Senior Climate Resilience Associate

Charles River Watershed Association

We protect, restore, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. We develop science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.

Job Description

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), an internationally-recognized environmental advocacy nonprofit based in Boston, MA, is seeking a Senior Climate Resilience Associate to join our growing team. The Senior Climate Resilience Associate will primarily work with the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) to design and implement regional climate adaptation projects. The CRCC is a partnership of twenty-eight watershed communities that takes a watershed approach to climate adaptation and mitigation to address precipitation-based flooding, sea level rise, extreme heat, and ecosystem health through regional collaboration and information sharing.  

Reporting to CRWA’s Climate Compact Director, the Senior Climate Resilience Associate will support and manage technical projects; manage the logistical operations of the CRCC; facilitate CRCC communications by sharing information about programs, projects, and funding opportunities; and prepare joint letters in support of climate policies. The Senior Climate Resilience Associate will also work with the Climate Compact Director to implement the CRCC’s recently-completed Resilience Strategic Plan, which identified numerous high-priority strategies such as increasing the efficacy of advocacy efforts and implementing nature-based solutions across the watershed. 

The Senior Climate Resilience Associate will also engage in other work to further the priorities of CRWA’s Climate Resilience Program as needed. 

This position is a hybrid remote/in-office position located in CRWA’s Boston office. Fully remote candidates will not be considered. 


Responsibilities:

  • Lead ongoing CRCC projects, including a Regional Tree Planting and Protection Plan
  • Support the CRCC’s Charles River Flood Model project by managing the extensive community outreach plan, which focuses on engaging groups and individuals outside of the traditional climate adaptation planning field
  • Present on CRCC’s work in the community and at technical conferences
  • Work with the CRCC Director and other CRWA staff to grow the impact of the CRCC
  • Plan and support bi-monthly (6x/year) CRCC meetings, strategically plan meetings to support other project and advocacy initiatives and identify and invite engaging and relevant guest speakers 
  • Apply for funding, primarily through grants, for new CRCC projects and initiatives
  • Support CRCC membership with projects and grant requests, as needed
  • Provide communications and outreach support to strengthen CRCC relationships and overall efficacy as a partnership
  • Provide support on additional projects as necessary
  • Conduct work in accordance with CRWA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative

Qualifications:

  • Multilingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences preferred; ability to work with a diverse group of people from all backgrounds
  • Educational background and/or work experience in the fields of environmental science/engineering, environmental or urban planning, and/or climate adaptation; master’s degree preferred 
  • Experience writing and obtaining grants
  • Experience managing projects
  • Experience with group facilitation
  • Demonstrated strong, clear communications skills, including the ability to communicate about CRWA’s mission and work to the public
  • Past experience working with or for municipalities is a plus
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, anticipate project/event needs, and problem-solve when challenges arise
  • Demonstrated high level of courtesy and professionalism
  • Commitment to CRWA’s mission 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google GSuite, and ArcGIS
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion
  • Occasional travel throughout the watershed and beyond (for conferences) will be necessary


Compensation & Benefits:

This is a full-time position based in Boston with competitive salary and benefits, including generous paid time off, employer contributions to health insurance premiums and retirement plan, and a public transit stipend. CRWA’s office operates on a hybrid remote/in-person schedule. Starting salary for this position is $65,000 annually.


How to Apply:

At CRWA, we recognize that excellent candidates may not have every qualification listed but may still be a great fit for the job. If this is you, we encourage you to apply! Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by email no later than July 17, 2023 to hiring@crwa.org and include “Senior Climate Resilience Associate” in the subject line. Candidates will be interviewed and selected based on criteria such as prior experience, references, and skills relevant to this position.