EPA Project Manager

Description

El Puente seeks a responsible, detail-oriented, and committed Project Manager to join El Puente’s Green Light District team. This position reports to the Program Director and will work with the program staff, members, and community.  The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, flexible, team-oriented environment, and is motivated by the opportunity to assist in creating a dynamic culture.  They will also have a passion for social justice and will understand how movement building is served by a strong leadership team.

Who we are

Founded in 1982, El Puente is a youth-centered organization that uses the arts and education to advance social and environmental justice. Our mission is to inspire and nurture leadership for peace and justice, working as a human rights institution in NYC and Puerto Rico with national and international impact. El Puente creates community-led movements of self-determination through a holistic leadership and membership program model, as a high-impact youth and community development organization.

El Puente integrates its activities and community campaigns within its six Youth Leadership Centers, and its nationally recognized public high school, the El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Organizing in North Brooklyn, Puerto Rico, and beyond, El Puente remains at the forefront of community & youth development, and as such, initiates /impacts social policy locally and nationally.

As a staff member of El Puente, the Activity Specialist is expected to uphold and work within the mission, philosophy, and principles of the organization.

Position Overview

El Puente has received an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change Grant, one of only a few organizations nationally to receive this award. With this new funding, El Puente will start a new initiative to create Community Advisory Boards in North Brooklyn which will facilitate the engagement of disadvantaged communities in North Brooklyn in governmental processes for environmental and climate justice. This initiative will amplify our historic GLD Initiative.

El Puente is looking for a Project Manager who will lead the shaping and facilitating of this project. The position requires both organizing skills combined with an environmental justice background and culturally responsive practices.

Essential Job Functions:

Leadership Development:

Provide leadership and facilitate the direction of El Puente’s EPA Community Change Grant . 

• Support, supervise, and mentor other staff involved in the project, as well as volunteers and interns, providing opportunities for leadership and professional development.
• Create and implement events that build community, create an organizing base, and meet specific goals and objectives for the project.
• Participate in organization-wide planning and leadership development.
• Convene project partners and maintain ongoing communication with them. 

Management:

• Develop, organize, coordinate, and supervise the El Puente EPA Community Change Grant work plan.
• Maintain a dynamic project management system to track and deliver on grant requirements.
• Work with the Communications Manager to ensure strong/cohesive outputs on project progress.
• Design and implement program evaluation strategies, including creative methodologies such as Participatory Action Research (PAR).
• Manage administrative functions to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the initiative.

El Puente Programs and Community Relations:

• Work with El Puente Program Directors to ensure the integration of project activities with other organizational programs, including El Puente's youth leadership centers.
• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and partners, including local organizations and elected officials.
• Work with executive leadership to secure and sustain El Puente's strategic engagement in networks, coalitions and associations related to this project and El Puente’s EJ work, as well as public policy groups that advocate in these areas.
• Develop and implement a community organizing strategy to engage residents across North Brooklyn in the initiative.
• Represent the interests/ needs of the community on key issues of public policy, including those related to equitable. development, open space, environmental justice, community resiliency, cultural equity, gentrification, and community preservation.
• Represent the organization at public events, including press conferences, public meetings, and rallies/organizing activities.

Qualifications

• A passionate and experienced community organizer who has a deep commitment to issues of social justice and cultural expression—especially as they relate to climate change—and possesses strong managerial and administrative skills. She/he should meet some combination of the following qualifications:
• 5 years experience in community health, urban planning, and/or environmental justice; 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Experience in a community-based nonprofit setting, and working with community members from diverse backgrounds, of all ages including youth, and, particularly with Latino communities.
• Strong experience in community organizing around issues of social justice.
• Collaborative and team-focused with the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative and make strategic, time-sensitive decisions aligned with the vision/ mission of the organization.
• Significant experience with grant writing and other forms of fundraising, including both public and private funding.
• An understanding of—and ideally experience with—how arts and culture build community and can be used as tools for organizing and engagement.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree in community health, environmental management, urban planning, or similar, preferred.
• Experience recruiting, managing, and/or interacting with volunteers.
• Spanish fluency (written and spoken)is highly desired.

COVID-19 considerations: All new hires must submit proof of vaccination. 

Location: This is a full-time in-person position based in Brooklyn, NY.

Schedule: Generally Monday through Friday 10 AM-6 PM.  Work days and hours may shift depending on scheduling needs. 

Salary and Benefits:

$62k annual salary and benefits package, including health and retirement (Up to 2% match by employer).

El Puente is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a staff that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, DREAMers, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.