Sustainability Program Coordinator

The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is seeking a full-time Sustainability Program Coordinator to join our team. GPCOG is a regional planning agency that unites cities and towns across rural, suburban, and urban areas. We work with municipal governments, state partners, and community stakeholders to collaboratively plan for our region’s future across multiple disciplines, including transportation, infrastructure, land‑use, sustainability, and economic development. We are committed to enhancing community life and making our region a top destination through impactful planning, coordination, and technical assistance. As an equal‑opportunity employer, GPCOG observes all applicable laws and welcomes applicants regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or other protected characteristics. To support our team, we offer benefits that promote work/life balance, including flexible schedules, remote work options, professional development, and health insurance. If you have a passion for delivering high‑quality community planning, shaping regional policies, and helping towns implement meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Sustainability Program Coordinator is a position on GPCOG’s Sustainability Team that will bring expertise in floodplain management, municipal climate action, and project management to support successful delivery of a portfolio of emission reduction and climate resilience projects. The role will be a balance of supporting development of new programs and delivering technical expertise on existing programs. This position will report to the Sustainability Program Manager and will interact with diverse stakeholders, including internal GPCOG staff teams, municipal staff from GPCOG’s member communities, regional non‑profits and businesses, funders, vendors, State agencies, and elected and appointed officials. The Sustainability Team at GPCOG is a leader in climate change mitigation and resilience in Maine. Joining this small team provides an opportunity to create change at a community level and lead regional action that reduces emissions, builds resilience to climate impacts, and prepares the region for the climate crisis. This is a dynamic and fast‑paced team that is looking for someone who thrives working on a variety of projects across all aspects of climate action. What you’ll do Provide floodplain management technical assistance to member communities. This includes the following: Assist communities with interpreting and complying with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain regulations. Lead education and outreach to communities about floodplain mapping and mitigation strategies. Obtain and maintain floodplain management certification (training provided). 2. Support existing projects related to electrification, emissions reduction, and climate resilience. This includes the following activities: Collect and analyze data to draw conclusions that support our program activities. This includes climate data and greenhouse gas emissions, sea level rise information, social and economic indicators, and land use data. Organize and present data in the best manner possible to convey information, through maps, charts, graphs, etc. Write technical recommendations and reports and design impactful presentations. Execute community engagement events, surveys, and presentations to bring data to the public, elected officials, and municipal staff and solicit feedback and input. Manage reporting and financial flows and evaluate and report on project results. 3. Develop and deliver high‑quality public communication materials, reports, and presentations. Create educational and informational materials on sustainability programs including floodplain management, emergency preparedness, electrification, and climate resilience. Draft and coordinate public engagement materials, including social media posts, press releases, and newsletters to support programs. 4. Attend public meetings, public events and municipal meetings, in person, occasionally off hours or on weekends. 5. Support the task assignment, mentorship, and professional growth of emerging professionals and recent college graduates participating in GPCOG’s Resilience Corps Fellowship program. What you bring At least 4-6 years’ experience in a professional setting, demonstrating possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with effective climate action strategies that reduce greenhouse gases and build resilience to climate change. Strong writing, copy‑editing, and presenting skills. Strong organizational, project management, and record‑keeping skills with an emphasis on accuracy and efficiency. Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and interpret data from various sources to produce technical and non‑technical information and reports. A strong sense of professionalism and ability to meet deadlines among competing demands. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to multitask and perform under tight deadlines independently and as part of a team. Interest and ability to work on a wide range of sustainability‑related issues. Ideal Candidates will have Expertise, experience, and/or certification in floodplain management. Knowledge of coastal and inland climate adaptation strategies. Experience with stakeholder outreach and engagement with a diverse range of partners. Experience with GIS. Experience managing federal or state grants. What to know Driving or access to reliable transportation, occasional travel, and extended hours are required including occasional nights and weekends. GPCOG offers competitive benefits, a fun, flexible, family‑friendly, and creative work environment. This is a Level 4 Coordinator II position with a salary range of $58,000 to $70,000. Work hours and schedule may be flexible, up to 40 hours per week, with the ability to work partly from home. Hours and work times are adjustable based on circumstances and on what you bring to the position. People of color, people with disabilities, members of traditionally underrepresented groups, and veterans are welcome and encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr