Climate Program Associate (Hybrid Opportunity)

Job Summary

The Climate Program Associate serves as an integral part of UMass Extension’s Climate Team, supporting climate change initiatives to address the needs of diverse stakeholders, including state and federal agency staff, regional or local government officials, natural resource managers, environmental consultants, community groups, organizations, researchers and Extension staff.

This position will work closely with the Climate Adaptation Coordinator to implement programs and establish collaborations to foster adaptation to climate change.

Essential Functions

Develops and implements new and existing collaborative projects and programs that involve campus-wide, local, regional and national partners in addressing critical issues related to climate adaptation.

Organizes and presents online and in-person educational programs, including creating curriculum independently or with the Climate Adaptation Coordinator, co-hosting field trips and conferences.

Connects and expands networks and collaboratives for climate adaptation.

• Facilitates peer-to-peer learning among climate practitioners, fosters ambassadors who share best practices in adaptation, promotes watershed-scale climate collaboration, and supports expert work groups.
• Assesses climate adaptation-related needs of stakeholders and responds through our initiatives. Creates assessments (such as survey instruments), evaluates programmatic success, and reports results to partners and funders, independently or with the Climate Adaptation Coordinator.

Collaborates in planning and conducting applied research as appropriate.

• Provides basic research-based climate adaptation recommendations to stakeholders and staff based on known best practices.
• Works collaboratively to design and disseminate outreach materials and publications.
• Communicates best practices in the field, including, amplifying climate adaptation strategies and demonstration projects that provide co-benefits for people and nature, center racial equity, promote community engagement, or foster impactful collaborations.
• Supports Climate Program activities, including developing program objectives, preparing reports, and identifying grants to support activities.
• Represents Extension at the campus, regional, state, and national levels in routine matters of organization and procedure relating to the Climate Program.
• Co-supervises two student workers each semester and assists in their training.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience relevant for climate change adaptation. Advanced degree in related field can substitute for two (2) years.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel throughout Massachusetts occasionally for meetings.
• Professional or volunteer experience delivering education or outreach programs.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships and facilitate group discussions.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's Degree in discipline related to climate change issues.
• Degree and / or work experience in educational disciplines, pedagogy, communications, network management, or website development.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Additional Details

• This is a grant-funded, 12-month position. Strong possibility of renewal pending additional funds.
• Local, regional, and national travel may be required.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8 : 30-4 : 30 or flexibility with work schedule to be determined with successful candidate.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 26