UMD Environmental Finance Center – Program Manager

Position Summary: 

The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, is a regional center that provides communities with the tools and information necessary to manage change for a healthy environment and an enhanced quality of life. Our mission is to protect natural resources and watersheds by strengthening the capacity of local decision-makers to analyze environmental problems, develop innovative and effective methods of financing environmental efforts, and educate communities about the role of finance and economic development in the protection of the environment. The EFC at the University of Maryland is one of 29 centers nationwide that will help communities across the country access federal funding for infrastructure and greenhouse gas reduction projects that improve public health and protect environmental resources.

The primary responsibilities of this position will include providing program administration, management, and development; conducting community outreach and education; delivering direct education, training, and technical and financial assistance; performing program and policy analysis; and generally supporting EFC’s overall work plan. This is a five-year grant funded position, with opportunity for extension depending on available funding. In keeping with the EFC’s mission, this position includes the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Community Outreach and Engagement
  • Design and implement community outreach and education campaigns related to water quality, sustainability, climate mitigation, resiliency, water infrastructure, and/or related environmental issues.
  • Utilize environmental justice screening tools to identify and engage underserved communities.
  • Conduct and facilitate interviews, surveys, focus groups, and community and partner meetings.
• Education and Training
  • Design and deliver broad-reaching education and training such as webinars, workshops, and online courses.
  • Create and disseminate resources and tools such as action templates, factsheets, and case stories.
• Direct Technical and Financial Assistance
  • Provide assistance to communities via meetings, workshops, and blended/peer-to-peer cohort learning.
  • Review and offer guidance to communities on funding applications.
  • Provide financial assessment, budget analysis, and financing strategy development.
• Program and Policy Analysis
  • Conduct assessments and evaluations such as capacity assessments, fiscal impact analyses, and cost benefit analyses.

Salary:  $65,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental science, public policy, finance, economics, or similar with a minimum of five years work experience in a related field. Bachelor’s degree with 10 or more years of work experience in a related field may also be considered.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, climate adaptation mitigation and resilience, air quality and land use, water infrastructure, and/or water resource management, particularly at the community level.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, methods used to finance community-based environmental efforts.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, environmental justice issues and engaging underserved communities.
• Strong program and/or project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience/ability to identify, pursue, and secure state, federal, and/or private funding related to environmental issues including water quality, resilience, finance, and community sustainability.
• Demonstrated experience/ability to build partnerships and develop relationships with a diverse group of organizations, including local, state, and federal agencies, non-profits, private businesses, and others.

Preferences:

• Familiarity with state and federal grant processes and structure such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA funding), the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and State Revolving Funds.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, energy and climate justice issues.
• Proficient in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
• Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Closing Date: 01/31/2023

Physical Demands:

Traditional office environment. Must have visual acuity and be able to read computer monitors; able to hear and talk to communicate; able to sit at a desk for extended periods; able to operate manual and automated office equipment; able to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally. Ability to travel around and off campus – occasionally out of state within the Mid-Atlantic region – for meetings or other duties.

Diversity Statement:  

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Background Checks: 

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Vaccine Protocol:

The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University requires that students, faculty, and staff on the UMD campus be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.