Climate & Resilience Program Manager

The Climate & Resilience Program Manager at Carrboro Town of NC is responsible for managing and reporting on projects related to the Town’s Climate Action Plans. This role involves project management, policy support, and community engagement focused on sustainability and resilience. The position is hybrid, requiring full-time office work for the first 90 days, then at least three days in the office weekly, with occasional evening or weekend work.
About the Department

Performs advanced professional and intermediate administrative work investigating, reviewing and evaluating local environmental conditions and characteristics and is responsible for planning, directing, managing and reporting on projects related to the implementation of the Town’s Climate Action Plans. Work also includes serving as the subject matter expert for issues related to sustainability, resilience, energy, and climate action. In addition, this position will work directly with community partners and residents to empower community climate action. Does related work as required.
Work is performed with limited supervision by the Chief Sustainability Officer with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties. Directs and supervises assigned staff and leads project teams. This is a hybrid position. The selected candidate will work full-time in the office for the first 90 days to support onboarding and team integration. After this initial period, the position transitions to a hybrid schedule with at least three days per week in the office. This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support community engagement or project needs, with advance notice when possible.

Physical Requirements
This is a combination of sedentary work and light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift and/or move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.
Position Duties

Project Management and Policy Support
• Assist with the planning and implementation of the Town’s Climate Action Plans, with an emphasis on energy and electrification, climate resilience, race and equity, and community engagement.
• Conduct research, identify best practices, and provide recommendations to the Chief Sustainability Officer, Town Manager, and Department Directors on issues related to sustainability, resilience, energy, and climate action.
• Support the development of project plans, timelines, budgets, and objectives for sustainability initiatives.
• Assist with the financial resources of the Office of Sustainability and performs annual budget planning with Chief Sustainability Officer.
• Provide project management for sustainability and resilience programs, including solar projects, energy efficiency, urban forestry, extreme heat, flood mitigation, Green Neighborhoods Grant program, and other community initiatives.
• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities that support new and ongoing sustainability and resilience initiatives. Manage grant awards and reporting.
• Perform research, planning, and technical analyses for complex projects; develop data sets that measure progress of existing programs and help identify new sustainability strategies.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior staff within the sustainability department, including direct oversight of interns and other staff as needed.
Data Analysis and Reporting
• Collect, analyze and ensure accuracy of annual greenhouse gas inventory for municipal and community emissions.
• Maintain databases and update leadership on performance metrics for monthly, quarterly, annual, and by request data.
Community Engagement and Outreach
• Provide programmatic and administrative support to relevant advisory bodies, such as the Climate and Environmental Advisory Commission.
• Develop and coordinate collaborative partnerships and strategies with non-profit, government, academic, and private sector organizations to advance sustainability and resilience.
• Collaborate with departments and cross-functional teams on projects and community engagement initiatives, with a focus on including community members who have not traditionally been represented.
• Develop and manage projects, tools, incentives, and educational opportunities that facilitate adoption of sustainable practices by residents, businesses, and Town departments.
• Provide information to citizens and community groups regarding Town sustainability services, goals, and progress.
• Plan and organize community events that highlight and advance sustainability and resilience.
• Represent the Town in local and regional efforts, including supporting community events and public engagement activities and stakeholder meetings.
Communications
• Keep the sustainability webpage current and ensure accessibility.
• Work with team members to prepare newsletters, marketing items, and other public communications.
• Prepare and present project results at public meetings and to a variety of audiences including elected/appointed officials.
Other Duties
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in sustainability, environmental studies/sciences, public policy, urban planning, business administration, or a related field.
AND
At least five (5) years of professional experience in local government, project management, public-sector and community-based work, including experience collaborating with elected or appointed officials, boards, or diverse populations. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• *Additional experience will be considered in lieu of education.**

Other Qualifications
• One or more of the following:
• LEED accreditation (any level)
• Envision Sustainability Professional
• WELL AP
• Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P)
• Sustainability Excellence Associate or Professional
• Certified Sustainability and Resilience Professional (CSRP)
• ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional
• Or similar professional certification for sustainability and resilience professionals
• Project management principles and practices.
• Ability to design project plans and budgets; conduct comprehensive research; gather, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data for decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and public presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and follow-through on complex issues.
• Experience in fundraising, program development, or grant management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build teams, partnerships, and coalitions.
• Ability to work effectively with multiracial and multicultural groups of community members and staff.
• Familiarity with sustainability and resilience topics, including energy, climate change, and environmental justice.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) preferred.