Program Associate: Food, Climate, & Environment
Employer: Rhode Island Food Policy Council
Work Location: Hybrid (Rhode Island-based)
Term of Employment: Full Time
Compensation Range: $45,000-$50,000
Duties / Responsibilities
The Program Associate is expected to attend regular in-person events and meetings across the state. The Senior Program Associate reports directly to the Program Director for Food, Climate, & Environment and works closely with other staff and Council members.
Responsibilities
– Build relationships with municipal leaders to advance city and town composting and food waste diversion programs.
– Coordinate and lead educational presentations with municipal leaders, environmental commissions, libraries, schools, etc.
– Support coordination of the RI Compost Conference, including coordinating a planning committee and assisting with all aspects of planning the conference (e.g., keynote speakers, workshop nomination and selection, sponsorship program, event day logistics)
– Support the Food, Climate, & Environment Work Group as requested
– Assist the Program Director and our partners on relevant grant applications and grant reporting requirements
– Collaborate with staff on program-related communications, assisting as requested with content for website, e-newsletter, and social media channels
– Attend weekly virtual staff meetings and monthly in-person meetings
– Contribute to presentations to the Board of Directors and external audiences
Desired Applicant Experience
Requirements
– Two or more years of experience working in community outreach, education, and/or program coordination.
– Ability to establish rapport and trust with municipal leaders (e.g. City Council leaders, Town Administrators, Town Planners, Department of Public Works Directors, Recycling Coordinators) and other partners (e.g., community-based organizations, farmers, fishers, composters, farmers, community leaders from socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, state agency staff, nonprofit leaders)
– Comfort and experience with presenting to groups
– Ability to absorb new information quickly and identify opportunities for creating positive, mutually beneficial change
– Ability to quickly identify, explore, and present to Program Director opportunities as they arise
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills
– Alignment with RIFPC mission and values
– Experience using a lens of justice, equity, and inclusion in past work
– Computer literacy (e.g. Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, Basecamp)
– Existing connections with RI community-based organizations preferred
Bachelor’s degree preferred
How to Apply / Notes / Other Information
The RI Food Policy Council offers a flexible workplace with a collegial environment, the salary range for this position is $45,000-$50,000 plus benefits including retirement contributions, a health insurance reimbursement, and generous vacation and paid time off. Please send a cover letter and resume to info@rifoodcouncil.org with the subject line “PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, FOOD CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT”
Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and email. Employment history and/or background check including 3 references and a writing sample are required of final candidates. The RI Food Policy Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the benefits of a diverse organization.