City of South Portland

Sustainability Program Coordinator

Job Description

POSITION TITLE:Sustainability Program Coordinator

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:Executive/Sustainability Office

LABOR DESIGNATION:Non Union

PAY GRADE:Grade G – 22.5 hrs/wk

FLSA:Non-Exempt

DATE:November 1, 2017

OVERALL JOB OBJECTIVE

Assist the Sustainability Director in developing and implementing policies and programs that simultaneously promote economic well-being, strong community connections, and a healthy environment.The primary focus of the Sustainability office is to implement the City's Climate Action Plan and related initiatives to help municipal departments, schools, and the community become more sustainable. Important issues addressed by the office include: energy use, water conservation, transportation, building design, recycling, toxics reduction, and education (see the office's goals and priorities at:

This position will also have an emphasis on education, outreach, and grants. The Program Coordinator will work with the Sustainability Director to develop campaigns and outreach materials that educate the community about current sustainability initiatives and garner support for new policies and programs in South Portland. The Program Coordinator will alsowork to promote and gain funding and support for the work of the sustainability office through grants and partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop, implement, and managesustainability programs and policies for City staff and the public.
  • Identify, seek, secure, and help administer grant funding to support sustainability pilot programs and new initiatives.
  • Developoutreach including talking points, press releases, and other written materials for communicating sustainability programs to City staff and the public.
  • Help promote and report on City sustainability practices, policies, and ordinances through the creation of summaries, updates, and reports.
  • Provide research support to Sustainability Director for new policies and programs.
  • Represent the City at relevant events, meetings, speaking engagements, and other outreach opportunitiesregarding sustainability issues.
  • Assist in maintaining the sustainability portion of the South Portland website.
  • Serve as the City’s liaison on the Energy and Recycling Committee and lead the City’s internal Sustainability Committee.
  • Help create and maintain a social media presence.
  • Work productively and cooperatively with supervisors, co-workers, assigned committees, and the general public.
  • Supports the overall success of the City’s Sustainability Office by performing all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy, or Management, English, Journalism or a related field.One to three years related experience in outreach and education, program development, report writing, and/or grant writing. Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information, develop and present grant proposals, and design compelling outreach. Knowledge of sustainabilityprinciples, climate change, and general energy issues. Experience with or knowledge of Windows/Microsoft Office platform and software pertaining to the development of outreach and educational materials.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

Most important skills of the position are honesty, integrity, versatility, attention to detailand initiative;

Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing;

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to respond courteously, tactfully and effectively to public concerns and complaints, and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders and employees at all levels;

Results-oriented, proven performer with the ability to apply contemporary tools and outreach solutions to attain desired results;

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to assume responsibility for completion of work;

Experience with grant applications;

Ability to research, prepare and present reports;

Ability and willingness to attend evening and weekend meetings;

An understanding of the principles of effective outreach & engagement;

Ability to make highly effective presentations before groups and represent the City in public forums.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Reports to the Sustainability Director, who works under the general guidance of the City Manager’s Office and the policy guidance of the City Council and School Board. The position will work closely with City staff at all levels and the public. The position has no direct supervision of any staff, but may have an occasional responsibility to direct the work of a student intern.

Physical Demands:

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Hours of work are as necessary to accomplish the position’s responsibilities. They will include hoursoutside normal office hours includingoccasional evenings, weekends and holidays. Regular attendance is a high pre-requisite to maintaining the position.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.