The Urban Conservation Program Specialist 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 Program Specialist will manage and lead small to medium-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 Program Specialist’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 Program Specialist, in coordination with the Urban Conservation Director, will provide support in the development and execution of green 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 planning, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, the Program Specialist will work to advance the strategic priorities of the Urban Conservation Program by supporting the execution of project plans. They will also work with 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. The Program Specialist will also develop and oversee special project areas that will include themes of public health, finance, workforce development, and policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work within the scope of and advance the strategic priorities of Pennsylvania Chapter’s urban conservation program and wider strategic goals.
- Develop and oversee special 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.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Experience managing interns or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training interns or staff.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- 3-5 years’ experience in urban planning, community development, social justice, urban policy, natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2 years of project development and coordination experience
- Understanding of Philadelphia’s local political and community landscape and green 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.