final week of December.

LOCATION: Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Travel throughout the City of Portland with FOT provided vehicles.

EXPECTED START DATE: September 2026


ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted nearly a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We’ve done this through engaging tens of thousands of community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.


JOB SUMMARY

The Volunteer & Outreach Specialist manages high-volume volunteer recruitment, communication, and engagement systems that shape the overall volunteer experience. This role focuses on building relationships at scale through consistent, welcoming, and well-coordinated communication, ensuring volunteers are supported from first contact through long-term participation. A successful candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and comfort working primarily behind the scenes using email, phone, and digital tools. While some in-person event support and outreach is included, most work is focused on accurate, timely, and consistent execution of volunteer engagement systems.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Lead high-volume volunteer recruitment, communication, and appreciation efforts with a strong focus on accuracy, timeliness, and consistency
  • Staff volunteer events, trainings, and outreach activities, representing and supporting a high-quality volunteer experience (approximately 2 events per month, often during evenings and weekends)
  • Advocate for the volunteer experience by identifying needs, elevating feedback, and contributing to continuous program improvement

Volunteer Recruitment, Communication, and Retention

  • Manage the volunteer email inbox and phone hotline, ensuring timely, accurate, and welcoming communication
  • Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to recruit, schedule, and coordinate a large volume of volunteers
  • Lead volunteer recruitment and communication for 6-8 events monthly during planting season (Oct–April)
  • Design and produce volunteer recruitment and volunteer appreciation materials (email templates, postcards, flyers, etc)
  • Plan and lead volunteer appreciation events and activities
  • Collaborates with staff to increase volunteer retention, with focus on retaining volunteers from underrepresented communities
  • Supervise and support interns, including role development, recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing mentorship, with attention to cultural competency and inclusive practices

Volunteer Experience Advocacy

  • Actively gather and analyze volunteer feedback through surveys, conversations, and event observations. Share insights with staff and contribute to program adaptations
  • Support implementation of FOT’s Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities and Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policies
  • Facilitates conflict resolution and clarify volunteer role expectations, with support of the Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager

Community Outreach

  • Maintain and coordinate the outreach event calendar for the Portland office
  • Schedule, coordinate, and attend outreach events to support community engagement in FOT programming
  • Prioritize outreach in high-heat, low-canopy, low-income, and communities of color
  • Deliver presentations to community groups

General Tasks

  • Attend expected FOT trainings, staff meetings, and retreats
  • Actively support the advancement of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts at FOT
  • Help implement FOT’s Strategic Values and incorporates these values throughout their work
  • Follow organizational guidelines to keep office workspace, tools, lots and work vehicles in good condition
  • Contribute content for TreeMail and FOT social media channels, as needed
  • Adhere to FOT’s safety protocols and upholds a safe working environment
  • Submit accurate weekly records of time and expenses
  • Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in community engagement, outreach, or volunteer coordination
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Strong verbal communication skills both in-person and over the phone
  • Comfort with public speaking and facilitating groups
  • Excellent time-management skills, able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
  • Highly detail-oriented
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive engagement
  • Collaborative and team-oriented work style

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • Fluent or proficient in any language(s) in addition to English
  • Experience working with diverse communities, particularly historically under-resourced communities
  • Familiarity with social media and other digital communication tools
  • Basic familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., outreach materials, tables, canopies)
  • Ability to attend in-person events, mostly in outdoor settings in varying weather conditions

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume (limit 2 pages total) and cover letter to [email protected] by Sunday, June 14th, 11:59 pm. Please reference the position title, Volunteer & Outreach Specialist, in the subject line. References may be requested at a later date.

In the cover letter, please address the following elements: 1) why you are interested in this position, 2) personal or professional experience with community engagement within under-resourced communities, and 3) any relevant skills and experience not listed in your resume.

Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy urban green spaces based on racial and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Friend of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

TITLE: Business & Corporate Relations Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, exempt from overtime. Full-time (40 hours per week).

HOURS: Required Sunday or Monday; flexible Tuesday through Saturday. Eligible for hybrid work. Scheduling a combination of in-office, hybrid/remote, and outdoor work will be determined with the Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager.

SUPERVISED BY: Development & Communications Director

PAY RATE: Annual salary set at $66,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 3 weeks’ vacation, 11 holidays, and sick time. Eligible for one month paid sabbatical after five years. The organization is closed during the final week of December.

LOCATION: Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Travel throughout the City of Portland with FOT provided vehicles. Work a combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote.

CLOSE DATE: Materials due by Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (see details below under How to Apply). Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt; qualified candidates may be invited to interview prior to the posted closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

EXPECTED START DATE: July 2026 (ideally)


ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted nearly a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We’ve done this through engaging tens of thousands of community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.


