IRONBOUND COMMUNITY CORPORATION JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Name:
Ironbound Community Corporation
Job Location:
317 Elm Street, Newark New Jersey 07105
Job Title:
Urban Greening Program Coordinator
Reports to:
SanDonna Jones
Title: Special Projects Coordinator
Hours: 40

FLSA Status

• Exempt
• Nonexempt

Type of position:
Full-time Consultant/Contractor
Part-time Intern Temporary

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage and empower individuals, families, and groups in realizing their aspirations and, together, work to create a just, vibrant, and sustainable community. ICC strives to address the needs of our diverse, multi-lingual, multi-cultural community. Today, ICC serves more than 1,000 children and families every day with a wide range of programs and services. ICC also strengthens communities through advocacy, neighborhood organizing, community development initiatives and family services. __________________________
This role is part of the Environmental Justice and Community Development department of ICC. The EJCD has wide-reaching areas of advocacy and programming including: housing advocacy, food security, pollution prevention, community organizing, and more.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS, SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONSREQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in: Environmental Studies, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Sustainability, Community or Urban Planning, or a related field;
• ORminimum three (3) years of experience in project coordination, environmental programs, community development, and/or related fields.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, especially in supervising teams or workforce participants.
• Experience working in or with historically marginalized communities, preferably in urban settings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in collaboration with team members and also work independently and manage multiple priorities, stakeholders and workflows
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (Excel, Google Workspace, etc.).
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work weekends and evening hours, if needed.
  Valid driver’s license needed.

CORE VALUES

ICC is animated by a core group of values, including mutual respect, empathy, fairness and transparency, commitment to excellence, and accountability.

Mutual Respect: We accept the importance of each person’s rights, customs and wishes. We are courteous and supportive in all of our interactions with clients and colleagues. Examples of this value in action are:

• Maintaining an open door policy - feeling empowered to bring forward ideas and concerns in a respectful manner; and a willingness to hear the ideas of your colleague, community member, or direct manager
• Recognizing the unique contributions of each team member
• Maintaining boundaries - not everything is appropriate to share with colleagues and not all communication is right for work

Empathy: We strive to understand what others are experiencing and feeling by trying to see things from their perspectives. We are willing to give our time and energy to the community and are constantly searching for ways to improve the lives of those we serve. Examples of this value in action are:

• Participate in a culture of teamwork
• Listening with an open mind and being attentive to what others are saying, how they’re doing, and their perspective
• Offering assistance and providing support when you can
• Fairness and Transparency: We are committed to authentic, two-way communication, willing to listen without judgment and, with respect, express our point of view. We cherish diversity and inclusiveness, embracing the community with its input and feedback. Examples of this value in action are:
• Encouraging feedback from community members to involve them in decision making
• Sharing learning and mistakes
• Speaking honestly and not withholding important information and details

Commitment to Excellence: We provide the highest quality service possible, earning trust and exceeding expectations. We continuously learn from experience. We approach challenges with creativity and flexibility. Examples of this value in action are:

• Receiving or giving constructive criticism in order to strive for excellence
• Showing a commitment to focusing on solutions
• Apply consistent practices to move community work in a positive direction

Accountability: We are responsible for the quality and outcomes of the programs we provide, for explaining why deviations from reasonable expectations may have occurred, and for responding responsibly at all times, especially when errors in behavior or judgment have happened. Examples of this value in action are:

• Making restorations, not blame, the goal
• Continuously tracking progress to achieve results
• Leading by example and holding yourself accountable

ICC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to further building and maintaining a staff that reflects the full range and diversity of our community. Not only do we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our community members, but we also strive for the same in our employees. ICC is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are looking for a diverse applicant pool and strongly encourage women of color, persons with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community, and people from low-income and working-class backgrounds to apply.
Salary range is $55,000 - $65,000 based on experience.
If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to ironboundjustice@ironboundcc.org with the subject line “Urban Greening Program Coordinator.”
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In perso

