Program Manager Environmental- Bilingual

Position Summary

The Program Manager for Environmental Justice Initiatives develops, coordinates, implements and supports programs focused on community transformation and revitalization, with a particular focus on environmental justice education, advocacy, strategy and direct service. This focus includes all aspects of individual, community and family prosperity – prioritizing areas related to the physical environment (natural and built), including greening/green spaces, trees and tree maintenance, street cleanliness and trash, climate resilience, energy equity and weatherization of homes, and other areas. Esperanza’s environmental justice portfolio of work, which is mainly housed in the Housing and Economic Development (EHED) division, is well-established and also expanding into new areas. All activities will support and advance Esperanza’s vision of creating and modeling a Hispanic/Latino Opportunity Community. Projects may encompass research/data collection, direct service, community education and outreach, organizing/advocacy, program implementation and management, and/or any other activity that advances the overall goals of the Opportunity Community with designated targeted audiences and geographies.

The Program Manager for Environmental Justice Initiatives will report directly to the Vice President of Advocacy & Community Development and will participate in all department/organizational activities as necessary.

Essential Functions

1. Program delivery and management for environmental justice/climate resilience initiatives, both contracted and not, including some administrative responsibilities (reporting, budget monitoring, communications, coordination of partners, planning and executing activities, assisting with data collection, etc.), as well as other direct service activities in environmental stewardship and greening, including tree-planting, heat mitigation initiatives, and other related efforts;
2. Design and deliver community education campaigns related to Esperanza’s environmental justice portfolio of work and more broadly, to the general community and more specific segments of community, including preparing educational and/or marketing and communications materials; facilitating meetings and workshops; designing and conducting evaluation of education programs; etc.;
3. Facilitate community coalitions and other types of groups, and plan/execute community events;
4. Establish and maintain information databases as needed, both for specific projects (reporting, etc.) and broader dissemination of services, progress and impacts;
5. Maintain robust relationships with community members, organizations, the City of Philadelphia and other stakeholders to facilitate community-based activities including education, advocacy, and program delivery with a special focus on environmental justice;
6. Contribute editorial content related to environmental justice initiatives to Impacto newspaper and other Esperanza marketing and communications platforms (i.e. website, social media platforms, newsletters, board reports, etc.) as assigned;
7. Help with the development and design of environmental justice strategy and agenda that is place-based and community-engaged;
8. Assist with grant applications (including narratives and budgets) and grant reports for environmental justice initiatives, as assigned;
9. Support the activities of other EHED team members and the broader Esperanza staff as needed, including community events, general outreach and engagement, strategic planning processes, referral to and follow up with other services and departments, etc.;
10. Contribute to the overall alignment and synergy of the Esperanza ecosystem through cross-functional work when appropriate and/or assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

1. Attend relevant workshops and trainings as necessary to maintain professional and technical knowledge, certifications, and licensure.
2. Facilitate and attend relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals and objectives.
3. Complete special projects specific to the function of the department or as needed for the department as directed by the VP of Advocacy & Community Development and/or the SVP of Research, Community Engagement and Health Equity.
4. Participate in all Esperanza-wide functions, meetings, and programs as required.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of Esperanza’s mission, goals, and objectives and ability to work independently with a high level of energy and contribute as part of a larger team.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for Esperanza's mission and values.
• Knowledge of concepts and practices associated with environmental justice, community engagement, government relations, advocacy, public relations, public administration, and community development.
• Knowledge and experience with program management and implementation, including contracting, budgeting, reporting, and design.
• Ability to influence and persuade individuals and groups and mobilize a call to action.
• Must be entrepreneurial, energetic, imaginative, well-organized, and capable of functioning effectively in an independent environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency required
• Microsoft Office Suite applications proficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Experience, Education, and Licensure

Minimum Experience

A minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in environment/climate justice-related community engagement, education, advocacy, and community development activities. Experience working in and/or volunteering with organizations engaged in environmental justice work, as well as program management, is preferred.

Minimum Education

A High School diploma is required. BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, natural sciences, economic development, city planning, or a related field of study is preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; talk or hear. The employee will frequently climb stairs; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
3. Occasional pushing, pulling, and lifting various materials and equipment associated with events, meetings, and general community activities.
4. Operate standard office equipment.
5. Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. Work is primarily indoors.
3. Frequently travel outdoors throughout the community, often by walking, visiting businesses, parents, and meeting with community leaders.
4. Position may require occasional one-day or multiple-day trips to attend conferences seminars, and meetings.
5. Will require working non-traditional hours to include weekends and evenings based on operational needs and scheduled events, generally planned in advance.