What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager position at Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation?
Company Description Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) is a nonprofit environmental organization founded by surfers in North San Diego County and active throughout California’s coastal communities. CERF focuses on protecting and enhancing coastal natural resources and the quality of life for coastal residents, using advocacy and strategic litigation when necessary. The organization’s work spans key coastal issues, including water quality, wastewater recycling, mass transit, waste-to-energy initiatives, coastal development, and beach nourishment. CERF also engages in efforts to reduce marine debris and strengthen marine reserves, partnering with local communities and stakeholders to advance sustainable coastal policies and practices.
Role Description: The Program Manager is a newly created position that will provide critical support to advance our litigation and policy priorities. CERF uses regulatory and legislative advocacy and litigation to advance our mission of holding polluters accountable and strengthening laws and regulations to reduce pollution and promote sustainable water policies for our region. This position will work closely with the Executive Director, Programs Director, Legal Director, and outside counsel.
Responsibilities:
● Work with counsel on case development and tracking, which includes managing and tracking case deadlines, internal docket organization and management, case status tracking, creating exhibits, and any related support needed by the legal team.
● Coordinate and support field investigations, including collection of stormwater and other sampling and site inspections.
● Assist in factual research to support case development, including review of publicly available water quality and facility specific data, including discharge and monitoring reports submitted to state regulatory agencies.
● Support the legal team’s compliance oversight by managing the internal compliance docket, and tracking deadlines and deliverables in case settlement agreements to ensure that defendants meet their commitments to address pollution violations.
● Work closely with the legal team to develop, implement and manage key policy campaigns, including regulatory and legislative advocacy on the Tijuana sewage crisis, stormwater and wastewater enforcement and permit processes, potable water supply, and public trust and CEQA and Coastal Act issues.
● Assist in developing talking points, fact sheets and other materials to support policy advocacy actions.
● Occasionally represent CERF at public meetings, either virtually or in-person, to present public testimony.
● Support other programs with outreach activities, community science, and other events when available.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Applicants must be college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, political science or a related field.
- Familiarity with state and federal administrative law and regulations is preferred but not required.
- Demonstrated experience with project management, including ability to oversee timelines, task lists and multiple deadlines.
- Research, analysis, writing, and organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency with MS Office.
- GIS skills a plus.
- Demonstrated passion for and commitment to clean water, healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and environmental health and justice, and a strong interest in San Diego regional water issues.
- Interest and ability to work with and oversee interns and volunteers.
Physical Requirements
● Mobility to work in a standard office environment using office equipment
● Must be able to sit for long periods of time and engage in basic movements such as bending, standing, and lifting weight up to 30 pounds
● Must have reliable transportation for travel to meetings and events throughout the county
Salary, Benefits and Terms
Schedule - This is a one-year fellowship with the intent to receive grant funding to create a permanent position. Full-time, salaried; 40 hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends. This position is based in Encinitas but will require periodic travel within San Diego County for meetings, some field work and related activities. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to the San Diego region. Hybrid work schedule requires staff to be in the office at least three days per week.
Pay: $55,000-$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Paid vacation and holidays. Health benefit stipend.
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000