Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager - Kingston, NY

As a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County (CCEUC) Healthy Communities Program team, the Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager is responsible for providing administrative and program oversight for Natural Resource and Environment Programs for CCEUC. This position will be part of the team managing, implementing and evaluating climate resilience, environment, and natural resource projects through the CCE Climate Resilience Partnership, New York Sea Grant and similar programs. This position will work under the direction and supervision of the Association Healthy Communities Issue Leader.
The Program Manager serves as a CCE-Ulster representative in the CCE Climate Resilience Partnership (CRP) and acts as an influential advisor and consultant to municipalities, program participants, members of the public, and other organizations. This includes providing guidance and support to municipalities to complete climate related actions as part of the NYS Climate Smart Communities Program. In addition, this position will provide education and outreach for a NY Sea Grant project related to microplastics and marine debris.
The Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager assists with program development, provides education, technical support, planning, evaluation, and coordination of education to address the impact of climate change, maintain and improve natural water systems, and promote environmental sustainability. The Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager position provides education and/or technical support for stakeholders, decision makers, and the general public on a variety of natural resource and environment topics and may coordinate and/or facilitate committees and coalitions working on these areas. They will specifically provide education, outreach, and technical support to assist communities in completing actions of the NYS Climate Smart Communities Certification Program that enhance the community’s ability to adapt to climate change through planning and implementation. The Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager also helps develop education and outreach materials with coordinated messaging on microplastics and marine debris to raise public awareness of available science, data collection, research, laws, and regulations as steps leading to long-term changes in behavior and will assist in the planning and organizational logistics of outreach/extension events including, but not limited to community science activities, workshops, tours, and other outreach/extension events. The Natural Resource and Environment Program Manager will also develop education and outreach materials with coordinated messaging on microplastics and marine debris to raise public awareness of available science, data collection, research, laws, and regulations as steps leading to long-term changes in behavior and will assist in the planning and organizational logistics of outreach/extension events including, but not limited to community science activities, workshops, tours, and other outreach/extension events.to Dutchess County municipal officials and volunteers on a wide variety of natural resource management and land-use planning topics relevant to the Dutchess County Greenway Guide. Methods of delivery include: in person and virtual forums, trainings and workshops; development of brochures, flyers and other education materials; communication with audiences via listservs; and more. The position includes desk research, implementation of stakeholder meetings, and the development of content for reports, web sites, social media and print outreach.
The Natural Resource & Environment Program Manager will serve as a subject matter resource to provide support and input into program, evaluation, grants/contracts, marketing, research, and program supervision. They will also be responsible for helping carry out various grants, and under the guidance of the Program Leader, will provide initiative in developing and implementing appropriate program responsibilities.
This position is stationed at the CCE-Ulster County office in Kingston, NY but may spend time working within the region. This position works independently and with limited supervision, influencing policies and decisions for the Association and its constituents. Finally, this position represents the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural resources, environmental science/studies, sustainable planning and development, community programming, or other relevant area of study; plus experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Minimum one year of relevant work experience.
• Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Administrative & Management Skills – Ability to manage and provide oversight to assigned programs. Ability to exercise frequent discretion and independent judgment in managing programs, employees and volunteers. Ability to manage budgets, identify and secure funding that supports programs including sponsorships, grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
• Program Skills – Ability to effectively manage, develop, deliver and evaluate related programs. Ability to serve as an effective advisor and consultant to members of the public and governmental constituents in an effort to develop and influence programs and policy. Serve as an effective subject matter resource for program volunteers, participants, outside organizations and others. Ability to recruit, engage and motivate volunteers and program participants. Maintain program participant and volunteer data confidentiality. Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Communication & Marketing Skills - Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the public, governmental offices, program participants, volunteers, employees and others.  Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community. Ability to effectively market program through social, print and other media, resulting in robust program participation. Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
• Computer Skills - Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program related software, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program related materials, and equipment.  The position may often work in natural environment and outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat, precipitation and cold.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-depth environmental issue knowledge. Coursework or experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, local and county governments.
• Experience with environmental education programming.
• Experience with development of digital and print outreach materials.
• Local/regional contacts with various constituents/programs and knowledge of organizations serving Ulster County and the region.
• Knowledge of local government structure and function with regard to environmental issues.
• GIS Skills.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development – 10%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to provide input in the development of educational and facilitation strategies for climate change and environment programs including but not limited to: general public, youth, landowners, stewards, local governments, community groups, and master volunteer community-based programs.
• Assist with development of public programs, workshops and subject area content (social media, presentations, fact sheets, video/recordings, modeling/GIS mapping, interactive experiences).
• Support the research, identification, and selection of existing resources for the program.
• Influence the creation of program materials to address the needs of the participants in the above mentioned programs.

