Community Outreach Manager

About the Company:

GreenWaste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for more than 40 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. GreenWaste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry. We work directly with 20 municipalities and 50 jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10 locations, and have 1,000 employees. 

Position Summary:

GreenWaste is seeking an experienced, high-energy Community Outreach Manager to lead our outreach program and serve as a primary relationship builder with city and county leaders across San José and surrounding communities. This role combines program leadership, community education, and active engagement with elected officials and staff—often at evening, late-night, and weekend events (board/council meetings, community dinners, forums). The Manager represents GreenWaste’s mission and services with professionalism, warmth, and credibility, ensuring we meet contract obligations while advancing zero-waste goals.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Lead planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Outreach Program.
• Ensure programs align with Company mission, contract requirements, and zero-waste priorities.
• Oversee day-to-day delivery, tracking quality and consistency; identify and execute improvements.
• Scope, plan, and evaluate special projects and services.
• Partner with corporate teams, City staff, and representatives of elected officials to plan and deliver zero-waste initiatives.
• Provide hands-on support, mentorship, and direction to Environmental Outreach Coordinators (EOCs).
• Review and refine all outreach collateral and promotional materials for accuracy and impact.
• Build partnerships that expand program reach and effectiveness.

Government & Community Relations:

• Be the visible “face” of GreenWaste with community groups, business associations, schools, and neighborhood organizations.
• Proactively cultivate relationships with elected officials, city/county staff, and key stakeholders; maintain regular touchpoints.
• Attend and represent GreenWaste at public meetings and events (council/board/commission meetings, community forums, ribbon cuttings, industry and civic functions), frequently during evenings and weekends.
• Host and attend stakeholder dinners and gatherings; network professionally to strengthen trust and collaboration.
• Communicate program results, new services, and community benefits to stakeholders; solicit feedback and close the loop.
• Track and brief leadership on policy trends and issues affecting solid waste and recycling in San José, the Bay Area, and California.

Operations, Reporting & Funding:

• Own day-to-day execution of the Outreach Plan and ensure all contractual requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and Operations to gather and analyze data; deliver accurate reports per contract.
• Ensure program services meet expectations of customers, the Company, and the City.
• Identify and pursue supplemental funding (e.g., grants) with City and internal partners; support proposal development and reporting.

People Leadership:

• Model a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment; uphold Company policies and practices.
• Provide comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training for new and existing staff.
• Foster teamwork between drivers/operations and EOCs to support field success.
• Coach, mentor, and, when necessary, administer corrective action.
• Implement goal setting and performance management for direct reports

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead with vision, enthusiasm, and a “can-do” attitude.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with public officials and community leaders; politically astute and diplomatic.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills; comfortable representing the Company in formal public settings.
• Deep familiarity with California solid waste and recycling landscape and ordinances; ability to translate policy into action (e.g., organics and recycling requirements; awareness of programs influenced by SB 1383, AB 341/1826, and producer responsibility developments such as SB 54).
• Skilled collaborator who works effectively across operations, customer service, and city partners.
• Strong writing and content review skills for clear, accurate outreach materials.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Creative Suite experience is a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public policy, communications, or related field preferred.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in community outreach, public affairs/government relations, or closely related programs; waste/recycling sector experience strongly preferred.
• 2 years of program/project management and team leadership.
• Demonstrated success engaging elected officials and senior public agency staff.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable local travel; ability to pass standard background and driving record checks consistent with Company policy.

Schedule & Work Environment:

• Standard Monday–Friday schedule with frequent evenings, late nights, and weekends for public meetings and events (with notice when possible).
• Mix of office, fieldwork, and public venues; regular exposure to outdoor conditions during events and site visits.
• Local travel across San Jose and neighboring jurisdictions.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of desk/computer work.
• Standing and walking for extended periods at events and meetings.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 20 lbs. when setting up materials/booths.

Compensation and Benefits:

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience. GreenWaste offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K benefits, FSA, and full employee coverage for medical, dental and vision insurance.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. Esta Organización Participa en E-Verify.

 GreenWaste provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

GreenWaste Core Values

Integrity

Do what’s right for each other and our communities.

Teamwork

Work together to help our communities thrive.

Creativity

Experiment and try something new, big or small.

Innovation

Champion ideas that drive sustainability every day.