Environmental Justice Grant Specialist

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Climate Justice Grant Specialist will work at and with RI Department of Environmental Management’s (RIDEM) Director’s Office. They will be responsible for the project management and grants administration of a three-year EPA Government-to-Government Environmental Justice Grant awarded to the RI Department of Environmental Management. This grant focuses on environmental justice and community engagement within the Upper Narragansett Bay Watershed and requires collaboration with community partners in executing the project plan. Candidates with previous grants management and project management of federal grants are encouraged to apply.

The Grant Specialist’s responsibilities will be responsible for overall grant management including financial compliance, following the EPA’s guidelines and approved project workplan, liaising with the EPA, working directly with community-based organizations, and evaluating the performance of grant activities.

The grant will focus on building community awareness through an environmental justice workshop series for program staff from local environmental and social service organizations. The grant will also fund community building activities organized by subrecipients such as the development of community-centered signage siting, wayfinding design, as well as contributing to the development  of plans to meet the Act on Climate mandates for greenhouse gas emissions reduction with a focus on environmental justice priorities.   This position will work in-person and be based at the RIDEM office in Providence.

We’re Looking for You:

We seek applications from equity-minded candidates who will thrive in an environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.

The ideal candidate will be able to perform the following essential functions for RIDEM’s Director’s Office:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of an environmental justice grant program for communities in the designated environmental justice areas.
• Manage the delivery of subgrants awarded and administrated by RIDEM’s Environmental Justice Government – to – Government program.
• Develop and implement yearly work plans to distribute grant funds, achieve project goals, and measure outcomes over the three-year grant period. Manage and track budget and resources for the overall grant program.
• Manage relationships with project partners, RIDEM staff members, and EPA (grantor), including tracking grant funds, submitting budget reports, evaluating progress on activities, and capturing success stories.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute workshops and toxic tours with project partners along urban rivers across the state to raise community awareness of environmental pollutants, in coordination with Climate Justice Specialist and other RIDEM staff members.
• Support the development and delivery of culturally sensitive educational materials to empower communities with knowledge about environmental impacts.
• Gather and document community feedback and input to inform future project directions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental justice principles, informed by RI Department of Environmental Management’s EJ Policy https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-environmental-justice-grant-specialist-providence-rhode-island/3769815474. Confirm evaluation metrics to monitor progress and ensure that the plans are effectively implemented to meet desired targets.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated experience in project or grant management, particularly in the context of environmental justice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Commitment to environmental justice and equity
• Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.
• Experience working with partners/government agencies.
• Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills are a plus
• Experience with community engagement
• Experience with federal grants
• Local relationships within Providence, Central falls, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with volunteers and partners.
• Experience managing volunteers.

Additional Job Information:

The Rhode Island Chapter is comprised of 30 employees who are committed to teamwork, cross-collaboration, professional development, a fun and inclusive office culture, and centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice learning and practices. In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our mission and we encourage you to apply.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $70,000 – $80,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world! In partnership with the Department of Environmental Management, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental justice in the Upper Narragansett Bay watershed, engage communities, foster awareness, and actively contribute to Rhode Island’s efforts to meet the Act on Climate mandates for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!