Project Manager, Sustainability in Schools

~ The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization, passionate about protecting wildlife for our children's future. NWF is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. ~ 

Position Overview  

The National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Project Manager for its Greenpoint Eco-Schools Program. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with great organizational and management skills to be part of an innovative pilot program to advance sustainability in four schools and the community of Greenpoint, Brooklyn over three years.

NWF does not have a physical office in NYC. This position will be based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The vast majority of the time, the Project Manager will be working closely with school staff and consultants to execute this work. Some travel within NYC and outside NYC for meetings and trainings is likely. 

Program Description 

In partnership with four Greenpoint public schools and local residents, the National Wildlife Federation and its partners propose to measurably improve the Greenpoint environment through its Eco-Schools USA program.

With funding from the New York State Office of the Attorney General, through the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, the Greenpoint Eco-Schools project will use the lenses of sustainability and place-based learning as tools to impart a shift in the way students are educated, resulting in an increased understanding of local environmental issues.

Using the international Eco-Schools USA program framework, students and teachers will be guided to make holistic connections to the many environmental issues that Greenpoint faces, including Energy, Consumption and Waste, School Grounds, Biodiversity, Water, Climate Change, Sustainable Food, Healthy Living, Transportation, and Healthy Schools.

The Project Manager's role will be to supervise and support all of the various projects within the schools and the local community, from conception to execution and management on the ground. The Project Manager will be NWF's lead staff person responsible for meeting the deliverables contained in a $1.43 million grant. This project is expected to last through January 2018.

In this role: 

The Project Manager for the Greenpoint Eco-Schools project will work closely with four Sustainability Coach Consultants (one in each school) to help coordinate implementation and monitor the progress of the project. 

Responsibilities 

This position will primarily be responsible for handling overall program coordination, administration, and management; quarterly and final grant reporting; managing budgets and financial accounting; tracking and meeting of grant deliverables, ensuring that schools are meeting program goals and targets, and collecting program metrics throughout the project; managing the four Sustainability Coach Consultants; liaising between NWF, schools, local businesses, and program partners; and regular reporting to Directors. 

• Gain a thorough understanding of Greenpoint Eco-Schools project goals, objectives, and grant deliverables.
• Be part of the hiring team and work closely with and supervise four Sustainability Coach Consultants (one in each school) to coordinate and implement sustainability goals for waste reduction, energy and water conservation, the creation or enhancement of green space, and improvement of air quality. Work with said Consultants to ensure the quality and variety of project activities.
• Work with the four Sustainability Consultants to coordinate the planning and implementation of on-the-ground sustainability projects and ensure that they align with the overall goals and objectives of NWF's Greenpoint Eco-Schools project.
• Oversee schools' progress towards Eco-Schools USA program objectives and awards, n-school sustainability action projects, and community stewardship projects.
• Coordinate infrastructure improvements that will be implemented in the schools by city agencies
• Oversee tracking of grant deliverables (goals, metrics, actions, projects, awards, and progress).
• Produce monthly progress reports
• Attend monthly status meetings with sustainability consultants and the NYC Eco-Schools Outreach Manager
• Together with the NYC Eco-Schools Outreach Manager, assess and meet any human resource, financial or logistical needs for the project
• Field and answer questions and concerns from school administration and program partners.
• Provide support to NWF staff to evaluate the project
• Act as liaison between NWF and program partners including schools, city agencies, and educational non-profits
• Act as liaison between NWF and local businesses, non-profit organizations, environmental resource specialists, and members of the Greenpoint community.
• Foster good relations. 

Qualifications 

• Five to ten years of experience with project management or associated Master's degree.
• BA or MS in Education, Environmental/Sustainability, Administration field.
• Superb team building, communication and management skills
• Project management.
• Experience with dynamic projects.
• K-12 educational experience working with public school systems.
• Environmental/Sustainability background.
• Knowledge of urban environments. 

Preferred skills and qualities: 

• Grant management, administrative experience, and basic accounting and financial management experience.
• A positive attitude, seeking creative solutions to challenges if/when they arise.
• The ability to personally seek guidance, direction and support from others when needed.     
• Familiarity with Greenpoint neighborhood, history, and environmental challenges.
• Familiarity and respect for the specific multi-cultural values, attitudes, and experiences of Greenpoint residents.