Environment Program Associate - The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread

Description:

The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread is dedicated to serving as a catalyst for innovative public and private solutions in two spheres - one global and one regional - that reflect the Johnson Family’s longstanding passions: healthy environments and healthy local communities. Over the course of 50 years, The Johnson Foundation has hosted leading thinkers at its Wingspread Conference Center, inspiring consensus and action on a range of public policy issues. Several organizations have roots at Wingspread, including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Public Radio, the International Criminal Court and the Presidential Climate Action Plan.

Building on this legacy, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread has set a new, mission-driven strategic course designed to achieve a greater, more sustained impact on the issues we care about. We are committed to being a catalyst for environmental and community solutions by convening small groups of people and utilizing leading edge convening techniques and technologies for the most effective and efficient conferences possible.

The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread approaches issues without preconceived ideas or fixed agendas. A distinctive feature of our conferences is candid yet collegial conversation among those with divergent ideas and perspectives -- in an environment fostering the trust and collaboration needed for innovative solutions that can also be broadly supported. Our unique convening model, combined with a serene natural environment and gracious hospitality, contribute significantly to the authenticity of the dialogue at our conferences.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Johnson family home known as Wingspread, completed in 1939, is nestled amid 36 wooded acres near the western shore of Lake Michigan. It was donated to the Foundation in 1959 to promote “the free exchange of constructive and purposeful ideas.” The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread occupies a singular place among conference facilities and conveners with its combination of focused environmental mission, historic and stimulating natural setting and unique convening model.
Job Summary.

The Foundation is seeking an Environment Program Associate to help shape and run an ambitious environment program. The Environment Program Associate will help attract, review and track conference proposals, work with partners to convene impactful meetings, and will oversee our briefing series and outreach to local partners. The Environment Program Associate will also manage social media and use of the Foundation website for the Environment Program. This position is supervised by the Director of the Environment Program. The position does not supervise any staff, but works closely with Program Assistants for all conference and briefing related activities.

Position Responsibilities:

? Track all incoming proposals for the Environment Program, correspond with applicants in a timely way, arrange initial contact and conversations with applicants, and, for those who are selected to convene a conference, work with them on behalf of the Program Director to develop conference content, appropriate participant list, preparatory materials, etc.
? Develop relationships with Environment Program partners, including NGO, business, government, individuals, as appropriate. Work with these partners to ascertain needs, interests, trends, and opportunities for engagement with The Johnson Foundation Environment Program.
? Develop annual briefing series for Environment Program. This includes assessing interest, developing content, selecting speakers, arranging all logistics, engaging community, communications, etc.
? Assist with Environment Program communications strategies and execution, including social media, website, and regional radio, print, and television contacts as appropriate.
? Support Program Director by assisting with content development, program-related research, and fact-checking as needed to support communications materials and strategy development for the Environment Program and the Environmental Forum series endeavors.
? Other duties as assigned.

Additional Qualifications:

? Superb interpersonal skills and sound judgment, and comfortable manner;
? Superb organizational skills;
? Strong interest and experience in working with environment and sustainability issues from multiple angles (policy, science, economics, land use, etc.) and commitment to the local community;
? Strong writing and editing skills;
? Demonstrated skill in moving easily from the big picture to the detailed work of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
? Strong and efficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Experience with the use of social media, website management, and use of databases preferred;
? Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communications or environmental positions, and experience working as part of a professional team,
? Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, land use planning, writing, communications, or other appropriate field;
? Ability to accommodate flexible working hours and occasional travel.

How to Apply:

The Johnson Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Lois Y. Berg
Director of Administrative Services
The Johnson Foundation
33 East Four Mile Road
Racine, WI 53402

Milwaukee Urban Gardens - Executive Director

Organizational Summary:

Milwaukee Urban Gardens (MUG) is a non-profit land trust that partners with neighborhood residents to develop and maintain community gardens. Since 2000, MUG has led the development, preservation, and beautification efforts of more than fifteen community gardening sites located throughout the City of Milwaukee and currently holds title to five properties, including Greenfolks Garden in Riverwest, Village Roots Garden in Bay View, Grow and Play Lot in Harambee, Hocking Heritage and Spencer Gardens located in Milwaukee’s Northwest side. In addition, MUG currently manages nine gardens for the City of Milwaukee under a long-term lease agreement.

