The Urban Conservation Project Manager will be part of the Pennsylvania Chapter’s Urban Conservation Program in Philadelphia which is part of the Conservancy’s North America Cities Network. This position will be responsible for helping to shape and implement strategies that will conserve and enhance natural systems for the benefit of people and nature in Philadelphia’s urban environment. The Urban Conservation Program builds on the Conservancy’s science-based, collaborative, results-oriented approach and its record of contributing creative and effective solutions to conservation challenges. We work to improve the quality of life for residents in Philadelphia using nature-based solutions by reducing storm water runoff, reducing urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and increasing access to nature for all residents in the city. All our work is done collaboratively with other leading agencies and organizations across Philadelphia. All our work is done with environmental justice and social justice in mind.
The Urban Conservation Project Manager will manage and lead small to large-scale complex projects that focus on facilitating public/private partnerships related to green infrastructure practices in the City of Philadelphia. This position is responsible for working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders in Philadelphia, with a strong emphasis on helping to implement green storm water infrastructure projects. The Project Manager’s work will result in the implementation of tangible place-based conservation projects that incorporate ecological and social co-benefits, innovative financing solutions and policy development that helps to improve the region’s water quality, air quality, quality of life, and other benefits to nature and people. This is a grant funded two-year term position with possibility of extension.
The Urban Conservation Project Manager, in coordination with the Urban Conservation Director will focus on managing the development and execution of green storm water infrastructure projects that address water quality concerns and habitat restoration, while aiming to provide multiple co-benefits including habitat enhancement, public health improvements, recreational opportunities, and opportunities for workforce development. This position will also play a critical role in forwarding the stakeholder relationships and partnerships that are integral to project success. With experience in green infrastructure planning, development, and execution, project management, and stakeholder engagement, the Project Manager will work to advance the strategic priorities of the Urban Conservation Program by supporting the management and execution of project plans. They will also work a diverse group of partners and stakeholders to execute a unified vision for developing many, multi-beneficial green infrastructure projects that provide quality of life benefits in the city.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work within the scope of and advance the strategic priorities of Pennsylvania Chapter’s urban conservation program and wider strategic goals.
- Manage complex projects with multiple variables, and work within a defined timeline and budget.
- Perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Conduct stakeholder analyses, strategy mapping, charrette design and implementation, and coordinate internal and external partners.
- Responsible for planning and execution of logistics for meetings, research, project administration, operations and management.
- Develop and maintain processes to monitor and measure project progress, maintain and track data, and produce and review reports.
- Support the Urban Conservation Director in facilitating and developing sustainable public/private partnership models that are quantified through analytical/technical information (data analysis, program and budget statistics, and data metrics); and communicating it in a way that is dynamic, digestible and forward thinking to municipal, regional, and state agencies; community organizations and the private sector.
- Scope new projects with existing and potential partners including proposal scoping and budgeting.
- Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome.
- Coordinate regular meetings with staff and external partners; manage meeting logistics, agendas and minutes.
- Write technical letters, reports, and proposals.
- Write and manage contracts with consultants, vendors, design and construction firms.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 5 years related experience in environmental engineering, urban design, business consulting, urban policy, urban planning, and/or storm water management or equivalent combination.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience working across differences such as race, culture, disabilities, socio-economic class and language groups.
- Ability to manage and implement complex projects.
- Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams, working and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Experience in equitable partnership development and building relationships with diverse constituencies and stakeholders
- Experience writing reports and proposals.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual; multi-cultural, cross cultural experience and background an asset.
- 2 years of project management experience or 1 year acting as a project lead, including experience in project planning, budgeting, and execution.
- Moderate to extensive field experience in overseeing and/or executing green storm water infrastructure projects from planning, contract development and construction.
- Thorough understanding of Philadelphia’s local political and community landscape and green storm water infrastructure programs, policies and innovations underway regionally, nationally, internationally.
- Familiarity with urban ecology and types and functionality of nature-based solutions to address storm water, air quality, urban heat island effect, flooding.
- Understanding of the human health dimensions of environmental and conservation challenges including socio-ecological systems and environmentally overburdened communities.
- Awareness and experience in environmental and/or social justice related work.
- Equity-minded with a desire for continued learning about socio-historical context of historic underrepresentation, questioning assumptions, and making evidence-based decisions a regular practice.
- Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with program partners.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.