Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator

Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator

City of Lakewood

Pay: $56,701 - $67,894

Lakewood, Ohio is a first-ring suburb immediately west of Cleveland with nearly 4 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie. Our 50,000 residents live within 5.6 square miles (a population density similar to Washington D.C.), making Lakewood the most densely populated city in Ohio. Incorporated in 1911, Lakewood began as a collection of fruit farms and orchards. Following the housing boom of the early 1920’s, it became recognized as the City of Beautiful Homes.

Lakewood is a community of choice for a diverse group of residents and businesses. Alongside the character, history and charm, innovations and ideas are inspiring a new energy. There are a number of reasons for this, including:

1. Vibrant neighborhoods and access to affordable housing;
2. Proximity to Downtown Cleveland, major regional job centers, local colleges and universities, and professional sports and entertainment venues;
3. Mobility, including access to alternative modes such as biking, walking and public transportation;
4. Recreational activities with over 5 miles of lakefront and the Cleveland Metroparks at our doorstep;
5. Active nightlife and unique small businesses;
6. Great place to raise children, with $300 million invested in building new schools;
7. A community that is addressing its challenges, leveraging its strengths, and investing in its future.

Lakewood’s economy is large, diverse, and local. The local economy is primarily made up of agile and thriving small businesses. Small businesses employ 75% of the 12,000 workers in Lakewood, ranging from restaurants and breweries to professional services firms. Over 125 small businesses have either opened or gone through a major renovation in the last 5 years representing tens of millions in private investment.

Through investments in building stock, infrastructure, and high-speed internet (100 Gb) Lakewood makes it easy to do business here. Join us, as the vibrant second century of Lakewood is taking shape.

THIS OPPORTUNITY

Under the general direction of the Planning and Development Director, the Climate Action and Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for the development, organization, implementation, and monitoring of a City-wide climate action and sustainability program. This program is to encompass all aspects of the City’s operations including internal and external programs related to the efficient use of resources (e.g., energy, water, and land), green building, waste reduction, pollution prevention, air quality, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The incumbent will lead the implementation of a City Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Position exercises a high degree of independent judgment in selection of work methods and procedures, subject to executive directive and review. Work is reviewed through meetings, reports and documentation of the success of the implemented programs and the achievement of objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

1. Act as the primary point of contact to the public, City staff, and external stakeholders regarding climate resiliency and sustainability projects and information.
2. Advise the Mayor on climate resiliency and sustainability issues.
3. Serve as the City’s representative on boards and committees regarding climate resiliency and sustainability issues or concepts.
4. Lead the implementation and periodic update of a City-wide Climate Action Plan (CAP).
5. Engage with environmental justice and other external stakeholders to shape a climate agenda that is deeply participatory and centered in the community.
6. Develop and maintain a variety of records, statistics and reports as needed; prepare staff reports and other written documents including quarterly reports, contracts, program plans, and assessments; collect and create reports on Greenhouse Gas Inventory data and Climate Action Plan program data to meet local, state and federal goals and mandates.
7. Lead grant management activities, including reporting once awarded.
8. Manage the City’s contracts that pertain to climate resiliency and sustainability.
9. Monitor the progress of all climate resiliency and sustainability programs and initiatives through specific performance metrics.
10. Work with City departments to collect data and track progress based upon that standard data collection methodology and the established metrics.
11. Work with the City’s communications team to develop and implement marketing strategies for climate resiliency and sustainability initiatives throughout the community.
12. Facilitate educational and classroom outreach and develop curriculum, including workshops and presentations, for the local, private and public schools.
13. Participate in and represent the City on local, regional, and even national climate-related committees, working groups, taskforces, etc.
14. Work with various departments on plans to include low-maintenance and sustainable practices.
15. Oversee the City’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet and infrastructure, its expansion, and the overall conversion.
16. Work with the Department of Public Works on recycling efforts and programs.
17. Ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion is considered in all climate resiliency and sustainability conversations.
18. Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a Sustainability-related field, plus three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience in sustainability, resiliency, environmental science, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Experience applying for and managing grants required. Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:
Required: Valid Driver’s License with less than eight (8) points.
Desirable: LEED AP, LEED GA, SASB, ISSP, ACCO CC-P, GRI, CDP, GGEP/GGP, or equivalent certification.

SELECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Concepts central to climate resiliency and sustainability planning;
2. Best practices in climate resiliency and sustainability, spanning topics such as air quality, green infrastructure, energy supply, energy efficiency, housing, community engagement, climate change, equity, and inclusive economic growth;
3. Federal, state and local laws, programs, and processes related to climate change, environmental projects, renewable energy, building performance & efficiency standards, greenhouse gas accounting, etc.;
4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues in climate planning, including environmental justice and public health;
5. Infrastructure planning and financing methods, including funding sources available to finance environmental compliance and sustainability programs, grant sourcing and development;
6. Strategic planning and project management, including goal setting, program, and budget development, and implementation;
7. Marketing and promotional practices and strategies, especially related to municipal and community promotions;
8. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations and providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff;
9. Development and successful implementation of complex public policies or programs that span multiple departments;
10. Proven track record in change management and accomplishment leading and executing large-scale projects;
11. Hands-on budget management skills including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting;
12. Public speaking, delivering presentations and having personal conversations with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
13. Define goals, performance metrics, and lead the development of a Sustainability/Climate Action Plan and its implementation;
14. Balance conflicting priorities;
15. Manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
16. Work with diverse populations;

GENERAL INFORMATION:
This position requires flexibility of scheduling and will require meeting and operations attendance during evening and weekend hours.

The selected candidate must be able to pass a civil service examination. Qualified, interested applicants should submit an application, cover letter and current resume to the Human Resources office.

For more information, including a full job description, and to apply please visit:

. Note pay range listed is the hiring range and not the full pay range of the position.

Position is open until filled.

The City of Lakewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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