Research and Project Manager

Anthropocene Alliance (A2) is the nation’s largest coalition of frontline communities fighting for climate and environmental justice. We represent almost 400 member-communities in all US states and territories. The breadth and depth of our interventions make us distinct in the environmental movement: By educating, organizing and supporting grassroots leaders and their communities, we are at the forefront of the movement to stop the use of fossil fuels, restore threatened ecosystems, and establish an environmentally sustainable economic and social order.

In 2025, A2 will establish our first group of State Organizing Centers (SOCs) for climate and environmental justice. Each SOC will be hosted by an existing A2 member who will bring together other grassroots organizations in their state. A2 field organizers will help them with building their base, fund raising, technical assistance, connecting to state and federal policy makers, and if desired, establishing a dues-paying membership program to enable ongoing work. We’ll roll out more SOCs in successive years.

We are seeking an energetic, smart, flexible, and hard-working Research and Project Manager who is as comfortable on the road meeting community leaders as presenting research at conferences. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with our expanding field team, the new hire will ensure that our members’ work to address climate change and environmental abuse is founded on science and best practice.

The work will involve significant time and travel working with impacted communities in Louisiana and Mississippi where we are supporting residents impacted by sea-level rise, heat, displacement, and toxic contamination. It will also involve periodic travel to other states to oversee projects, attend conferences, and meet with members.

Responsibilities:

Research, analysis and technical assistance

• Working with the A2 field team to guide residents through the scientific research, policy and implementation options, informing their projects and campaigns, and coordinating with government agencies and non-profits to help communities gain access to funding and assistance.

Project management and team supervision

• The role involves managing two staff who work remotely and several federally funded (climate resilience) projects. Responsibilities include project planning, staff supervision and mentoring, managing contracts, grant revision, and ensuring that deliverables and invoicing are on track.

Professional and scientific engagement

• Represent A2 at conferences and webinars, advocating for our mission and engaging with professionals to establish partnerships and collaborations.
• Establish relationships with partner organizations to benefit of A2 members.

Qualifications:

The ideal applicant:

• Is motivated by the chance to work on the most profound challenge of our time
• Is experienced in community-based climate resilience projects
• Has managed projects, including budgets, staff, and reporting
• Has at least a Masters degree, likely in the sciences, plus 2-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Can quickly digest scientific data and policy in support of campaigns
• Is a strong writer, clear speaker, and good listener
• Welcomes the chance to work with community leaders, even if it requires travel, online meetings, or last-minute grant writing support outside business hours.

A2 has established a satellite office in the headquarters of ACORN International. The Research and Policy Manager will be expected to spend at least three days in the office at 2221 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117. Because the job involves substantial time working with A2 community leaders or members, you should anticipate a minimum of 5-10 hours a week of video conference calls, and frequently closer to 20 hours. Some of these meeting may be conducted from home. For this reason, you must have access to a private or quiet room.