Program Operations Coordinator

Want to devote your talents to creating a better future for all of us? Serve as a central operational hub supporting several of the Foundation's nationally recognized programs, conferences, and network initiatives. The Arbor Day Foundation is a place where you can do work that matters with people who care. As we say at the Foundation: life is short, love where you work.

As one of the world's largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We help others understand and use trees as a nature-based solution to some of the biggest global challenges we face today, like air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.  

We're looking for a Program Operations Coordinator who thrives on organization, enjoys solving problems, loves bringing order to complexity, and finds satisfaction in helping people succeed. As Program Operations Coordinator, you'll help power the operational engine behind our recognition programs, conferences, and national networks while ensuring every participant receives exceptional support and every detail is executed with care.

What you’ll bring: 

• Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people.  
• Our ideal candidate has two or more years of experience in operations, program administration, event coordination, customer service, office administration, or a related field.
•  Experience working with databases, CRMs, registration platforms, or similar systems.
•  Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting and data analysis.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A customer-first mindset and a collaborative approach to problem solving.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

What you’ll do:

Serve as a Trusted Operational Resource

• Manage multiple shared inboxes supporting programs, conferences, and network initiatives.
• Respond to inquiries from program participants, partners, exhibitors, attendees, vendors, and internal teams.
• Provide timely, professional support and ensure questions are resolved through completion.
• Create and maintain FAQs, templates, and resources that improve efficiency and stakeholder experience.

Support National Recognition Programs

• Administer annual application and recognition cycles.
• Support the review and processing of thousands of program applications.
• Maintain application records and program data.
• Coordinate recognition materials, inventory, fulfillment activities, and vendor relationships.

Help Deliver Large-Scale Conferences & Events

• Support attendee and exhibitor registration for national conferences and events.
• Maintain registration systems and attendee records.
• Coordinate communications, reporting, shipping, supplies, and event materials.
• Assist with event planning, onsite execution, and post-event wrap-up activities.

Drive Data, Reporting & Operational Insights

• Produce recurring and ad hoc reports for programs, conferences, and leadership teams.
• Analyze participation, registration, inventory, and operational data.
• Maintain data accuracy and provide insights that help improve decision-making.

Manage Systems & Processes

• Support registration, application, and program management systems.
• Troubleshoot user issues and maintain process documentation.
• Partner with stakeholders to improve workflows, automation, and user experience.
• Train and support system users when needed.

Provide Administrative & Operational Support

• Process purchase orders, invoices, fulfillment requests, and operational transactions.
• Maintain records within Business Central and other systems.
• Coordinate with Accounting and internal teams to ensure accurate documentation and payment processing.

What success looks like:

• Keep multiple operational processes moving without missing key details or deadlines.
• Effectively balance competing priorities during peak program and conference seasons.
• Produce accurate reports and maintain high-quality data.
• Build trusted relationships through responsive and proactive support.
• Identify problems, take initiative, and follow issues through to resolution.
• Help programs, conferences, and stakeholders operate efficiently and successfully.

Your Support System:

You'll report to the Senior Manager, Program Operations and work closely with internal program leaders, external state coordinators, exhibitors, participants, vendors, and internal teams to ensure operational details are executed flawlessly and critical initiatives continue moving forward.

Days and Location:

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Schedule: In-office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; optional remote work on Wednesday and Friday. Office hours are 8am to 5pm

Love Where You Work: Your Benefits & Perks

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. Highlights include:

Health & Insurance

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage - Multiple plan options, including PPO and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
• Company-Paid Life Insurance - $15,000 basic coverage, plus voluntary options available.
• Short- & Long-Term Disability - Fully paid by the company.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential counseling and resources for you and your family.
• Supplemental Insurance Options -  Accident, Critical Illness (includes infertility coverage), and Hospital Indemnity plans available for added peace of mind.

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Immediate eligibility with company match up to 5%; full vesting after 5 years.
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (HSA) -  Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Holidays -  Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual companywide “Unplug Time” during the holidays.
• Parental Leave  - 12 weeks paid for birthing parents | 2 weeks paid for non-birthing parents | Available for adoption as well.
• Paid Time Off -  Vacation, sick leave, and paid volunteer time off

Learning & Growth

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.
• Learning Time - Team members are encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.

Wellness & Perks

• HealthJoy App – Included with medical insurance to simplify healthcare navigation and support.
• Wellness & Recognition – Incentives, recognition gifts awarded for work anniversaries & birthdays
• Exclusive Discounts & Free Admission – Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, golf and more.

Benefits and perks may vary based on position and are subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

How to apply

We’re excited you’re considering growing your career with us. After you apply, we aim to follow up within two weeks - and you’ll hear from us either way.

Our hiring process typically includes:

• A conversation with our recruiter
• An interview with the hiring manager
• An onsite interview with team members and leadership

You’ll be kept informed at every step. To begin, submit your application with a resume and responses to the application questions. Every application is reviewed by a real person - we do not use AI to select applicants.

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer

The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against Team Members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the U.S. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact us at 888-448-7337