Part Time Assistant Research Scientist/Program Manager for NJ

New York University: NYU - NY: Office of the Provost: Institute for Public Knowledge

Location

New York City, remote or in person

Open Date

May 20, 2024

Description

Our cities were built in response to yesterday’s problems. As the world faces rising populations, climate change, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next hurricane or flood, or ignore chronic stresses such as aging infrastructure and pollution, to plan for the future. Rebuild By Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems.

Rebuild by Design convenes a mix of sectors to gain a better understanding of how overlapping environmental and human-made vulnerabilities leave cities and regions at risk. Rebuild’s core belief is that through collaboration our communities can grow stronger and better prepared to stand up to whatever challenges tomorrow brings. Rebuild’s collaborative research and design approach is helping cities around the globe achieve resilience. To learn more, visit rebuildbydesign.org

Rebuild by Design is looking for an Assistant Research Scientist/Assistant Project Manager to join our dedicated and energetic team to coordinate and guide the research, strategy, community and government outreach to create and support sustainable funding sources for climate infrastructure in New Jersey and beyond.

In 2019 and 2020, Rebuild by Design worked with a coalition of leaders representing various interests to alert New York State’s leadership of the growing need to confront the reality of climate change. In response to the coalition’s work, former Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature have passed the landmark $3 billion Environmental Bond Act in 2020 and 2021, which Governor Kathy Hochul raised to $4.2 billion. We are looking to take the learnings from that work and apply it to other states, with a focus on New Jersey.

Salary: $30-$50/hour based on experience for one year, with potential for renewal if budget allows.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college and have an understanding of environmental issues, infrastructure, and the political landscape in New Jersey. At least five years experience working in policy/government, or environmental studies in New Jersey is preferred. Additionally we look for candidates who:

• Proven track record of accomplishments and experience working in a fast-paced environment.

• Have a commitment to the vision of Rebuild by Design and work to help communities adapt to climate challenges.

• Ability to work independently, creatively and effectively in a small team structure to complete multiple tasks and research projects simultaneously, and communicate ideas effectively.

• A thorough understanding of New Jersey's communities, politics and climate risks

• Experience in leading community coordination and outreach, including advisory committees, and external communications.

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to negotiate sensitive issues

• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines, have strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to negotiate sensitive issues.

• Passion for social change, ability to create novel solutions to problems and actively seek new information to inform solutions to existing problems

• Familiarity with climate policy, resilient infrastructure, communication strategies, and network building.

• Familiar with online communication and campaign tools

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Passion for social change, ability to be creative, strong sense of humor, is flexible and wants to work with fun people.

Essential Duties:

• Research New Jersey's exposure to climate change, its policies and practices, and government frameworks.

• Educate local stakeholders and decision makers on the opportunities to secure funding and build climate infrastructure.

• Develop working relationships with community leaders and advise leaders on strategy. Represent the organization at meetings of civic, business and community groups, community boards, and public agencies.

• Attend government scheduled community outreach meetings, report back on the progress, and develop strategies of how best to influence processes.

• Contribute to the development of outreach materials, memos, reports, and presentations for newsletters, social media and the website.

• Provide guidance and insight on best practices, tools, and analytic frameworks.

• Perform other related tasks as needed.

Rebuild by Design is housed at the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University. This position will be an employee of New York University and will report to the Managing Director. The office is based in NYC, but the candidate can work from the New York tri-state area and will be required to report to the office regularly.

Application Instructions

Submit a CV and cover lettter to Interfolio explaining your qualifications for this specific position and why you want to work for Rebuild by Design. Only qualified candidates with specific experience in New Jersey will be considered. If you have any questions, email info@rebuildbydesign.org