Job Description

Community Engagement/Environmental Justice Coordinator

Compensation: $25 - $30/hour

Closing Date: Rolling Basis until filled

The City of Newark’s Office of Sustainability is seeking a committed, resourceful, enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated, dependable, and creative Community Engagement/Environmental Justice Coordinator to work closely with the Chief Sustainability Officer to lead community engagement and environmental justice initiatives. This position will enable the Office of Sustainability to grow and deepen our connections with Newark residents and better enable us to make informed decisions that incorporate the needs of our residents.

The ideal candidate is proficient in one or more of the common languages spoken in Newark including Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. The role focuses on resident engagement, particularly among the most ethnically and racially diverse, lowest-income, and hardest-to-reach residents who are most vulnerable to climate impacts. The Community Engagement/Environmental Justice Coordinator will do this by engaging residents through door-knocking, community events, meetings, workshops, training, and community conversations. This person in this position will manage the Love Your Block program . Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Sustainability Officer.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in related fields
• Deep commitment to, understanding of, and experience with environmental justice, climate justice, social justice, and the intersections with community engagement
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing community engagement strategies
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with an ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and compelling messaging to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with social media platforms, email broadcasts, and content management systems
• Outstanding administrative and organizational skills, including the ability to produce, track, and manage multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines in a high-performing, self-starting environment
• A clear and present sense of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills, including strong interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, empathy, grace, compassion, and cultural humility

Primary Job Duties:

• Responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of communications strategies to raise awareness about environmental justice issues and promote the mission and initiatives of our program
• This position works closely with the Chief Sustainability Officer, Tree Superintendent, Program/Communications Manager, and Grants Manager to develop programming responsive to community needs and communicate the Tree Canopy Initiative, Sustainable Food Systems Initiative, and other programs to the public
• Manage the Love Your Block program including conducting community outreach, convening the grant review committee, providing technical assistance to grantees as they complete their projects, and reviewing and processing financial documents
• Work with the Program/Communications Manager to organize and execute public events including community events, tree planting, Earth Day celebrations, community conversations, workshops, and conferences to engage and educate the public on topics ranging from extreme heat, urban tree canopy, and clean energy transition
• Attend and present at community meetings to share information and learn about community concerns
• Employ community engagement strategies such as door-knocking, community events, meetings, workshops, and training to engage residents
• Identify community concerns and communicate them with the Office of Sustainability team
• Advance special projects related to environmental justice, community outreach, and communications
• Develop promotional materials and fact sheets to support program implementation
• Represent the Office of Sustainability at relevant community events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent oral communication, writing, and presentation skills required
• Must have strong project management skills, including ability to prioritize, multi-task, and delegate as appropriate
• Must be able to meet required deadlines while working on a variety of projects
• Must have the capacity to work as a team member and leader as well as the ability to work independently
• Must be proficient in the use of a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, & PowerPoint, Google Applications, Canva, and Constant Contact
• While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required to accomplish computer and office work
• Valid NJ Driver's License

Required competencies:

• Ability to attend events in the evening and weekends
• Deep understanding of Newark’s communities and the experience and needs of residents
• Proficiency in one or more of the common languages spoken in Newark including Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole
• Demonstrated experience finding creative solutions to achieve results with limited resources

Office conditions:

The candidate would work in the Office of Sustainability’s office in City Hall. The candidate will also attend community meetings and events in the evenings and weekends. The ability to transport community engagement materials and set up displays is essential for this position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly rate will be $25-$30/hour, depending on experience. This position does not include benefits nor would holiday pay be included.

Recruitment Timeline:

Open until filled; priority will be given to candidates who apply by March 1, 2025. The successful candidate would ideally start on or before April 1, 2025.

NOTE: The City of Newark has a residency requirement for all public employees. The successful applicant must establish a principal residence in the City of Newark within six months of the effective date of employment.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to sustainabilityteam@ci.newark.nj.us. Please use the subject line “Community Engagement/ Environmental Justice Coordinator application [LAST NAME]”. No phone calls, please

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