Overview
Are you passionate about sustainability?
Our mission is to empower New Jersey communities to build a better world for future generations with the tools, training and financial incentives necessary to pursue critical sustainability initiatives. As an organization, Sustainable Jersey is in the unique position to be a connecting force between local communities and public, private, and governmental entities. If you share an interest in sustainability issues then the next step in your career may be employment at Sustainable Jersey. At Sustainable Jersey, you will make more than a living, you will make a difference.
The Sustainable Jersey certification programs are managed by the Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey. Our vision includes striving to be more equitable, more inclusive and better prepared to the work of advancing sustainability and social justice while supporting municipalities and schools in New Jersey to do the same.
Senior Program Coordinator, Policy & Planning
The Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey is seeking a Senior Program Coordinator to join our Policy and Planning team. This is an exciting opportunity to help implement innovative sustainability initiatives that directly support municipalities, schools, and partner organizations throughout New Jersey.
The Sustainability Institute is a “think and do” tank that advances sustainable development through research, outreach, training, and strategic partnerships. Our work includes the award-winning Sustainable Jersey Certification Program and numerous federal and state grant-funded initiatives focused on sustainability, climate resilience, land use, transportation, natural resources, and community engagement.
As a Senior Program Coordinator, you will play a key role in planning, organizing, and implementing projects that help communities advance sustainability goals and strengthen their resilience to environmental and economic challenges. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with local leaders, schools, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies while contributing to impactful, statewide initiatives.
Be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team working to make New Jersey communities more sustainable.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Program Coordination and Implementation: Coordinate and implement multiple sustainability, planning, and grant-funded initiatives related to land use, transportation, natural resources, climate resilience, and community sustainability programs.
- Research, Technical Assistance, and Resource Development: Conduct research, develop guidance materials and program resources, and provide technical assistance to municipalities, schools, and partner organizations to support sustainability and resilience initiatives.
- Communications and Stakeholder Engagement: Develop written, graphic, and digital communications; organize meetings, workshops, webinars, and public engagement activities; and serve as a liaison to municipal officials, school representatives, agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Program Evaluation, Reporting, and Grant Management: Collect and analyze data, prepare reports and recommendations, track grant deliverables and compliance requirements, and support continuous improvement efforts to strengthen program effectiveness and outcomes.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, environmental studies, transportation, sustainability, public policy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in program coordination, administration, sustainability programs, planning, public policy, municipal government, or a related field.
- Strong written, verbal, visual, and graphic communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations, and outreach materials.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with municipalities, schools, nonprofit organizations, or public agencies in New Jersey.
- Knowledge of land use planning, transportation planning, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, green infrastructure, or natural resource management.
- Experience supporting grant-funded programs and reporting requirements.
- Familiarity with public engagement, facilitation, stakeholder outreach, and technical assistance.
- Experience with graphic design, GIS, data visualization, or website content management.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive Salary
- Generous Benefits Package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans
- Paid Leave and Tuition Remission for employees and dependents
- Professional Development and Growth Opportunities
- Collaborative, Mission-Driven Work Environment
- Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Impact in Communities Across New Jersey
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume or CV, and contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early.
About The Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey
Sustainable Jersey is a nonprofit organization and national leader in the local sustainability movement. Progress continues through a network of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future. The program culminates in a prestigious certification award to municipalities and schools that have documented meeting a set of rigorous standards.