Program Associate

Job Description

The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) seeks a skilled and dynamic Program Associate to support the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY—ESF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other agencies. Grant focuses include sustainable materials management (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental finance.

The Program Associate will lead efforts for NYS communities and Native Nations to help advance the adoption of SMM solutions, especially those related to recycling stream contamination reduction, waste reduction and reuse, and outreach and education. Tasks will include, but are not limited to, providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating professional and community groups, conducting outreach and engagement, and grant writing.

This is a 40‑hour per week, year‑round position. It is a remote position and periodic travel throughout NYS will be required.

$62,400

S4

Exempt

Standard University business hours 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (academic year); 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (summer). Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Full‑time

Represented by SEIU, Local 200

United.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, sustainability, or a closely related focus, and at least two years of experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.

• Required skills:
  
  meeting planning and facilitation; written communication; outreach and engagement; interpersonal communication; time/task management; systems thinking; survey methods; and grant writing.
• Required knowledge: sustainable materials management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling); recycling stream contamination reduction; organics recycling systems; recycling system infrastructure; sustainable community development strategies; and environmental communication best practices.

• Co‑lead outreach for programs, projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability and sustainable materials management (SMM).
• Manage initiatives of the communications team, including student design interns, to develop content such as websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e‑newsletters, and annual reports.
• Develop, facilitate, and promote technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM throughout NY and PR.
• Promote SMM‑related resources, tools, educational materials, and other critical outputs and deliverables.
• Facilitate statewide stakeholder groups, including scheduling meetings, facilitating communications and reminders, taking meeting notes, and managing group‑related documents.
• Co‑lead the coordination of events and meetings related to SMM, including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow‑up.
• Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up‑to‑date industry best practices into SMM activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
• Advance the mission and vision of ISE by leading grant‑funded environmental and community‑focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
• Incorporate approaches that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all Institute‑related work.
• Collaborate with Institute’s Program Managers and Directors to assess and continually improve the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY and PR communities and beyond.
• Foster the development of professional skills, expertise, and knowledge of the Institute’s project assistants and student interns through mentorship and an inclusive work environment.
• Support and…