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 agency-wide 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 Specialist (EJ Specialist) will act as an agency liaison with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. The EJ Specialist 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. They 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 Specialist 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 FUNCTIONS:
25% Community Outreach and Engagement: Facilitate the exchange of ideas and encourage community participation in BCDC permitting and planning processes, 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 and organize stakeholder engagement and community partnerships to build community networks. Travel to various locations in the Bay Area and/or Sacramento area to meet with and present to stakeholder groups. Assist in seeking and managing resources to encourage robust and meaningful community engagement.
25% 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. Program components may include:
- Community and public education, trainings and workshops
- Internal trainings and workshops on community engagement best practices
- Facilitation and coordination with BCDC’s Environmental Justice Advisors
- Coordination and oversight of BCDC’s Environment Justice Commissioner Working Group
- Development of resources, such as a regional CBO Directory Mapping tool, and guidance materials, in coordination with technical staff
- Guidance to regulatory staff and permit applicants on best practices
- Development of a tribal engagement strategy
- Coordination with staff, community representatives and the Commission to prioritize issues of concern and identify responsive activities
- Evaluate program outcomes and report on progress to communities, Commission and the public
- Coordinate, as needed, with cross-agency groups and other learning communities to share best practices and seek advice.
15% 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-led 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.
25% 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.
10% 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 meetings and projects, such as cross-agency or other collaborative efforts. Oversee contracts related to the activities above, as needed.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.