JOB SUMMARY

The Business & Corporate Relations Manager is the lead and primary staff person for business and corporate financial support of Friends of Trees. This position involves pursuing, securing, maintaining, and growing corporate and business support through donations (financial and in-kind), sponsorships, percentage of sale benefits, and all other forms of business/corporate support. The Manager works with the Development & Communications program, and other program areas as necessary, to coordinate Friends of Trees’ events as appropriate and relevant. This position also plays a lead role in implementing external communications, especially as related to corporate and business donors. This position is in the office, out in the community, and sometimes in the field networking with sponsors, donors, and other partners.

Business partners of note include Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Fire, Portland Thorns, PGE, Northwest Natural, along with many other businesses of various sizes and scopes.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Business & Corporate Relations

  • Maintain and grow existing corporate and business partnerships.
  • Prospecting: Research, develop, and secure new corporate and business partnerships in line with FOT’s service areas in Portland Metro, SW Washington, Salem, and Eugene.
  • Ensure fulfillment of partnership promotional benefits and activities.
    • Create and implement consistent, creative, and valued appreciation activities.
    • Host sponsors and business partners at weekend planting events.
    • Support sponsor engagement and community activation efforts, including occasional mobilization & operation of Friends of Trees mascot, Garry Oak, at corporate partner events
    • Other benefit administration as necessary and as specified in individual partner agreements.
  • Interact with sponsors and prospects externally as opportunities are available.
  • With DevComm and other appropriate staff, conceive of and implement specific campaigns and other activities specific to recruiting and growing business donors.
  • Work with the regional Eugene team on creative regional solutions to fulfill sponsor promotional activities.
  • Evaluate regional office work processes and develop / implement efficiencies to help advance fundraising and sponsorship promotional activities.
  • Coordinate private planting events for corporate and business groups, working closely with the Green Space Program.
  • Lead on all aspects of business/corporate partner involvement in organizational events and activities.
  • Work with the Development Specialist on data entry, reporting, and donation acknowledgements.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records of corporate transactions and communications. Prepare regular reports on all campaign activities.
  • Coordinate and staff outreach events as appropriate, to maintain and pursue relationships with sponsors and potential sponsors.
  • Appropriately respond to frequent inquiries and requests from current and potential business donors.
  • Project corporate donation revenue monthly, quarterly, and annually to support budgeting, goal tracking, and organizational planning.

Communications

  • Social media: Work with Communications Manager on content specific to business/corporate partners.
  • Contribute to the monthly e-newsletter as necessary.
  • Work with Communications Manager on all aspects of the Business Digest, a periodic e-news for business partners.
  • Work with DevComm team to maintain FriendsofTrees.org pages related to corporate and business donors.
  • Work with the Development Specialist to generate, regularly update, and post seasonal planting calendar, which includes sponsor participation.
  • With the DevComm team, assess and evaluate the success of communications efforts.

General Friends of Trees Programming support

  • Lead on, and/or support other staff with, securing in-kind donations of goods and/or services for organizational events.
  • Work with program staff as possible on ideas and strategies to maximize events’ and activities’ appeal to potential sponsors.
  • Directly support program activities as necessary to promote the above.

OTHER DUTIES:

  • Actively participate in FOT’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, trainings, and cross-organizational initiatives; support efforts to improve program and organizational effectiveness
  • Uphold FOT’s safety protocols in support of a safe working environment
  • Participate in cross-program committees and subcommittees to fulfill FOT’s mission
  • Participate in organizational fundraising efforts and strategic planning efforts
  • Contribute content for TreeMail and FOT social media channels, as needed
  • And other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • At least three years demonstrated experience cultivating and securing donations from corporations and businesses, including prospecting new relationships and growing existing relationships.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience managing events
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; proven ability to exercise initiative while working collaboratively and as part of a team.
  • Ability to effectively juggle and reprioritize tasks and responsibilities.
  • Strong proficiency with MS Office.
  • A positive, flexible attitude and a sense of humor.
  • Passion for FOT’s mission.
  • Experience with and dedication to working with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM system

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to [email protected] by Wednesday, June 17, 2026. In the cover letter, please address the following elements:

1) Why you’re interested in this position.
2) How your specific skills and experience position you as a qualified candidate based on this job description.
3) Personal or professional experience with equity, diversity and inclusion work.
4) Any relevant skills and experience not listed in your resume or anything benefiting from further explanation.

Please limit your application materials to three pages total. References may be requested at a later date. Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt; qualified candidates may be invited to interview prior to the posted closing date, early applications are encouraged.

Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy urban green spaces based on racial and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Friend of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

TITLE: BRANCH Coalition Grant Administrator

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Non-exempt, part-time. Anticipate 20-40+ hours per month, with the potential for additional hours as needed. Workload may increase in December/January and May/June to support semi-annual reporting and the federal program audit.

HOURS: Flexible schedule, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed. This is a three-year position funded by a federal grant that runs through May 2029. Due to invoicing timelines, work will generally be concentrated during the last week and first week of each month, though hours may vary based on project needs.

SUPERVISED BY: Deputy Director

PAY RATE: Hourly salary set at $50/hr. Eligible for sick time (1 hour for every 20 worked). Holidays accrued on a prorated basis (approx. 2 per year). Not eligible for paid vacation. Access to a retirement plan.

LOCATION: Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Work a combination of in-office and hybrid/remote.

DURATION: 3 year fixed-term position through June 2029


ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted nearly a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We’ve done this through engaging tens of thousands of community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.


JOB SUMMARY

The 11-member Building Resilience Across Northwest Communities and Habitats (BRANCH) coalition, led by Friends of Trees, was awarded a $12 million Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding supports communities most impacted by climate change, pollution, and environmental hazards. The project specifically funds community forestry activities including tree planting, natural area restoration, post-planting care, community education, workforce development, and opportunities for community input and participation.

Coalition partners include APANO, Black Parent Initiative, City of Gresham, City of Portland, Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Connecting Canopies, Depave, POIC, Verde, and Wisdom of the Elders. The award supports work through May 2029.

The Grant Administrator, employed by Friends of Trees, will work closely with internal teams and coalition partners to ensure effective grant administration, compliance, financial tracking, and reporting across the full grant lifecycle.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Grant Administration:

  • Administer the USFS grant in coordination with internal staff and partner organizations.
  • Maintain and build upon the established grant administration framework; document and improve grant processes and protocols.
  • Engage internal teams and coalition partners throughout the grant period, supporting strong collaboration.

Expense Tracking:

  • Provide guidance to internal teams and subawardees on allowable expenses and cost allocations; collaborate to ensure expenses are tracked and reconciled accurately.
  • Implement and improve systems to track and invoice grant time and materials in accordance with grant requirements.

Invoice Preparation & Submission:

  • Prepare and document monthly grant invoices in compliance with federal requirements.
  • Collect and review invoices and supporting materials from subawardees for submission.
  • Maintain organized records of all invoice backup and related documentation.
  • Coordinate invoice and reporting meetings with partners as needed.

Project Reporting:

  • Maintain and improve systems that track progress toward grant deliverables; report on internal and partner deliverables, activities, and compliance requirements
    • Support internal teams and partners in tracking their project activities and deliverables and meeting grant reporting requirements.
  • Implement user-friendly data collection systems to streamline reporting.

Grant Compliance:

  • Build on and strengthen existing compliance frameworks.
  • Work closely with internal teams and subawardees to foster understanding of invoicing, reporting, and federal compliance requirements.
  • Provide technical assistance to subawardees on federal grant requirements, including time and materials tracking, invoicing, reporting, compliance expectations, and tracking project activities and deliverables.
  • Partner with subawardees to ensure adherence to all applicable requirements throughout the grant lifecycle.

GENERAL DUTIES:

  • Uphold FOT’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives and safety protocols
  • Contribute content for TreeMail and FOT social media channels, as needed
  • And other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • 2-3 years’ experience administering federal or significant state grants, including compliance, invoicing/reimbursement, and reporting
  • Experience preparing or reviewing government reimbursement invoices
    Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills
  • Demonstrated collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in diverse, equity-centered environments
  • Experience developing systems and workflows; strong problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency with CRMs/databases (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
  • Detail-oriented with clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work both collaboratively and independently
  • Strong ability to accessibly communicate technical budget, reporting, and compliance details and requirements to internal teams and project partners.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • 3-5 years of experience administering federal grants.
  • Administration of multi-million-dollar grants with subrecipients
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with BIPOC communities and organizations.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Megan Van de Mark at [email protected] by 11:59pm on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

In the cover letter, please address the following elements: 1) why you’re interested in this position, 2) personal or professional experience with or approach to equity, diversity and inclusion work, and 3) any relevant skills and experience not listed in your resume or benefiting from further explanation. Please limit your application materials to three pages total. References may be requested at a later date.

Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy urban green spaces based on racial and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Friend of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Friends of Trees is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Friends of Trees is committed to equal opportunity for all persons including staff, volunteers, and clients served without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, family relationship, sexual orientation, gender identity, association with any other person in a protected class, veteran status, expunged juvenile record, source of income or any other classification protected by law.