Bridgeport Environmental Justice Educator

Position Summary

The Bridgeport Environmental Justice Educator for the CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ) is a part-time staff member who facilitates community conversations, communicates climate justice and science to public housing residents in an accessible manner, and respects, validates, and supports local residents. Applicants who reside in or have a meaningful connection to Bridgeport are preferred.

Values

At CRCJ, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research shows that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.

How you acquired the knowledge and skills matter less than your ability to meet the community’s needs (i.e. re-entry community members, college drop-outs, and those with employment gaps are still encouraged to apply).

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Relationships

• Co-facilitate community conversations and build relationships with public housing residents and partners, meeting residents (and community partners) where they are based on their unique needs

Technical Expertise

• Develop and conduct trainings and workshops that help community residents identify key environmental concerns, climate justice issues, and improve their understanding of those concerns
• Co-create and implement curriculum with EmpowerED Project Team designed to help residents understand the science behind their concerns and participate in the democratic processes to create solutions

EmpowerED Team Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between material/content, curriculum, workshops and EmpowerED Project Team
• Attend coordinating meetings with the project team and work within the decision-making parameters, community agreements, and division of responsibilities established by the project team

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Climate Change & Environmental Justice Knowledge

• A commitment to addressing the historical and current impacts of racism, sexism, and other social injustices
• Expert knowledge on climate change, environment, justice and equity issues, and an understanding of how these issues intersect
• Ability to communicate climate and environmental knowledge to a range of stakeholders with varying knowledge levels
• The ideal candidate has a deep familiarity with urban and climate justice issues in Connecticut

Communication

• Solid written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and explain complex information in an accessible manner
• A strong listener who is committed to understanding and addressing Bridgeport residents’ concerns and needs
• A compelling storyteller who can confidently engage a room of varied personalities and communication styles
• Bilingual is a plus

Facilitation & Collaboration

• Demonstrated experience working effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of people and organizations preferred
• Experience working in diverse team models, e.g. where multiple partners from different sectors work together towards a common goal
• A people person comfortable facilitating learning with flexibility and responsiveness to diverse audiences and changing circumstances
• Collaborative, team-oriented, receptive to feedback, adaptive

General Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite
• Excellent organizational skills, strong initiative, and attention to detail
• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in a related field preferred

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

Compensation: $27,000/year. An average of 20 hours per week starting March 2025 through June 2026. This position may be extended pending additional funding past June 2026. The position is virtual with monthly in-person evening meetings and several project team meetings throughout the month. Outside of team and community meetings, work hours are flexible.

HOW TO APPLY

In lieu of a cover letter, please respond to the questions below. Please include your responses, along with your resume, in one PDF document, to Michelle Eckman at michelle@ctclimateandjobs.org. Please use Bridgeport Educator in the subject line.

Questions:

1. What is a moment where you felt the impacts of climate change?
2. How would you describe the relationship between environmental issues and racial justice?
3. What is the role of the community in achieving environmental justice?

The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs is an antiracist organization committed to providing equal opportunities to people regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.