Coastal Project Manager

Coastal Project Manager

Summary
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is hiring a Coastal Project Manager (Manager) to support the oldest independent Great Lakes citizens’ organization in North America. The Manager will develop and implement projects to achieve conservation and preservation of Great Lakes coastal resources.

Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Manager will be to work with state and local governments to enhance the quality of unique Great Lakes coastal habitats through planning efforts, on-the-ground project implementation and education of the public. This position will also be responsible for the Alliance’s efforts to protect public trust lands, preserve and increase access to the Great Lakes and create opportunities for investment of federal, state, local and private funds in coastal restoration. The work will build on the Alliance’s established presence in Great Lakes coastal communities.

Responsibilities
ı Manage ongoing coastal restoration planning projects and identify new restoration, funding and
public engagement opportunities. This includes administering the Lake Michigan Watershed
Ecosystem Partnership in Illinois and developing similar partnerships in other parts of the region.
ı Lead the Alliance’s effort to implement the federal Coastal Management Program in Illinois and
ensure the program supports appropriate restoration actions.
ı Incorporate coastal habitat restoration opportunities into the Alliance’s 9,000-person-plus
volunteer Adopt-a-Beach™ program.
ı Analyze existing government programs that support Great Lakes coastal restoration, such as the
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Coastal Management Program, and ensure these programs
maximize their on-the-ground restoration impact.
ı Identify strategic opportunities to incorporate coastal restoration into urban and suburban
redevelopment throughout the Great Lakes states.
ı Identify critical coastal land use conflicts that impact the public trust and/or coastal access and
develop policy and advocacy tools to strategically address these conflicts.
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Knowledge/Skills
• Experience in land-use planning and application of GIS tools with an emphasis on ecological
restoration in urban environments.
• Ability to translate complex ecological information to lay audiences and engage communities and
individuals on the multiple benefits of coastal restoration.
• Keen understanding of the dynamics of restoration project implementation within public agencies
and non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated success at project management and administration of subcontracts.
• A strong drive for independent analysis while regularly coordinating and cooperating with other
organizations.
• Ability to independently keep abreast of significant policy, political, and regulatory developments
among agencies and various stakeholders.
• Attraction to mission-driven public interest work, often with resource limitations that require
resourcefulness in leveraging assistance from pro bono experts and volunteers.
• Ability to encourage integration and teamwork among staff and volunteers of varying expertise
and located in different offices.
• Undergraduate degree plus 3 years of experience in planning, environmental policy, public
administration or related field.
Job Parameters
• This is a full-time salaried position. It is considered “permanent,” subject to future funding and
consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary to be commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits, including health, vacation and retirement plan, are included.
• This position is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Multi-state and occasional overnight travel
is necessary for this job, which will require a valid driver’s license.
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Application Process
Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to:
Jennifer Jazwiec, Office Manager
jjazwiec@greatlakes.org
This position will remain posted until filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word.
Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates
about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Formed in 1970 as the Lake Michigan Federation, the Alliance is the oldest citizens’ Great Lakes organization in North America. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife.
For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.