At the Sustainability Institute our mission is a better tomorrow, one community at a time. This mission is implemented through economic, environmental, and social standards. We believe our work is very important to the future of New Jersey and beyond. If you agree, consider joining our team.
Career Opportunities
Program Manager
About the Position
The Program Manager works with the Senior Program Manager of Policy and Planning, and is responsible for researching best practices related to sustainable development for local government and supporting the implementation of them in the Sustainable Jersey programs with a particular emphasis on land-use and climate resilience. The Program Manager will administer and coordinate the development of policy, research, and comprehensive planning documents. Oversees the day-to-day administration of programs, projects, and/or processes regarding the planning, preparation, evaluation, and control of communications, events, records, statistics, reports, and documents. Oversees the development of guidance documents (program actions, toolkits, etc.). Keeps abreast of similar programs at other institutions and non-profits. Develops and maintains effective relationships with various public and private institutions and agencies to assess program requirements, modifications, or innovations. Work is consistent with an understanding of the mission, vision, role, and goals of the organization. Performs professional level work that requires knowledge of program management and the application and use of concepts, theories, and terminology of the organization.
Specific Duties
- Conduct research on sustainability policies, best practices and emerging models; contribute to the creation of models, guides and tools to support local governments and schools to implement recommended best practices; develop well-written narrative and statistical reports containing project findings, conclusions and recommendations.
- Manage grants and contracts and funder relationships with key partners. Assist in the identification and evaluation of funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals.
- Respond to inquiries from program participants such as municipal and school staff and green team members and Sustainable Jersey staff related to assigned topic areas and project areas. Review submissions to municipal and schools certification programs on assigned policy areas.
- Work with program partners and stakeholder groups to identify emerging sustainability policy issues as the basis of new actions; develop solutions and implement outreach and assistance programs; organize meetings with partners and task forces and seek input from other outside experts.
- Present policies, case studies and best practices to expert and non-expert audiences to build support for implementation. Provide technical assistance and coordinate local pilot projects in municipalities and schools to assist them in completing Sustainable Jersey actions and other recommended best practices.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, or similar is required.
- Minimum of two years of experience working in land-use planning, public policy, local municipal government or similar field is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in presentations and in written research reports, guidance documents, and case studies for diverse audiences having varying levels of knowledge about sustainability programs and policies.
- Ability to work in a team as well as independently on assigned research tasks, including identifying resources, case studies, and related policy and program material.
- Organized and ability to prioritize and complete multiple simultaneous projects.
- Knowledge of municipal land-use planning and zoning in New Jersey with an understanding of climate change, its impacts at the local level and policies and activities municipalities can undertake to be more resilient.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate a process with partners and stakeholders to develop municipal guidance
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in planning or related field.
- American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) certification and/or certified licensed New Jersey Professional Planner (PP).
- ArcGIS skills and data management capabilities.
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How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references.
Internship Opportunities
The Sustainability Institute offers both paid and unpaid internships to TCNJ students. For more information about internship opportunities, please contact Samantha McGraw at mcgraws@tcnj.edu.