Program Officer

Who We Are:

The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), founded in 1991, is a climate organization with a mission to create equitable climate change solutions worldwide. We do this by forming collaborative, people-focused partnerships that support communities disproportionately impacted by the global climate crisis. For over 30 years, ISC has utilized a unique, bottom-up approach to ensure solutions emerge from within communities rather than being imposed outside. Our projects focus on disinvested communities throughout the world, with specific attention paid to the impact systemic racism and gender inequity have had in communities, workforces, and industrial sectors as they move toward a just transition. 

Through a deep understanding of and commitment to communities that are the least likely to cause global climate change yet face the highest impacts, ISC develops creative and inclusive solutions, demonstrated in our work in the US and Asia. We seek resiliency for our partners and the communities in which they lead. We actively partner with frontline organizations, subnational governments, and the private sector to co-create programs that support disinvested communities, women, and people experiencing poverty who comprise the global majority. ISC remains cognizant of communities' varying needs, and we tailor our approach to support those needs. We believe equity and inclusion are fundamental to building healthy, prosperous, and peaceful communities and are committed to furthering equitable climate action. Learn more at sustain.org.

What you will do:

The Program Officer supports the design and implementation of equitable resilience and sustainability programs and projects that advance and accelerate equitable climate solutions. Working across a variety of U.S geographies, the position supports locally-led solutions that tackle immediate challenges while strengthening communities overall. Examples of current ISC programs include: the Partnership for Resilient Communities, Urban Equity Climate Compact, and other ISC initiatives. In conjunction with other ISC team members, community organizations and advocates, philanthropic, governmental and institutional stakeholders, the Program Officer engages in collaborative and data-driven planning, design, and implementation of programs. 

• Participate as a member of a program team in the development, implementation and support of ISC programs. 
• Serve as point-of-contact with multiple partners, ensuring that ISC is tracking the progress of partners, providing capacity and technical assistance support, assessing partner needs, capturing best practices and lessons learned, and helping disseminate those practices and lessons. 
• Conduct assigned research and develop resources, tools, case studies and other materials to support program deliverables, including identifying technical assistance and capacity-building resources and approaches. 
• Assist in the development and delivery of events, including designing sessions, identifying speakers, and facilitating meetings, workshops, and convenings. 
• Disseminate program materials to partners and participants. 
• Develop maps, charts and graphs and other data illustrations. 
• Develop and/or co-author grant reports, final program reports and other written documents. 
• Assist with the development and implementation of communications strategies and materials including case studies, newsletter articles, blogs, etc. 
• Assist with new program proposal development. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of program budgets. 

What you will bring:

ISC is committed to addressing structural racism and income inequality in the US that undermines efforts to build strong communities and regions prepared to respond to climate change. The ideal candidate will hold and have demonstrated actions illustrating the same commitment and values, including experience interacting and working with diverse communities, neighborhoods, and populations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate related events, and experience working directly with and for communities and for organizations working to address and overcome systemic racism and the multitude of adverse outcomes that result.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related area 
• Five to seven years of professional experience in a relevant field such as: environmental sustainability, urban planning, environmental justice, climate resilience or adaptation; public health; transportation; housing; economic development; or workforce development 
• Experience serving underrepresented communities, neighborhoods, and populations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate related events 
• Experience working directly with and for communities of color to address and overcome systemic racism and the multitude of adverse outcomes that result. 
• Ability to work productively with diverse individuals from differing backgrounds (government, private sector, advocacy, social profit organizations, and community-based organizations) 
• Direct experience working with the non-profit sector and/or city/regional government, preferably focused on social/racial justice, public health, environmental justice, equitable development and/or climate change adaptation and resilience issues 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills 
• Direct experience in stakeholder engagement; facilitation experience valued, but not required 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as a positive and contributing team member 
• Strong research and analytical skills 
• Strong project management skills and/or demonstrating knowledge of a project life cycle 
• Strong work ethic and personal integrity 
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and ability to meet deadlines 
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office including Excel, Power Point; Google Suite and Google applications; ESRI/GIS, and other software 
• Experience in presenting and communicating research/data to varying levels within the organization and/or stakeholders 
• Willingness and ability to travel 
• Commitment to the ISC mission and goals 

Location, Work, and Travel:

• Remote in the United States, with Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and video platforms. 
• Up to 20% travel may be required.

What We Offer

• The salary range for this role is $61,681 - $72,475. We identify where the candidate falls within this range, based on many factors including experience and qualifications. 
• A friendly, open work environment, excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a difference in communities around the world.
• Benefits for eligible US-based staff include:
• Medical Plan with HRA
• Dental & Vision plan, 100% paid for employee and family members
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan, with an automatic 2% ISC contribution and up to 4% matching contribution
• Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Casual and Flexible Work Environment
• Appreciation of Work-Life Balance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program

ISC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workplace. People from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.