Community Engagement Manager

The Community Engagement Manager at the Sustainable Solutions Lab (SSL), UMass Boston (UMB), is responsible for managing community engagement processes in specific projects and programs, as well as contributing to developing new programs for community-engaged research and action focused on just and equitable climate resilience. This role will be housed within SSL and work 50% on SSL projects, and 50% on Stone Living Lab (SLL) projects.

The Community Engagement Manager will play a crucial role in fostering relationships with community partners, ensuring meaningful community participation in research and action initiatives, programs that address climate change impacts on vulnerable populations, and Nature-Based Approaches (NBA) for resilience. They will work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, academic partners, and internal UMB partners to ensure that SSL and SLL’s work is grounded in community needs and priorities.

• Manage community engagement processes for SSL and SLL projects and programs:

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies for specific projects
• Coordinate with project teams to integrate community input into research and action plans
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and focus groups
• Ensure diverse and equitable community representation and participation in project activities

• Attend and participate in SSL and SLL meetings
• Contribute to the development of program goals, objectives, and timelines
• Monitor program progress and outcomes
• Prepare reports for funders, partners, and SSL/SLL leadership
• Implement continuous improvement strategies based on program evaluations

• Identify opportunities for new community-engaged initiatives addressing climate resilience
• Contribute to designing program frameworks that prioritize climate adaptation and resilience, environmental justice, and capacity building for community-based organizations
• Co-develop programs for community-engaged research and action with SSL and SLL teams and UMB faculty, researchers, and staff, prioritising transdisciplinary approaches.
• Contribute to grant writing and reporting activities

• Establish and nurture trusted, enduring partnerships with community-based organizations
• Engage with local leaders, residents, and stakeholders in environmental justice communities
• Represent SSL, SLL, and UMass Boston at community events and meetings

• Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 3+ years of professional experience or Master’s degree and 1+ years of experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, communications, marketing, public relations, environmental policy/advocacy/management, environmental justice, or another relevant field.
• Non-degreed candidates with equivalent skills and 5+ years of work experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Strong understanding of climate change impacts, environmental/climate justice, and community resilience concepts
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and evaluation
• Experience developing and/or managing community-based programs or initiatives
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and project management software

• Experience working in an academic environment
• Familiarity with or connections to the greater Boston area and eastern MA
• Grant writing and fundraising experience
• Fluency in a language commonly spoken in the Boston area (e.g., Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese) in addition to English
• Experience with participatory action research methodologies
• Knowledge of climate change policies, adaptation strategies, resilience planning, and/or nature-based approaches

This position requires occasional evening and weekend work, as well as local travel to community sites and partner organizations. This position is hybrid.

Application Instructions: Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.