We are seeking a passionate and self-directed leader with experience in environmental justice and social equity, community engagement, and natural resources management. This position will provide agencywide and regionwide leadership in environmental justice policy and planning, with a focus on meaningful engagement, equitable climate adaptation, and access for disadvantaged communities. Under supervision of BCDC’s Planning Director, the Environmental Justice and Community Outreach Manager (EJ Manager) will act as the agency’s primary liaison with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. The EJ Manager will build upon BCDC’s ongoing effort to establish a community-informed implementation strategy for the agency’s EJ and Social Equity policies, as well as develop BCDC’s tribal affairs and consultation process. S/he will also assist with BCDC’s sea level rise adaptation planning, in order to develop strategies that embody and result in a more equitable Bay Area region. Finally, the EJ Manager will support the development and implementation of BCDC’s Racial Equity Action Plan, and aid BCDC in improving the accessibility of the department, with a focus on improved communication with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, key stakeholders, and the general public.
Essential Job Functions:
Community Outreach and Engagement: Facilitate the exchange of ideas and encourage community participation in BCDC permitting an planning process, building upon BCDC’s relationships with Bay Area vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Develop communication, engagement, and outreach materials that effectively communicate policy and planning initiatives to community audiences. Plan an organize stakeholder engagement and community partnerships to builds community network. Travel to various locations in the Bay Area and/or Sacramento area to meet with and present to stakeholder groups. Assist in seeing and managing resources to encourage robust and meaningful community engagement.
Environmental Justice and Social Equity Program Development: Lead the implementation of BCDC’s environmental justice and social equity policies in consultation with technical program staff, community and other stakeholders, and the Commission.
Equitable Climate Adaptation: As part of BCDC’s efforts related to regional planning for sea level rise, BCDC seeks to encourage socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically just adaptation processes that lead to regenerative community-let solutions. As such, provide strategic guidance around equitable planning processes, technical assistance programs, and as needed, lead specific engagement processes with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities and partnerships with community-based organizations.
Racial Equity and Access for All: Provide leadership and expertise to assist with the development and implementation of BCDC’s Racial Equity Action Plan. Assist in improving BCDC’s public meeting accessibility to foster inclusive participation processes. As needed, conduct surveys, assess cultural sensitivities, and identify culturally specific communication needs. Help ensure that interested environmental justice and tribal community stakeholders are made aware of the activities related to their communities and are provided with opportunities to participate in any recommendations being developed or decisions being made.
Other: Provide overall strategic direction to BCDC leadership on integration of environmental justice, social equity, and tribal affairs; participate in various BCDC staff programs, Planning Leadership Team. Staff meeting s and projects, such as cross-agency or other collaborative efforts. Oversee related to the activities above, as needed.