Community Program Manager

Community Program Manager
Full-Time/Remote, Exempt

We have fully remote options if you reside in one of the following states: CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, KS, MA, MD, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI.

Additionally, you must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without sponsorship, and cannot work from outside the country.

$85,000 - $95,000 per year


About The Recycling Partnership:

The Recycling Partnership is the U.S. nonprofit solving recycling's toughest challenges, together, by tackling problems no single company, community, or policymaker can fix alone. Since 2014, we've helped recover more than 2 billion pounds of new recyclables, avoided 2.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, delivered more than 2 million recycling carts to U.S. homes, and catalyzed $658 million in recycling system improvements. Learn more at recyclingpartnership.org.

At The Recycling Partnership, we believe building a stronger circular economy starts from within, with a culture where everyone feels they belong. We are a community of passionate, curious, and committed individuals who bring our whole selves to work, knowing that belonging and psychological safety fuel creativity, collaboration, and courageous action.


Guided by our 5 core values, we act with intention and integrity, embrace change, uplift one another, and lead with empathy. We foster genuine connection, mutual respect, fairness, and shared accountability to reflect, dream, and grow together. Our inclusive culture fuels how we work, why we thrive, and the impact we create for people and the planet.


Position Summary:

The Community Program Manager plays a vital role in advancing recycling initiatives by managing grants and consulting projects, leading program implementation, and fostering strong partnerships with communities and interest holders. This position manages a complex portfolio of grant-funded and community-based projects from planning and implementation through reporting, reimbursement, and closeout. The role ensures compliance with funding requirements, achievement of measurable outcomes, and successful project delivery. Responsibilities include providing strategic oversight, technical assistance, and coaching for high-impact initiatives ranging from material audits and public engagement campaigns to statewide programs. The position also advances stakeholder engagement through webinars, training sessions, surveys, listening sessions, and other collaborative outreach efforts.

What You'll Do:

Project Management

• Oversee and independently manage the full life cycle of grants, community consulting, and assigned projects including planning, implementation, financial tracking, data analysis, and reporting.
• Serve as a project manager or key contributor, shaping methodologies, guiding clients, and delivering innovative, high-quality outcomes within scope and budget that advance the recycling system.
• Provide oversight and technical assistance for complex, multimillion-dollar community and state-level projects, including guiding audits, intervention strategies, campaigns, and reporting of deliverables.
• Ensure organizational success in meeting grant deliverables by aligning project activities with grant scopes, monitoring progress against milestones, and implementing corrective strategies as needed.
• Evaluate, adapt, and innovate to shape data-informed approaches and best practices to strengthen project effectiveness; brainstorm, problem-solve, and design solutions and strategies for community projects individually and collaboratively with teammates.
• Coach grantees and partners to strengthen operational systems, refine communication strategies, and enhance program design to maximize recycling participation and long-term program performance.
• Lead the contractor selection process and oversee and supervise contractor performance.
• Lead the creation of outreach and campaign materials.
• Plan and facilitate internal and external project meetings.
• Travel to project sites, conferences and workshops as needed.

Administrative Tasks

• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local government grant and contract requirements, through accurate technical writing, budget monitoring, and documentation.
• Manage the reporting and timely reimbursement of all expenses throughout each project cycle.
• Maintain accurate record keeping in data and documentation systems such as Notion, Airtable, and project files.
• Develop, refine, and document best management practices (BMPs), methodologies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve program delivery.

External Engagement and Representation

• Represent the organization at conferences, webinars, and professional meetings by delivering presentations, participating in panels, and engaging in networking opportunities.
• Share project learnings and updates with external interest holders to strengthen partnerships and enhance organizational visibility.
• Support state and community partners by participating in partner meetings, preparing reports, and managing reimbursement schedules.
• Lead, develop, and manage community webinars, presentations, or workshops to share best practices.
• Build high impact relationships and engage local governments, service providers, and community-based organizations through webinars, surveys, listening sessions, training, and other communications.
• Lead or support initiatives such as contamination reduction efforts, regional campaigns or portal adoption, ensuring alignment with organizational and funder goals and priorities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Sustainability, or a related field) or equivalent combination of education and experience in recycling program operations, local government, communications, consulting, education/outreach, or related field
• Three to five years of experience managing community programs or operations in recycling, waste management, or environmental sustainability
• Experience in project management/coordination and supporting grant-funded projects
• Ability to apply system change concepts critically, solve complex problems, and make informed judgments
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage in direct, respectful, and transparent dialogue
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Proven ability to analyze data and program outcomes, translating insights into actionable strategies and projects
• Experience designing and executing innovative programs and processes that balance creativity, mission alignment, and funder requirements

Other Requirements:

• Overnight and out-of-state travel for business activities, approximately 10%

Perks of Working with TRP:

A Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Remote Work
• Health Insurance Options
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Employer paid Life, STD, and LTD Insurance
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 4 Weeks of Mandatory Vacation per year (office closures)
• Flexible PTO and Sick Leave
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• 529 Education Savings Plan
• Cell Phone & Internet Stipend - $100/month
• Annual remote work stipend - $1000 for your first year, $500 each year after supporting your home office setup
• $500 annual professional development stipend

An Unmatched Company Culture

• Work/Life Integration - we don't just say it, we actually mean it
• Flexible Schedules
• Career Growth
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Partnership Days

and so much more...


WE VALUE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The Recycling Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved with The Partnership, including funders, grantees, and independent contractors.

The Partnership complies with all the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's disability or perceived disability so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job. This ADA policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.