Community Outreach and Policy Coordinator

About Zero Waste Washington

Zero Waste Washington is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to drive policy change for a healthy and wastefree world. We envision a just, equitable, and sustainable future where we all produce, consume, and reuse responsibly. We are the public’s voice for zero waste. We use three main strategies to achieve our mission: advocating policy changes for products and materials at the local, regional, and state levels; engaging residents in driving system changes; and implementing pilot projects to demonstrate that the desired change is possible.

Position Overview

Zero Waste Washington seeks a Community Outreach and Policy Coordinator with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Candidates for this position will require the capacity to work one-on-one with community members and decision makers, implement critical communications plan, help develop and implement community education events and activities, work with partner organizations and community groups and help lead a youth program nurturing leadership skills.

Zero Waste Washington is seeking an individual with strong analytical, decision-making, creative, interpersonal, organizational, and communication (written, verbal, visual) skills, and who has a demonstrated commitment to both racial and social equity and environmental stewardship. Knowledge of sustainability and/or environmental science and policy is a plus, but not a requirement. Qualified applicants must have the ability to be flexible, handle multiple assignments at one time, work well with people, and be available for regular meetings and events in greater Seattle and other areas of the state, including occasional nights and weekends. This position reports to the Executive Director and is based in downtown Seattle, WA (remote during covid-19). This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and innovative environment to build a more sustainable and equitable future for communities in Washington State.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze, research and develop policy documents as well as factsheets, outreach material and communication strategy;

• Develop and manage projects and programs, including base-building, leadership development, team development, and problem-solving for new programs;

• Assess community conditions to inform education and outreach opportunities and develop outreach plans;

• Facilitate relationships and conduct meetings;

• Collaborate with local community leaders and organization partners to plan activities and events, including youth programming, prepare and deliver presentations and hands-on activities;

• Provide organizational and administrative support for the organization, including fundraising, website, social media, quarterly enewsletters, membership emails and other online systems and databases;

• Design and implement engaging communication and educational tools (such as presentations, displays, factsheets, online materials);

• Measure, track, and report progress to determine success of efforts and adjust strategies based on emerging findings;

• Establish and maintain individual and organizational relationships;

• Recruit and supervise the work of interns as necessary;

• Conduct other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience working in policy, education or outreach to community members;

• Experience leading or co-leading a program or project to completion in a fast-paced environment;

• Experience working on a small team or independently as well as working with partners;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort with public speaking; ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences;

• Proven record of inclusive engagement; demonstrated competency working with diverse cultures; ability to build trust and create authentic relationships with a diverse range of people; ability to deal respectfully and constructively with people of divergent opinions;

• Demonstrated history of entrepreneurial work ethic;

• Specific degree in environmental or similar field (preferred, but not required);

• Bilingual (Spanish / English) fluency highly preferred [** languages representing WA demographics]; and

• Washington or other state driver’s license (or be eligible to obtain one upon arrival) and have good driving record.

Project Location, Salary and Benefits

This 40-hour per week position is based in Seattle, although travel throughout the region is anticipated on a semiregular basis. Salary is between $41-46K commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical stipend and sick and paid vacation leave.

How to Apply

Position open immediately; for full consideration, please provide materials as soon as possible. First consideration will be given to applications received by February 21, 2021. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and at least two references in a single PDF to jobs@zerowastewashington.org. Please make the subject of your email “(Last Name) – Outreach/Policy Coordinator” and address the cover letter to Hiring Manager. Please label any submitted materials, including the cover letter, resume, and references with your last name. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.