This is a Union position

The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center is a 54-year-old nonprofit located in West Berkeley. Our mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

Founded in the run-up to the first Earth Day in 1970, the Ecology Center has been a regional and national leader on a wide range of issues, turning vision into action and cementing it with advocacy. We operate the nation’s first and longest-running curbside recycling service, nationally recognized food and farming programs, and model education and engagement activities.

We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Climate Equity Coordinator position coordinates the Ecology Center’s equitable community engagement efforts, serving as the primary point of contact for the Ecology Center in relation to key partners and anchor organizations. This role will help further the Ecology Center’s efforts at building the knowledge, experience, voice, and power of underrepresented, low-income, and disadvantaged communities in the context of greenhouse gas reduction, climate preparedness, and resistance.

This role will work in close collaboration with City of Berkeley staff and Consultant(s) to be hired by the City and the community. The City of Berkeley, with the Ecology Center as a co-applicant, was recently awarded a two year State of California Office of Planning and Research Adaptation Planning Grant Program (APGP) grant to create a new Environmental Justice Element and update the Disaster Preparedness & Safety Element of Berkeley’s General Plan, and to develop community-driven climate and resilience metrics. The Ecology Center’s main role is to provide equity-focused community engagement for the development of the deliverables in the grant agreement. The Climate Equity Coordinator will be a lead position in driving this effort.

Primary Responsibilities:

Roles and responsibilities of the successful candidate include:

Project Coordination:
● Coordinate meetings and correspondence with the City of Berkeley staff, Consultant(s) to be hired by the City, and other Ecology Center staff on matters relevant to this project.
● Track the progress and completion of grant tasks that are the responsibility of the Ecology Center (as defined in the grant agreement) on time and within budget.
● Retain all records and documentation digitally of actions taken with respect to the Project and provide records when requested by the City.
● Draft written reports as required by the grant agreement, to be reviewed and approved by the City, including Equitable Community Engagement Strategy.

Community Engagement:
● Develop, foster, and maintain respectful and collaborative relationships with community organizations and members representing disadvantaged communities. Provide ongoing communications with local community-based organizations.
● In collaboration with other Ecology Center staff, develop an Equitable Community Engagement Strategy to engage community-based organizations, get input for developing feedback on draft general plan elements, and execute a work plan based on the Strategy.
● Solicit feedback from Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and community members on the Environmental Justice Element, the Disaster Preparedness & Safety Element, and the Equitable Community Engagement Strategy.
● Develop and set up Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with community organizations/members and assist in the process of funds disbursement and resources.
● Plan, coordinate, and facilitate events, focus groups, surveys, and/or interviews with CBOs serving disadvantaged communities and equity-focused community meetings.
● Develop materials for events, including handouts, presentations, collateral, etc.
● Draft a written summary of findings acquired through equitable community engagement efforts.
● Review and draft feedback on general plan elements, assessments, and other City documents from the city consultant(s).

Other Duties:
● Stay abreast of regional and national trends and advances in climate Equity approaches.
● Support grant writing and other fundraising efforts for the Community Engagement program.
● Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The successful candidate should have the following experience:

>High School Diploma/GED and four years of experience in program management, sustainability, climate action, or environmental education, with increasing levels of responsibility, or
>Bachelor’s Degree, and two years of related work experience in program management, sustainability, climate action, or environmental education, with increasing levels of responsibility.
● 2 years of experience in equity collaboration approaches, planning, and convening with disadvantaged communities;
● Experience working with local and/or state government agencies;
● Existing relationships with local Berkeley CBOs representing disadvantaged communities;
● Efficient and well organized; able to report information in a timely manner and manage a budget;
● Ability to lead and oversee content development and digital media communications;
● Demonstrated experience with group facilitation and event planning to attract and serve diverse audiences;
● Excellent presentation skills in both verbal and written formats; experience in public speaking and conducting outreach to diverse audiences;
● Experience drafting reports with findings and recommendations;
● Experience in environmental justice issues, frameworks, and mitigation opportunities;
● Experience in Community Engagement practices;
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation expertise;
● Excellent writing skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex topics;
● Ability to problem solve with creativity and thoughtfulness with multiple partiesM
* Must possess a valid CA driver’s license and clean driving record.

Salary and Benefits:

Part-time, 75% FTE, 30 hours per week, non-exempt position; starting hourly rate is $26.56 to $29.21 depending on qualifications. Please note that only internal candidates are eligible for the highest starting pay rate. This position is eligible for benefits which include fully paid employee medical, dental, optional vision plan, fully vested 401K plan, vacation/sick/holiday pay, Employee Assistance Program. This position is covered under the Ecology Center/ IWW Collective Bargaining Agreement and requires union membership.

How to Apply:

1. Complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/.
2. Send completed application, resume, and cover letter in pdf format to hiring@ecologycenter.org. Please add “Climate Equity Program Coordinator” to the email subject line.

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Please apply early as this position posting may close at any time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.