MUG is seeking a new Director with non-profit management and fund-raising experience, a passion for working with community groups and gardeners and an interest in teaching gardening skills to community members. The Director will work under the direction of the MUG Board of Directors, reporting directly to the President of the Board.

For more information about Milwaukee Urban Gardens, please visit the website at: www.milwaukeeurbangardens.org

Essential Functions:
• Prepare and administer annual operating budget.
• Responsible for all aspects of fundraising including maintaining relations with charitable foundations, individual and corporate donors, in addition to preparing grant proposals, reports, project budgets and general solicitation requests.
• Coordinate and provide support for monthly Board of Directors’ meetings.
• Supervise staff, interns, service –learning students and volunteers
• Administer the three year garden lease program with the City of Milwaukee, Department of City Development.
• Coordinate water related policy issues and oversee application process for hydrant permits with Milwaukee Water Works and invoices.
• Oversee and administer educational programs, including the development of Grow Your Own Groceries and World Lunchbox.
• Further policy efforts related to community gardening through networking in collaborative meetings such as Milwaukee Food Council, Urban Food for Urban Schools, Environmental Applied Research Transforming Health (EARTH) committee, Water Strategies for Urban Gardening, Transformation Milwaukee.
• Foster communication and relations between MUG gardens through periodic meetings such as the fall community garden tour, spring seed swap, film series etc.
• Marketing and Outreach including website updates, quarterly newsletters etc.

Qualifications and Requirements:
• College degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years practical experience including a demonstrated ability to supervise and lead others.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors diverse populations and organizations.
• Experience working with the media and public officials.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Possess a high degree of professionalism, flexibility and self initiative.
• Ability to work independently.
• Stellar written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to maintain current website.

To Apply:
This full-time position, with benefits, is expected to be filled by July 15, 2010. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply electronically by submitting a cover letter and resume with relevant work experience and educational expertise to mug.gardens@gmail.com, no later than June 10, 2010.

Summer Internship (paid) with Urban Ecology Center

Click here to view this position description online

The nation is turning its eyes toward Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center as the model of effective and impactful urban environmental education. Located on vibrant public green spaces, our fast-growing organization serves over 75,000 people of all ages annually. Our innovative team of cutting-edge non-profit professionals works in a creative, high-energy open office in a state-of-the-art green facility. Awarded the national Alfred P Sloan “When Work Works” recognition and a 2009 Top Workplace by the Business Journal, the Urban Ecology Center is a leader in workplace flexibility. The Urban Ecology Center’s facility and programs have been recognized nationally and internationally for their innovative approach to sustainability, neighborhood-based urban environmental education and citizen science.

The Summer Intern position is ideal for someone who is looking to gain experience in environmental education (as a camp counselor), outdoor adventure activities (canoeing, rock-climbing, etc.), field research, volunteer coordination, land stewardship, green building management and working in a non-profit organization. Summer Interns can expect to gain experience in a wide variety of programs at our two urban locations, Riverside Park and Washington Park. Attention to safety, a willingness to work in often-unpredictable environments under strenuous conditions and the ability to work in a team are essential qualities for this position. A good driving record and willingness to drive 14-passenger buses in the city (training provided), past experience in related fields and the ability to speak Spanish are a plus. Physical ability with reasonable accommodation is required for various activities, such as carrying canoes, weeding, using heavy gardening equipment or paddling or hiking for a full day.

This 10-week internship is composed of three weeks of intense training and seven weeks of programming. Interns work closely with staff and are paired with high-school students participating in the Urban Ecology Center’s High School Outdoor Leadership Program, acting as mentors to a younger generation of future leaders.

Compensation for the 10-week program is $2,000. Upon completion of the internship, the Urban Ecology Center strives to help interns gain employment through networking, sharing job announcements and writing letters of support.

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin and any other protected status.

Please contact Beth Fetterley (click here to email Beth) or at (414) 964-8505 x103 for more information about this opportunity.