Introduction

Groundwork USA is the support organization for a national network of community-based organizations that revitalize distressed neighborhoods by engaging residents, businesses and government in improving the natural and built environment – a national enterprise with local roots, working at the intersection of the environment, equity and civic engagement. Local Groundwork “Trusts” transform neglected land and waterways into community assets, turning brownfields into parks, gardens and greenways; restoring urban rivers; expanding healthy food production and access; creating neighborhood infrastructure for active living; and advancing equitable development. Youth development programs are mainstreamed in our work, introducing young people from our communities to opportunities to improve both their local environment and National Parks and other public lands. Our work is grounded in close partnerships with the National Park Service and US Environmental Protection Agency, who launched the Groundwork USA network in the 1990s.

Groundwork USA builds the capacity of its network, operates national youth programs, and leads capacity-building programs for community organizations and local governments seeking to advance environmental justice, brownfields redevelopment and urban waters restoration. Headquartered in Yonkers, New York, Groundwork USA has staff based there and in other locations. Our website is www.groundworkusa.org.

The Position

The Manager of Network Development and Communications is a new position, created to serve the needs of our expanding network and programs. The successful candidate will have day-to-day responsibility for maintaining relationships with the Groundwork Trusts, federal agency partners, and external technical assistance and learning network communities. She or he will be part of a team that supports a national community of practitioners working on today’s most exciting sustainability and equity strategies. The position will be based in either Yonkers, New York (bordering New York City) or Lawrence, Massachusetts (near Boston).

Primary responsibilities include:

Management of network communications and meetings, including monthly webinars, conference calls, and an annual conference.
External communications — ongoing improvement and development of content for the Groundwork USA website and Urban Waters Learning Network website; effective use of social media; layout of graphic materials; management of communications with external audiences.
Administration of contracts and grants, including budget development, reporting, and management of financial relationships with partner agencies and Groundwork Trusts.
Listening to and assessing the needs of Groundwork Trust staff across the nation and helping shape Groundwork USA’s capacity-building activities in response to those needs.
Maintenance and improvement of multiple systems for the Groundwork USA network and external learning network and technical assistance programs; creating and maintaining data and communications systems.
Handling logistics for Groundwork USA staff and national programs involving staff and youth from throughout the network.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring the following competencies:

Proficiency in Excel, other Microsoft Office programs, WordPress, Adobe Illustrator and/or other graphics programs; familiarity with or demonstrated ability to develop proficiency with programs such as Salesforce, Basecamp and Mailchimp.
Experience developing budgets and managing grants or contracts.
Strong written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize information and present compelling stories.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated facility in working effectively with people from diverse origins and community/organizational settings.
Top-notch organizational skills and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to balance competing demands, work in a fast-paced non-profit environment, and meet all deadlines.
Familiarity with one or more areas of our work.
Some familiarity with non-profit or for-profit start-up environments and/or organizational development would be helpful but is not required.

This position requires at least 3 years of relevant professional experience; that level of experience plus a master’s degree, or 5-7 years of relevant experience, is preferred.

Groundwork USA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to maintaining and growing a diverse team.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@groundworkusa.org, including names and contact information for three references. (References will not be contacted prior to interviews.) Applications received by August 24, 2014 will be assured of full consideration. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted – your understanding is appreciated.