The Sustainability Project Coordinator will advance Portland Public Schools (PPS) goals to provide support to our low-income neighborhood schools in sustainability education and student-driven projects.

DATES OF SERVICE
September 8, 2021 – July 29, 2022 (11 months – 1700 hours)

POSITION TITLE
Sustainability Project Coordinator

PROJECT PARTNER
Portland Public Schools
pps.net/sustainability

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is in partnership between the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program, and Portland Public Schools. The Sustainability Project Coordinator will advance Portland Public Schools (PPS) goals to provide support to our low-income neighborhood schools in sustainability education and student-driven projects. With more students and communities engaged, PPS Sustainability efforts to shift the culture towards sustainable living, stewardship and connection will create a healthier, lower impact, and more empowered community. The Sustainability Project Coordinator will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members in the following ways:

• 20% Provide support and education around waste diversion programs for staff and students. 
• 20% Provide engagement and outreach around school sustainability projects and departmental goals. 
• 20% Collect, organize, and report on data related to energy, water, waste, carbon sequestration. 
• 10% Coordinate and facilitate meetings and workshops with sustainability staff from school sites. 
• 10% Expand equity & inclusion lens for department programs and engagement. 

The Member will also participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include:  Leadership Development Training Series, completing a Change Agent Project (CAP), team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

• Develop and implement sustainability education initiatives for custodial staff, teachers, students, administration, and the community. 
• Collect and share school site stories related to sustainability and green schools.  
• Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings for School Sustainability Coordinators. 
• Build relationships and foster collaborations with schools. 
• Provide outreach for Oregon Green Schools certification program. 
• Collaborate with District partners to increase sustainability practices and shift school culture. 
• Creatively engage individuals in department programs. 
• Keep up to date on PPS climate justice initiatives and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements; wear Confluence uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.
   

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree 
• Access to a reliable vehicle 
• Enjoys engaging and educating people of all ages, interests, and roles within the school District.
• Interest in sustainability, operational systems thinking, climate science and climate justice. 
• Experience in engagement platforms similar to newsletters, email blasts, social media, website management, video, photography.
• Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice issues.
• Ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• Regular and reliable attendance and dependability. 

AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older at beginning of service term; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; in possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving award able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and satisfactory report from the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) prior to the start of the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Great organizational skills 
• Experience and awareness in resource conservation 
• Experience with Excel, Google Suite 
• Experience with outreach, online surveys, and social media

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

• $15,100 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,372 monthly, before taxes). 
• $6,345 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses) 
• Loan Forbearance 
• Health Care Insurance
• Child Care Reimbursement
• $125 Training Fund 
• Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking opportunities. 
• May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Mileage reimbursement and conference/workshop/training associated fees 
• Promotion of work on webpage and social media

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Blanchard Education Service Center (BESC) District Building
501 Dixon St, Portland, OR 97227

PPS Schools- District map of sites
School is currently in hybrid instruction, but we are hopeful for full in-person instruction next school year.Our office is currently working remotely, but we anticipate a return to the district building next school year.