Who we are:

Blacks in Green™ (BIG™) has pioneered environmental economic development for the benefit of Black America since 2007 ~ a 501c3 non-profit tackling pollution and poverty with a goal of closing America’s racial health/wealth gap via the new green economy.

We are building economies in energy, horticulture, housing, tourism, and waste via our Sustainable Square Mile™ model. Our model reinvents the “walk-to-work, walk-to-shop, walk-to-learn, walk-to-play” village where African Americans own the businesses and the land and live the conservation lifestyle ~ as a buffer against the well-known disproportionate harms of climate change on communities of color. We are a community-based organization with national reach and are building our capacity in support of our selection as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Technical Assistance Program (TCTAC) in Region 5.

We are looking for a motivated, driven and committed individual who can assist in all the programs at Blacks in Green but particularly, our technical assistance program. The person in this role provides support to our Region 5 Director of the TCTAC.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to BIG’s Founder/CEO and Regional District Director, the EJTCTAC Program Manager will manage the Region 5 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center through comprehensive program engagement and strategic planning. The PM will maintain responsibility for strategic planning and environmental results by ensuring the efficient and effective use of all resources to meet the objectives and goals of the EJTCTAC. This will include supervising resources, budgets, and schedules as well as tracking all project components and contributors, such as key performance indicators and milestones, to propel processes and identify areas of improvement or adjustment. Effective communication and collaboration efforts must daily be employed to unify purpose and share information across cross-functional teams and among all stakeholders. Deliberate long-range planning and coordination efforts will be needed to ensure the data collected conveys a steady output of program effectiveness, organizational efficiency, and community participation and improvement.

Day-to-Day Management:

• Adapt new business methods to develop and expand the TCTAC program and policies for continuous program improvement in Region 5.
• Propose strategies to improve participant learning and growth.
• Review grants and policies and make sure they are in alignment with the state and federal requirements for initiation, administration, and execution.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert by providing information to state, local and/or tribal governments and non-profits to help facilitate assigned environmental justice improvement initiatives programs within the municipalities/towns/tribes of Region 5.
• Prepare written materials to reconcile and report on program budgets as well as program outputs/outcomes.
• Manage multiple projects/assignments of disparate work streams simultaneously while addressing competing demands priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people from diverse backgrounds and properly manage a limited staff.
• Establish a regular cadence for reporting progress to maintain accountability and compliance with the goals and budget of the TCTAC.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all agency assets.
• Represent BIG as needed with external processes and functions.
• Ensure agency compliance with statutory, regulatory, contractual, relational obligations.

Required:

• 10-plus distinguished years in a senior management position preferably in a nonprofit organization, foundation, or government agency.
• Proven track record delivering superior results, commanding respect, and assuming leadership roles.
• Strong ability to evaluate an organization & operations (e.g., management methods, business practices, utilization of resources) to recommend strategies for operational efficiency.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Demonstrates a passion for BIG’s mission, environmental impact, and commitment to being BEST in class.
• Ability to set and communicate work goals clearly and to provide timely feedback to junior staff.
• Demonstrates an understanding and passion for how race, gender, class, and intersectionality impact social change.
• Has a character of diplomacy and loves hands-on management and people development.
• Exceptional relationship-builder who will lead by example and possesses spark, imagination, creativity, ingenuity, and drive.
• Capable of remaining focused in the face of deadline pressures and is naturally proactive versus reactive as it relates to tasks/time limitations.
• Proficient in Google, Word, and Microsoft well-versed in tips, tools and shortcuts

Preferred:

• Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, principles, practices, and methods relating to environmental protection programs.
• Knowledge of federal grants, cooperative agreements and interagency agreements regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret federal grants and cooperative agreement regulations and guidelines sufficient to provide technical guidance to internal and program staff and external stakeholders.

Salary & Benefits:

• Annual compensation is $105,000 - $125,000/year based on qualifications
• Insurance coverage includes medical, dental and vision.
• Paid major holidays and 10 sick paid days per year.
• Tuition Assistance Program for professional development

Application Process & Start Date: Submit a complete application packet consisting of a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to candidates@blacksingreen.org. Only applications containing all requested documents will be considered. All hires will successfully complete a 3-month contractor period before transitioning to employee status. We are an in-person team primarily located in Chicago. The position is offered with a flexible work schedule of up to 50% remote work.

• Subject line: BIG-TCTAC Program Manager
• Application closing date: October 11, 2023
• Anticipated Interview: Week of October 16, 2023
• Anticipated start date: November 13, 2023

Blacks in Green™ is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages members of our community, indigenous allies, leaders of color, women, and persons identifying as LGBTQI to apply.

BIG! Blacks in Green™ is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as BIG, NFP. Our mailing address is 6011 S. St. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Il, 606037 and our website is https://www.blacksingreen.org