Canopy: Youth Leadership Program Manager

Canopy is looking for a Youth Leadership Program Manager

oversee the Teen Urban Forester (TUF) program, which provides paid internships to local high school students engaged in tree planting and care initiatives. Under the guidance of the Education Director, the manager will coordinate training experiences that foster environmental stewardship and leadership skills, while students participate in practical fieldwork, including leading community volunteers and caring for trees.

Canopy is a community forestry non‑profit that partners with the communities of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven in Menlo Park, unincorporated North Fair Oaks in San Mateo County, Palo Alto, and Mountain View. Their mission is to collaborate with these communities to grow and sustain equitable urban forests for all. They prioritize tree planting and stewardship, education, and advocacy in areas where residents do not benefit from a thriving urban forest due to limited resources, competing priorities, historical development, and urbanization patterns.

The staff and volunteers at Canopy strive for excellence, equity, collaboration, and gratitude in their work, welcoming candidates who share these values. They are seeking a dedicated individual to join their team and grow alongside them as they work towards their vision of connected communities thriving within a vibrant urban forest.

• Lead strategy, vision, and implementation of Canopy’s Teen Urban Forester (TUF) program, engaging high school students in paid internships focused on urban forestry, climate resilience, and community leadership.
• Design and implement a robust curriculum, combining technical training, fieldwork, college and career readiness, and 21st‑century skill development across three session cohorts.
• Manage, mentor, and inspire youth cohorts during three sessions in field‑based and classroom environments.
• Manage communication with the TUFs via calendars, emails, texts, and timesheets.
• Manage TUF paperwork and ensure it is completed on time.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and empowering program culture.
• Develop systems for youth accountability, growth, and feedback.
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with local schools, city agencies, and community organizations to support recruitment and project collaboration.
• Oversee logistics including site scheduling, transportation licensing and requirements (driving a 15‑passenger van), safety protocols, and documentation.
• Collaboratively develop and manage program budget, deliverables, and evaluation metrics; contribute to grant reporting and storytelling.
• Work with Communications and Development teams to elevate youth voices and program visibility.
• Collaborate with Canopy colleagues to complement the Teen Urban Forester program with Canopy’s Tree Planting, Tree Care, Education, and other programmatic goals.

Organizational Leadership and Collaboration – ~10%

• Serve as a thought partner to the Education Director and contribute to strategic planning across youth and community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Canopy’s program and development teams to integrate youth and community stories into communications, fundraising, and advocacy work.
• Represent Canopy at community meetings, conferences, and in regional coalitions related to workforce development, green jobs, urban forestry, and environmental equity.
• Actively contribute to Canopy’s inclusive and mission‑driven culture, with a commitment to continuous learning and community accountability.

• Must have a valid U.S. Driver’s License.
• Live Scan background check is required upon hire for all staff that work with youth under 18.
• At least 1‑3 years of experience leading groups of 15+ high school youth.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity in education and cultural competency.
• Ability to adapt teaching style and content to meet the diverse needs of high school students.
• Strong public speaking skills; ability to present in a confident, engaging manner that draws in the audience.
• Organizational skills and ability to follow through with assigned tasks.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in…