Community Engagement and Education

• Work with ICC team members to engage community members to solicit interest in planting trees in front of their homes and/or business.
• Plan and facilitate volunteer planting events and public education campaigns.
• Serve as a visible community ambassador for urban greening and environmental equity.
• Develop and implement educational programs to inform a minimum of residents and small business owners on proper tree stewardship
• Facilitate workshops addressing quality of life issues related to trees, air quality, flooding, and urban heat island effects
• Foster ongoing communication and engagement with the community to encourage active participation in sustainability efforts
• Provide information on city resources for addressing quality of life issues related to trees, air quality, flooding, and hea

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

• Create a comprehensive “Lessons Learned” or “Blueprint” document detailing insights, challenges, and successful strategies for community-led, collaborative tree planting initiatives that can be replicated in other environmental justice communities
• Ensure documentation is accessible for other communities seeking guidance on addressing urban heat island effects and increasing climate resilienc

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role involves coordinating collaborative tree-planting initiatives in Newark’s Ironbound community as part of a city-wide tree canopy effort. This enables the agency to help address the urban heat island effect, flooding, and air quality issues. The position requires active engagement with residents and businesses to support sustainability efforts. Working closely with partners and the city, this position will oversee planting operations, conduct workshops, secure permits and services, manage grant compliance, and hire and supervise urban forest workforce development training participants . The role aligns with Newark’s sustainability plans and welcomes individuals passionate about urban forestry, community engagement, and mitigating environmental harm. The coordinator should possess strong communication skills and be hands-on in orchestrating tree planting and maintenance. Join us in spearheading a community-driven initiative to address tree shortages, aiming to serve as a model for environmental justice beyond Newark.
The ideal candidate is a strong project manager with experience in environmental work and community engagement. Workforce development is a plus. A passion for urban greening and equity-centered environmental work is essential.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Program Coordination

• Oversee ICC’s sub-award responsibilities within the citywide tree canopy initiative.
• Develop and manage tree planting schedules, ensuring annual planting targets are met.
• Coordinate with The Nature Conservancy and other community-based partners in other wards to align project goals and timelines.

Workforce Development

• Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision of temporary workers from the local community.
• Ensure workforce participants receive training in tree planting, safety protocols, and environmental stewardship.
• Where possible, support the development of pathways to longer-term employment or training opportunities for participants.

Community Engagement and Education

• Work with ICC team members to engage community members to solicit interest in planting trees in front of their homes and/or business.
• Plan and facilitate volunteer planting events and public education campaigns.
• Serve as a visible community ambassador for urban greening and environmental equity.
• Develop and implement educational programs to inform a minimum of residents and small business owners on proper tree stewardship
• Facilitate workshops addressing quality of life issues related to trees, air quality, flooding, and urban heat island effects
• Foster ongoing communication and engagement with the community to encourage active participation in sustainability efforts
• Provide information on city resources for addressing quality of life issues related to trees, air quality, flooding, and heat

Grant Management and Reporting

• Track program metrics, including the number of trees planted, workforce hours, and community participation.
• Ensure timely submission of reports and documentation as required by the funder.
• Manage program budget in collaboration with supervisor and ICC’s finance team.

Tree Planting Management

• Oversee the successful planting of a minimum of 300 trees in the Ironbound community of Newark, New Jersey over the 4-year initiative.
• Coordinate with funder, partners and city officials to ensure proper execution of tree planting operations
• Implement and adhere to the established timeline and budget for the tree planting initiative

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

• Create a comprehensive “Lessons Learned” or “Blueprint” document detailing insights, challenges, and successful strategies for community-led, collaborative tree planting initiatives that can be replicated in other environmental justice communities
• Ensure documentation is accessible for other communities seeking guidance on addressing urban heat island effects and increasing climate resiliency

Collaborative Partnerships

• Foster and strengthen partnerships with different wards in the city, partners/stakeholder, and the city of Newark to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to the initiative

Feedback:

• Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously improve and refine the tree planting initiative
• Stay informed about emerging best practices and technologies in urban forestry and sustainability

Other duties as needed.

Accountability: We are responsible for the quality and outcomes of the programs we provide, for explaining why deviations from reasonable expectations may have occurred, and for responding responsibly at all times, especially when errors in behavior or judgment have happened. Examples of this value in action are:

• Making restorations, not blame, the goal
• Continuously tracking progress to achieve results
• Leading by example and holding yourself accountabl