Sustainability Program Coordinator

The Town of Ashland is seeking experienced and qualified candidates for the position of Sustainability Program Coordinator. Using a wide variety of resources, technologies, and systems, the Sustainability Program Coordinator is responsible for designing and implementing programs for lowering environmental impact, working in conjunction with related Town boards and committees. The Sustainability Program Coordinator will manage, coordinate, facilitate, and advise the development, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of local government policies, programs, and initiatives that promote local environmental, energy, economic, and social sustainability.

Annual Salary: $58,000 - $65,000 DOQ

Essential Functions

• Lead the planning and management of Town sustainability initiatives and programs, including NetZero and other local and regional initiatives.

• Serve as a liaison between, and facilitate collaboration of, Town departments, related boards and committees, task forces, and outside resources.

• Project management and planning for sustainable capital projects.

• Coordinate efforts in managing, measuring, and monitoring sustainability initiatives and programs, such as Massachusetts Green Communities Program.

• Promote and market programs through awareness campaigns, particularly on new and updated policies. Promote sustainability with government employees as a part of the Town’s culture.

• Obtain grant funding for sustainability office projects.

• Respond as necessary to inquiries from Ashland town residents.

• Work with all aspects of the community, including boards, committees, and Town staff to promote an understanding and awareness of sustainability issues by coordinating informational training and presentations and promoting energy and water conservation, waste minimization, recycling, sustainable building and landscape design, alternative transportation, procurement of green products, etc.

• Promote cooperative relationships between residents, the Town, and related boards and committees regarding sustainability issues, initiatives, and programs.

• Implement and maintain internal and external sustainability training and programming.

• Benchmark activities against other Towns or similar initiatives.

• Assist with Town Projects and activities as directed.

Supervision Required

Under the supervision of the Assistant Town Manager, Administration & Operations, the individual will work to assist in the implementation of sustainability policies and objectives. The individual will work to develop personal performance standards and objectives, to which the individual will be held accountable. The Director of Planning will work closely with the individual to orient him/her to the responsibilities of the position. Greater independence will be granted as proficiency with the demands of the position increases.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree in an environmentally-related discipline, such as physical, biological, or health sciences, engineering, sustainability or an appropriately related field is preferred. Master’s degree in a related field (planning, environmental science, sustainable business, engineering, or public administration/policy) preferred.

Minimum 3 years of experience developing, maintaining, and/or managing sustainability-based initiatives, processes, or programs involving the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data is required. Experience working in the fields of government, business, consulting, nonprofit, or academic sectors preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Basic knowledge of the communications protocols, social media and other media outlets.

• Knowledge of current models and programs for urban sustainability, including federal and state policies and measurement/monitoring of sustainability.

• Knowledge of climate change science, principles of energy and environmental management, social behavior change, and economic development.

• Knowledge of public administration and public policy development, including government financing mechanisms and intergovernmental relations.

• Knowledge of organization-change management strategies and methods.

Abilities: Ability to meet with and accommodate the public effectively and appropriately; to handle problems and emergencies effectively; to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; to operate a computer; to maintain confidential information; to maintain, manage, and organize records; to deal appropriately with residents, media, Town employees, Town officials and other State and Federal governmental agencies; and to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and effective manner in accordance with time constraints.

• Ability to direct/support systems analysis, strategic planning processes, organization development processes.

• Ability to effectively analyze and develop programs, policies, and initiatives.

• Ability to manage projects and administer programs and/or an Office of Sustainability, and to coordinate programs with other administrative offices.

• Ability to develop positive relations with other departments and agencies, and elected officials, and to facilitate collaborative planning processes.

• Ability to develop performance measurement systems and initiate continuous improvement processes.

Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. The ability to work independently is required. Attention to detail is required. Initiative is required. The ability to work collaboratively with other individuals and volunteer groups is required. The ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace to prepare spreadsheets, presentations, and reports is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Schedule (40 hours/week)

• Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wed 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Fri 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Ashland is an AA/EEO Employer