Program Manager, Midwest Pesticide Action Center – Illinois

Organization: Midwest Pesticide Action Center

Position Title: Part-time Program Manager, Outdoor Spaces

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Dates and compensation: Start date February 2, 2015

Application Deadline: February 27, 2015

Description: Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and promoting safer alternatives in the Midwest, seeks a part-time Program Manager. MPAC works on both indoor and outdoor environments to reduce pesticide use and pest problems. We work with schools, childcare centers, low-income and public housing, parks/park districts, municipal institutions and others to create sustainable least toxic environments. At the center of our efforts is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Natural Lawn Care (NLC), both proven, effective and economical methods for managing indoor and outdoor spaces by eliminating the root cause of pest problems. MPAC engages and empowers communities through outreach, advocacy, coalition building, legislative campaigns, model programs, technical assistance and training.

Responsibilities:

1. Execute completion of grant funded projects related to MPAC’s outdoor program work including the execution of all related grant deliverables and preparing grant reports. Examples of project related work includes:

• Develop and manage education and outreach campaigns around the use of pesticides in outdoor environments;
• Effectively communicate technical information to a variety of audiences by creating literature, live presentation materials, blog posts, news articles, etc.;
• Promote the adoption of and provide technical assistance for environmentally friendly land use management policies and programs;
• Research and assimilate innovations, health risks and other issues associated with pesticide use and pest control into work;
• Engage in coalition building.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze data relevant to outreach efforts;

1. Monitor and leverage ongoing trends in the management of outdoor spaces including the use of pesticides and their alternatives;
2. Provide content and ongoing support for our website and other social media outlets including content development and strategies for more effective engagement with audiences;
3. Other activities include: office administrative duties and assisting with fundraising activities.

Qualifications: Successful Applicants will have the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in MPAC’s mission;
• Bachelors or Master’s degree in environmental studies, natural science, biology, earth science, soil sciences or related field including course work in water quality or water resource management;
• At least two years of experience in health/environmental policy or advocacy work, outdoor education work or natural landscaping;
• Experience in public speaking, teaching, or training;
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Analytical skills, including a knowledge of basic statistical concepts and reporting mechanisms for grant reports;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work as part of a team;
• Computer skills, including proficiency in PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, and Google applications;
• Other qualifications preferred but not required: Knowledge of pesticides, the pest control and/or landscaping industry; proficiency with online software applications such as MailChimp, WordPress, and Adobe Professional.

How to Apply: Please e-mail a cover letter, resume to Ruth Kerzee, Executive Director, Midwest Pesticide Action Center at [email protected] . You may also mail it to 4611 N. Ravenswood, Ste. 107 Chicago, IL 60640.

Please do not phone with questions regarding the hiring process. For general information regarding MPAC, please visit www.midwestpesticideaction.org. Midwest Pesticide Action Center is an equal opportunity employer.