Community Compost & Food Waste Reduction Coordinator

The Community Compost & Food Waste Reduction Coordinator will lead Cincinnati's community composting efforts to reduce organic waste and promote sustainable practices. Responsibilities include program development, community engagement, compliance with regulations, and data analysis. The role requires strong organizational skills and experience in environmental management. This contract-based position is funded by a USDA grant and involves collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance food waste diversion initiatives.
About the position

The Community Compost & Food Waste Reduction Coordinator will play a critical role in advancing the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan goals by leading and managing the city's community composting efforts, aimed at reducing organic waste and promoting sustainable food waste practices. This role involves developing and implementing food waste reduction and composting initiatives, engaging with community members, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about sustainability, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and have experience in environmental management or community outreach. This position is time-limited, contract-based, and funded through a grant from the US Department of Agriculture. The Coordinator will be responsible for program development, community engagement, site management, policy support, data analysis and reporting, and ensuring compliance with best practices in composting. The role requires building and maintaining relationships with community organizations, residents, and stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation in program activities. The Coordinator will also organize public meetings, workshops, and educational events to raise awareness and gather input on food waste diversion efforts. In addition, the Coordinator will identify and manage composting sites within the city, ensuring they meet health and safety standards, and oversee the collection and processing of organic waste. The position also involves assisting in the development of policies that promote community composting participation and monitoring relevant legislation. The Coordinator will collect and analyze data related to program outcomes and prepare reports to communicate progress to funders and city officials. Compliance with environmental regulations and staying informed about industry trends are also key responsibilities.

Responsibilities
• Develop and oversee the implementation of the city's community composting efforts in support of USDA grant objectives & 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan goals
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• Coordinate with internal and external partners to promote composting and food waste diversion initiatives
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• Monitor program performance and make adjustments to improve efficiency and participation
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• Identify funding opportunities and grants to support evolving program initiatives
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• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, residents, and stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation in program activities
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• Organize and facilitate public meetings, workshops, and educational events to raise awareness, gather input, and increase engagement in food waste diversion efforts
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• Develop and distribute educational materials and resources for various audiences including community gardens, local businesses and organizations, and residents
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• Identify and manage composting sites within the city, ensuring they meet health and safety standards
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• Oversee siting, maintenance, and operation of composting systems in partnership with internal and external partners
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• Coordinate the collection and processing of organic waste
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• Assist in the development of policies and regulations that promote community composting participation and food waste diversion in Cincinnati
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• Monitor and track relevant legislation and policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels
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• Collect and analyze data related to participation rates, waste diversion metrics, compost production, and other program outcomes to understand and improve operations and impact
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• Prepare regular reports and presentations to communicate program progress and impact to funders, city officials, and the public
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• Ensure all composting activities comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
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• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in composting and waste management
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• Implement new technologies and methods to enhance program effectiveness.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree desired in environmental science, public policy, sustainability or 1-3 years of related professional experience
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• Demonstrated experience in program development and community engagement
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• Basic understanding of composting principles, food waste reduction strategies, and sustainability best practices is preferred but not required
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• Strong project management and organizational skills
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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• Basic proficiency in data analysis and reporting
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• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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• Commitment to environmental and social equity

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in environmental management or community outreach
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• Knowledge of local environmental regulations
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• Familiarity with grant writing and funding opportunities

Benefits
• Basic benefits available, if needed