Environmental Opportunities Center Manager

About the Organization

The New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA) is an alliance of New Jersey-based organizations and individuals committed to working together to create healthy, sustainable, and just communities by eliminating environmental injustices in low-income and communities of color. Together, we support and work with communities through local, state, and national policy development, targeted campaigns and organizing, education, advocacy, training, and technical assistance focused on critical environmental justice issues.

Role Overview

New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA) seeks a passionate and experienced individual to lead the work of our Environmental Opportunities Center (EOC). The EOC is the recently launched iteration of our Green Careers program and functions to illuminate pathways in environmental education and environmentally sustainable careers for students and adults from across New Jersey. Reporting directly to the Deputy Director, this manager-level position will be key in co-designing and leading workshops and trainings designed to prepare participants for entry into the green economy, including clean energy, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, tree planting, and more. The EOC manager will develop and maintain the partnerships needed to facilitate trainings and map out the path to success for each participant, including developing relationships with unions and trade schools. We are looking for someone who is both excited about environmental justice and who finds purpose in mentorship, coaching, and building long-term potential in others. The EOC Manager supervises the EOC Coordinator in implementing the Center’s programmatic goals.

You Are

This position is ideal for an individual with a background in green entrepreneurship, workforce development, and/or youth development, and is willing to add to their core knowledge and skills to fill the needs of the position. Our ideal candidate is a professional who thrives in community-based learning environments and demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to environmental and climate justice. We are seeking a candidate with proven experience in workforce development and/or youth development, relationship and coalition building, program development, and program recruitment. Our team is composed of motivated, self-starters who work independently yet with accountability to established goals. We also prioritize effective and frequent collaboration for the best work outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the NJEJA staff and key partners to design and deliver workforce training modules aligned with environmental justice priorities and local green job opportunities (e.g., clean energy, green infrastructure, tree planting and urban forestry, and healthy homes assessments).
• Adapt curriculum to meet the needs of youth and adult learners, with emphasis on interactive and accessible lesson planning. Incorporate strategies to ensure that students not only gain technical skills but are also empowered, inspired, and supported throughout their learning journey.
• Lead NJEJA’s youth development efforts by collaborating with schools, youth organizations, and other entities to recruit and retain program participants from target communities. Foster a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment, encouraging participants to set and achieve long-term personal and professional goals.
• Connect students with entry points to union apprenticeships and trade schools.
• Support partnerships with high schools, community colleges, universities, training providers, unions, and employers to build strong career pathways for participants. Work to build a sustainable network of mentors and industry professionals who can support the growth and development of participants beyond the program.
• Coordinate with staff to shape and grow the organization’s environmental opportunities and initiatives. Play a leadership role in shaping program strategies that prioritize both environmental justice and the personal development of youth and adults in underrepresented communities.
• Create opportunities for professional development and skill-building for participants, offering regular feedback and mentorship that promotes their growth within the green economy.
• Work with Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, CiviCRM database, WordPress website, social media, and more. Utilize technology to enhance communication, collaboration, and the sharing of resources for both staff and participants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental and/or climate justice. Experience living or working in an underserved community is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental education, workforce development, and youth programming.
• Strong research skills and experience in developing new programs and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and advance several projects simultaneously.
• Versatile and flexible with strong problem-solving abilities, especially in changing circumstances.
• Experience collaborating with relevant groups and organizations in New Jersey.