Program Delivery – 20%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programs.
• Teach the innovative educational programs with discretion including but not limited to programs in climate change, environmental science, and natural resources.
• Provide environmental education using a variety of proven and innovative education methodologies that consider the diversity of the community.
• Provide existing subject matter-based resources to County and municipal officials, county residents and stakeholders on local environmental, e.g. water resources, climate change, plastic pollution, and local land use policies, utilizing established curricula and resources.
• Respond to basic information request and provide general information to stakeholders and the public regarding environment and natural resource issues in Ulster County and the region where appropriate.
• Disseminate locally-relevant, non-biased, technical and scientifically-based environmental and natural resource information for use by municipal officials, the public, and stakeholders.
• Positively represent CCE and the CCEUC at meetings with various local and regional environmental organizations and regulatory agencies.
• Provide outreach on environmental issues for community events.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource to staff and clientele, including municipalities, agencies and other professionals as they are identified.
• Deliver education at public meetings, conferences, and community education events as needed
• Effectively utilize all forms of mass media, including social media, for the innovative delivery of Natural Resource and Environment educational programs.

Program Evaluation – 5%

• Implement program evaluation as designed.
• Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data, to include: evaluating effectiveness of classes and instructors within program areas for all programs offered.
• Analyze program data, and based on that analysis, assist in making improvements in programming.
• Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to constituents as appropriate.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 25%

• Plan the delivery of Climate Smart Community program services and environmental programs. 
• In collaboration with supervisor, establish program goals and priorities, including providing input from the community on program needs.
• Contribute to the development of positive relationships with stakeholders, partnering agencies, organizations, and community leaders.
• Develop and enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, community leaders, etc. for program planning and strategy.
• In collaboration with Supervisor, plan marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.
• Anticipate and project program expenses including strategies for fund development via grants, contracts, fees, contributions and other sources of revenue. Propose unit/functional budget based on established financial guidelines or procedures. Provide program related information to the budget development process. Allocate unit/function budget amounts.
• Strategize ways to expand effective Climate Change and Environment networks.
• Provide input into the planning of all programs to consider the needs of diverse program participants.

Management – 30%

• Manage the Association’s Climate Smart Community projects with local governments, task forces and community groups.  Work with CCE partners to develop shared proposals and delivery across the region including: planning tools, assessments, flood preparedness guides, resilience visions, climate adaptation and resilience plans, and others as assigned.
• Manage existing and pursue new grants (scopes of work, reporting, budgeting, meetings) with supervisor.
• Ensure robust and sustained program participation.
• Demonstrate judgement and discretion to independently solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed. Provide policy interpretation and guidance to constituents.
• Directly supervise interns where applicable.  Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Association’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, and hiring staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; orientating and training new staff, appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Jointly develop and review progress of assigned staff development plans as needed to increase staff competency.  Assure positive, team-based employee relations.
• Develop and enhance networks of community and municipal partners and/or professional and non-professionals to extend program implementation. 
• Responsible for maintaining and managing program budget.
• Guide the implementation of program budget including assistance to identify community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
• Manage the implementation of communication strategies to expand program and build awareness.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Compile and prepare teaching materials necessary for programs.
• Maintain communication with constituents and the community through a variety of methods such as newsletters, emails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content.
• Collect program data and maintain accurate records of program participants.
• Provide complex responses to inquiries from various audiences including prospective program participants; partner organizations; municipal officials; and the general public.
• Help prepare outreach and educational materials for community events, including handling logistics and setting up events with displays and materials.
• Participate in relevant coalition meetings to inform members of projects.
• Prepare reports demonstrating program progress, accomplishments and the impact on the community.
• Serve as liaison with community to various Natural Resource & Environment Program networks.
• Coordinate program referrals and ongoing outreach efforts in accordance with established Plans of Work.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
• Serve as an active member of the Association on special committees and assignments as approved by supervisor. 

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation paid at the rate of $60,000.00 per year.  Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply:  Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .  For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference.  Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.   Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. 

All applications must be received on-line by May 6, 2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or (845) 340-3990x314.

  

Job Title:

Association Program Manager

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Leah Cadwallader

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.