West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. (WE ACT) is a Northern Manhattan community-based, membership organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. We use community organizing, community-based participatory research and evidence based policy advocacy campaigns to create systemic policy change at the federal, state and local levels of government. WE ACT is locally and nationally known for its work on children’s environmental health, community-driven climate resiliency, healthy homes campaigns government accountability, and community-based environmental health research partnerships.

WE ACT seeks a full-time Community Based Planner & Policy Advocacy Coordinator to work closely with WE ACT’s Deputy Director and Director of Policy Initiatives. The ideal candidate will have prior experience leading projects for communities. You will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of other non-profit organization in service of a broader goal of strengthening community capacity to effectively respond to development proposals from private developers. This position will work closely with a community organizer to enroll Northern Manhattan residents in a series of workshops Northern Manhattan in trainings and to bolster their knowledge and skills in historic preservation, cultural heritage and art preservation, and community sustainability and climate resilience. The ideal candidate will be able to review proposals for rezoning and provide written feedback that gives voice to key community concerns while offering cogent planning expertise to eliminate or mitigate the actions causing concern to the community.  The successful candidate will collaborate with AICP-certified planners who work for the City and who have extensive experience managing projects such as master plans, zoning ordinances, recreation plans etc., and providing services to various local government Commissions and Boards. We are seeking candidates that have familiarity with NYC land use regulations and zoning text as well as experience working with communities, other groups, regularly writes staff reports, and is capable of providing practical planning services and solutions to communities throughout Northern Manhattan.

This position will include night meetings for example with the Community Boards that serve Northern Manhattan & East Harlem

• Lead and participate in policy-setting forums and government relations activities;
• Provide strategic advice on public policy issues to the Executive Director, Deputy Director and other WE ACT staff;
• Monitor and provide strategic advice, briefings, and recommendations on legislative change and policy issues at the federal, state and municipal levels;
• Organize and lead community-based planning initiatives, develop planning materials, and strategically engaging in the public planning process to promote equity in land use and development.
• Identify and work with key partners to advance the organization’s public policy agenda;

Skills

• Two-three years project management experience
• knowledge of Environmental, Climate and Energy Policy, Land Use
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills required.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work in a team of community organizers, policy advocates, and researcher
• Experience in: environmental policy and law; environmental justice concerns and perspectives; city, state and federal politics; and New York political leadership

Educational Requirements:

Master’s degree preferred in Urban Planning, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Sustainability.

Spanish speaking and writing a plus.

Details at a glance

• On-site Location
• Full Time Schedule
• Master’s Degree Required
• Professional

Benefits

Full benefits, medical, dental and vision, plus pre-tax Metro card purchasing available

Level of Language Proficiency

Seeking an individual who can Read, Write, Speak Spanish. Able to translate text for our Spanish Speaking members.

How To Apply

evelyn@weact.org

http://www.weact.org

• Send to evelyn@weact.org, Telephone calls will not be accepted.
• Include cover letter, resume, three references, and daytime contact information.
• Bilingual candidates, people of color, and Northern Manhattan residents are encouraged to apply.

Location

1854 Amsterdam Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10031