Program Coord., Center for Neighborhood Tech., Chicago

Position: CNT Water – Program Coordinator

Organizational Background
The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is an award-winning creative think-and-do tank that advances urban sustainability by researching, inventing and testing strategies that use resources more efficiently and equitably. CNT's staff works across a range of disciplines and issues-including energy, climate, transportation, community development and housing, and natural resources.

CNT, together with its two non-profit affiliates, CNT Energy and I-GO Car Sharing, engages in four primary activities: 1) researching & analyzing urban problems; 2) advocating for public policies that could help solve those problems; 3) developing web-based information tools to change how people – residents, policymakers and market actors – understand and act in response to those problems; and 4) designing and launching economic development social ventures to address those problems in innovative
ways.

CNT received a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions in 2009.

See our website for more information at www.cnt.org.

CNT Water is expanding! We’re looking for a Program Coordinator who can help shape and pilot the nation’s first service to reduce urban flooding impacts in our communities and improve people’s quality of life. With support from an exceptional coalition of funders, sponsors and partners, CNT is collecting data on the impacts of flooding, and establishing a unique community-based service that provides solutions—our Wetrofit™ service.

Position
CNT Water’s Program Coordinator will play a pivotal role in this new initiative by implementing the Chicago Sustainable Backyards Program, and assisting the development of Wetrofit™. Our ideal candidate is an effective organizer with exceptional attention to detail, clear ability to empathize and engage with residents and professionals alike, and the aptitude to coordinate a customer-oriented education and rebate program. The preferred candidate is English/Spanish bilingual.

CNT’s Program on Water
Founded in 1978, the Center for Neighborhood Technology is a leader in promoting more livable and sustainable urban communities. As a creative think-and-do-tank, we research, invent, and test strategies that manage urban resources and infrastructure more efficiently and equitably. After 15 years of working at the forefront of water action, CNT’s Water program is beginning a new stage of work defined by our Smart Water for Smart Regions initiative. Our over-arching goal to help communities across the
Great Lakes states achieve pragmatic changes in the way they manage water – changes that are good for residents, good for business and good for the environment.

A core program of this initiative, CNT is piloting Wetrofit™ a one stop service for communities that seeks to reduce the costly damage caused by flooded basements and sewer back-ups into homes and businesses, using swift, low-cost tools such as disconnecting downspouts, repair of private
property laterals, porous paving, rain barrels and bioswales. The service will rapidly scale up delivery of sustainable stormwater infrastructure on public and private property in neighborhoods, bringing economic and environmental resilience to communities while strengthening local economies. Wetrofit will target communities where investment can produce demonstrable results, including low income neighborhoods, with the support of the Sustainable Backyards Program.

The Chicago Sustainable Backyards Program, offers residents advice and incentives to manage their backyards more sustainably, especially through the implementation of green infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff and provides other environmental benefits. In the short-term, the main method to reach this goal is through the provision of rebates on the purchase of rain barrels, compost bins, native plants, and trees. Long-term goals include advancing awareness of the importance of green infrastructure and encouraging growth in the market for green infrastructure BMPs.

Accountability
The Program Coordinator reports directly to the Stormwater Program Manager. The Program Coordinator collaborates closely with other CNT staff on operations and production activities.

Responsibilities
• Conduct a swift and effective rebate program, including delivery of an exceptional customer
experience.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally with key stakeholders, including but not limited to residents, business owners, and agency partners.

• Design and implement engaging customer communications and education materials.

• Coordinate and deliver public-facing educational programs and outreach events.

• Conduct successful marketing and social media campaigns.

• Coordinate the implementation of program activities

Skills and qualifications
Our ideal candidate has a four year degree with exceptional in-field experience, or a master’s degree, in a design or communications field, although we will consider other applicants. We are seeking the
following skills and experience:

Essential
• Excellent capacity for developing and maintaining relationships
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including graphic design skills

• Desire to develop and implement innovative, public-facing programs

• Knowledge of and Interest in leading effective community engagement campaigns

• Ability to maintain flexible, creative, and energetic behavior in a cross-disciplinary environment

• Demonstrated project management experience/a good organizer

• Eagerness to travel throughout the Chicagoland-area

Desirable
• Demonstrated experience with direct customer service

• Demonstrated implementation of social media campaigns

• Proficiency using customer relationship management database

• Proficiency using industry-standard design and communications software.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

• Valid State of Illinois Driver’s License

Employment Policy
It is the policy of the Center for Neighborhood Technology that all employees are employed at the will of the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Continued employment is subject to funding availability and
job performance.

Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Center for Neighborhood Technology is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

This is an Exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience. CNT anticipates this position to extend through June 2015, contingent upon program funding. Applications are due by 10am, Monday, October 15th, for a November 5th start date.

To Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
Human Resources
Center for Neighborhood Technology
2125 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
Email to Career@cnt.org
No phone calls please.