Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Area Sustainability Knowledge Network- CA

Organization: Island Press- Center for Resource Economics

Position Title: Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Area Sustainability Knowledge Network

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Hours and Compensation: Part Time; Hourly rate commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: not listed

Organization Overview

Island Press develops, publishes, markets, and disseminates books and information tools essential for understanding and solving environmental problems.

Island Press believes that those working to protect biological diversity, conserve natural resources, and promote human health and quality of life from environmental threats must have access to the best multidisciplinary information available and early exposure to new ideas.

We also believe in transforming science and evidence-based information into understanding and action. We want to help create problem solvers—not just the professionals of today, but also the next generation of environmental leaders. We measure our success not only by the number of books we publish and programs we support, but also by the degree to which we help new ideas and new voices emerge.

There has never been a more critical time for the environment. For those who join with us, we offer a unique opportunity to actively engage the most pressing issues of our time—and succeed at making a difference.

Description

Island Press is seeking a part-time coordinator for its San Francisco Bay Area Sustainability Knowledge Network (Network). The Network supports the efforts of local public, nonprofit and private sector organizations in building sustainable communities. The coordinator will help facilitate the development of local solutions by connecting national and international thought leaders to San Francisco Bay Area policymakers and professionals in the fields of planning, community health, built environment, transportation, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The coordinator will have lead responsibility for program design and execution. S/he will work closely with the Vice President for Strategic Advancement, to whom s/he reports, in developing a program that meets Island Press goals.

S/he will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening existing partnerships, organizing local events, working with thought leaders, and developing new relationships throughout the region. Duties include:

• Identify topics around which the Network will host thought-leaders and experts
• Plan and attend a minimum of 3 events per month
• Monitor Bay Area current events, public opinion, planning processes, etc. and plan Island Press author visits with an awareness of this local context
• Accompany visiting experts for the duration of their visits
• Work with Island Press Washington, DC-based staff to arrange logistics and promotion for visiting thought leaders
• Report on local activities to Island Press DC staff
• Work with Island Press staff to develop and implement communication strategies that amplify the impact of expert presentations to and dialogues with area policymakers and professionals
• Network throughout the region with individuals and groups engaged in sustainability-related topics
• Speak in public on behalf of Island Press
• Serve as a champion for the Network, helping to build and grow the Network, and Island Press’s presence in the region overall

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an extraordinary connector and relationship developer and knowledgeable on topics related to the environment and sustainability. Network programs will focus primarily in the South Bay (with a focus on San Jose), the Peninsula, San Francisco, and to a lesser degree, the East Bay.

Skills and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree (minimum)
• At least 2 years of work in a policy, planning, business or advocacy-related position involving environmental topics
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Extensive experience organizing events
• Strong verbal skills, including public speaking experience

Attributes

• A desire to improve the health and sustainability of San Francisco Bay Area communities
• Ability to develop relationships and work with a range of people – from top-of-their field academics to business leaders to grassroots advocates alike
• An inherent inclination to connect people and organizations
• A flexible schedule that allows for attending multiple days of events in a row
• Ability to work independently while sharing information and soliciting feedback from others
• High energy and enthusiasm

Logistics

This is a non-benefit part-time consulting position compensated at an hourly rate. Work will range between 10-25 hours per week, averaging 60-80 hours per month.  The candidate will work from his/her home office and spend a majority of time on events and activities in the South Bay/Peninsula. Currently the duration of the project runs through the first half of 2015.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].  In your cover letter please include information about a significant event that you helped organize, including the goal of the event, your role, and the biggest challenge you faced when organizing it.  (Applications that do not include the information requested in the cover letter will not be reviewed)