Program Director, Environmental Justice Movement Fellowship

Responsibilities:

The New School is launching an innovative new leadership program for activists in the Environmental Justice movement. In 2018, we embarked on an assessment of the need for and interest in an environmental justice movement leadership program, surveying and interviewing more than 200 movement leaders. From this study, we developed a program designed specifically to support the impact of the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement to effect systems-level change in a time of growing climate emergency and social inequalities. The program will bolster social movement and organizational effectiveness using a Just Transitions framework.

The program is designed to support leaders in generating innovative and disruptive strategies in response to the current climate emergency. It is designed as a two-year leadership program that will launch early 2021. The complete program consists of four distinct phases: (1) Build individual leadership capacities for contention, disruption, and innovation; (2) Provide support and space to explore and develop new ideas; (3) Provide support and tools to test and prototype ideas; and (4) Provide resources and support to implement tested ideas.

We are seeking a dynamic, dedicated Program Director to guide and oversee all aspects of this new program, including our initial launch. This is a great opportunity to be part of building a new initiative from the ground up. This program will be housed at the Tishman Environment and Design Center in collaboration with the Social Movements and Innovation(SM+I) lab at The New School and is being created by two faculty members with extensive and practical experience in the environmental justice and reproductive rights movements and social movement innovations.

The Program Director will contribute to all aspects of the Fellows Program including fundraising, program development, design and launch. In collaboration with leadership from the Tishman Center and SM+I Lab, the Program Director will be responsible for overseeing the development and refinement of the design of the program and curricular content, and will explore innovative program models. The Program Director will report to the Tishman Center Director.

Job Responsibilities Include:

Program Design

Oversee the iteration and evolution of leadership curricula and content with the principle faculty members, fellows and evaluators

In consultation with the lead faculty, oversee and plan the delivery of the program in accordance with the mission and goals

Develop and implement short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the success of the program

Develop monitoring and evaluation methods and framework, including metrics and reporting systems

Manage and lead content creation in collaboration with stakeholders

Program Delivery & Oversight

Implement and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy

Supervise program staff, currently a program manager and part-time program coordinator

Represent the organization externally; engage with environmental justice movement activists and leaders, funders/donors and other stakeholders

Oversee and manage budget development; work with senior management to provide the best possible program and serve the needs of fellows while staying on budget

Ensure program tracking and support, including financial and program deliverables to funders, to university, and to sector partners; report all issues, trends and outcomes

Oversee recruitment of program facilitators and coaches for program fellows

Other tasks as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

BIPOC individuals and people from environmental justice communities are encouraged to apply

Broad experience with the full range of organizational functions, including team building, staff supervision and coaching, strategic planning, program strategy, finance/budgeting, information

systems, human resources, and marketing/communications

Volunteer or professional experience in the environmental justice movement a strong plus; relationships with movement activists and leaders is highly sought after

5-10 years of experience in progressive leadership, fellowship or cohort programs; or leading social justice movement, environmental or climate justice or other related programming or organizations

Excellent interpersonal skills

Experience facilitating meetings and workshops

Knowledge of curriculum development, particularly in the areas of environmental or climate justice, social movements, or just transition

Excellent research and writing skills

Experience managing internal and external teams

Experience with fiscal management

Preferred Qualifications:

A commitment to and passion for environmental justice, leadership development, social movements, racial equity

Willingness to embody mindsets of curiosity, generosity, generative thinking, and risk-taking

Positive attitude, with a strong sense of optimism, collaboration, and teamwork

Extremely well organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and oriented towards problem-solving

Sensitivity to and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, different communication styles and a wide range of colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds

Enjoys start-up settings, experimentation, design, and iteration

Sense of humor, humility, and the ability to maintain perspective in the face of uncertainty

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please send two job references (please include full name, e-mail address, and telephone number) along with your resume and cover letter. The salary range is $90,000 $125,000.

This position offers opportunities for professional growth within the initiative. Candidates interested in a career in environmental justice, grassroots movements and/or community engagement will be given priority.

The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promises diversity and tolerance in all areas of employment, education and access to its educational, artistic or cultural programs and activities. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex or gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, religious practices, mental or physical disability, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, or any other legally protected status.

This is a grant-funded, full-time position. The position would begin immediately and is funded through early 2022 with an opportunity for extension contingent upon funding and performance. Benefits and tuition waiver eligible.