Community Partnerships Manager, Living Cities Campaign

The Environmental Defense Fund's distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes a focus on scientific and economic disciplines and on the use of market mechanisms where applicable to reach well-crafted, durable solutions.  The organization builds teams of scientists, lawyers, and economists to investigate the causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that encourage, subsidize, and prevent environmental damage. 

In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxic chemicals, and wildlife), Environmental Defense Fund seeks practical solutions, founded on science, that policy makers and industry can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

The Living Cities program at Environmental Defense Fund is dedicated to transforming environmental conditions in urban areas, to protect human health, stabilize climate and restore biodiversity - especially in communities disproportionately affected by poor environmental conditions.

Position Overview: 

The Community Partnerships Manager will lead the EDF's community-based outreach in support of major initiatives in the New York metropolitan area.  S/he will be responsible for building relationships and partnerships among a wide variety of stakeholders in support of campaigns to improve the New York City environment. 

Outreach efforts will focus on community leaders, local elected officials, environmental advocates, the environmental justice community, business and neighborhood associations, labor unions, religious leaders and other leaders. 

EDF major initiatives in New York include reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ways that improve quality of life.  The initial focus will be on the transportation sector, to promote innovative transit like bus-rapid-transit, and market-based solutions like congestion pricing and pay-as-you-drive insurance. 

S/he will also assist with developing similar relationships in connection with federal policy reform.

Responsibilities:

• Build a network of community partners among key New York stakeholders in support of EDF major initiatives in the New York metropolitan region, especially in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. 
• Initiate and expand relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders: civic organizations; local business leaders; environmental justice and community-based organizations; and other leaders from civic, labor and religious communities. 
• Produce persuasive advocacy material to engage diverse new stakeholders, including reports, fact sheets and web-based material.
• Conduct meetings with local government agencies, from community boards to city council members and state officials
• Research and analyze key transportation and climate issues, especially with respect to equity, cost and other issues of specific concern to local partners. 
• Draft action alerts and other web materials
• Launch Community Advocates Campaign to engage EDF members and individuals at the community level in the 5 boroughs
• Organize and manage community meetings and events

Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus 3-5 years work experience
• Knowledge of  New York City and New York State political, agency and legislative processes
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to engaging new stakeholders
• An ability to thrive  in a fast-paced work environment and work with complex and sometimes controversial environmental solutions
• Demonstrated ability to engage constructively and creatively with a diverse variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of New York City's neighborhoods and  communities
• Ability to communicate with and work in close collaboration with advocates, community based organizations, environmental and environmental justice groups and civic groups
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good data management skills
• Willingness to travel and attend community meetings and hearings as needed.
• Spanish language skills strongly preferred.

To Apply: 

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email.  We are only able to respond to qualified candidates; no phone calls please.

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer.