Job Description

　　The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' (MDAR) mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions - Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services - MDAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth's agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production. The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to help keep the Massachusetts food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound.

　　The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator.

　　The Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator reports to MDAR's Director of Food and Climate Equity and supports outreach and engagement efforts associated with EEA's Environmental Justice Policy and MDAR's Environmental Justice Strategy. MDAR's Strategy outlines actions for promoting and integrating EJ considerations across MDAR's programs, policies, and activities to ensure the equal access and meaningful involvement of all people residing in the Commonwealth with respect to agricultural economic and environmental sustainability and the equitable development, implementation, and accessibility to information and resources.

　　The Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator will provide support in coordinating, planning, and implementing the goals and actions outlined within MDAR's Environmental Justice Strategy, with specific attention to actions surrounding external engagement. In addition, the Coordinator will support the initiatives proposed by MDAR's Environmental Justice Task Force, and MDAR's Climate Task Force, two internal advisory groups representing each of the agency's Divisions. This work will include 1.) Maintaining database of Environmental Justice stakeholders; 2) Coordinating engagement activities with stakeholders; 2.) Supporting Historically Underserved Farmers; 3.) Developing and maintaining outreach materials; 4.) Maintaining database of Environmental Justice stakeholders.

　　The position will be based upon a hybrid model, with primary work taking place remotely and some in-person, and field work as required.

　　A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

　　This is a 37.5 hour/week FTE position based in the Boston or Southborough office. MDAR currently operates on a hybrid work schedule that includes work at home, in the field, and in office as needed.

　　Duties:

　　The Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator will support the implementation of Environmental Justice program and policies in collaboration with MDAR's Director of Food and Climate Equity. The Coordinator will also work closely with MDAR's Environmental Justice Task Force, Climate Change Task Force, Legal, Fiscal, and other MDAR staff to track and implement program priorities and deliverables.

　　Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

　　Maintaining and expanding database of Environmental Justice and Climate Equity stakeholders.Developing and disseminating outreach materials and resources related to Environmental Justice.Maintain information and outreach relating to grant opportunities, including updates to relevant MDAR webpages.Supporting engagement with external stakeholders, including staff farm and organization visits, and tracking public comment and input for internal activities.Engaging with external stakeholders to host educational presentations for MDAR staff.Prepare materials to present to external stakeholders for conferences, meetings, reports, press releases, and other correspondence. Coordinating and implementing outreach and engagement to support Historically Underserved Farmers in Massachusetts.Coordinate public feedback and input on MDAR's Environmental Justice Strategy to ensure consistency with identified stakeholder needs. Support the Director by coordinating external meetings, conferences, calls, and presentations. Prepare briefing notes and speaking points for meetings as needed. Liaise with Environmental Justice Internal Agency Coordinator to support identified language access needs.Other duties as assigned.

　　Project Management:

　　The Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator will support the Director of Food and Climate Equity to manage responsibilities, as mentioned above, related to the implementation of the Environmental Justice Policy and Strategy. The coordinator will also work with partner agencies to assist with education and outreach and overall implementation as well as provide regular and detailed progress updates to MDAR.

　　Outreach:

　　This work will include extensive and consistent communication to individual stakeholders, agency personnel, and stakeholder organizations and groups.

　　Program and Network Development:

　　Work closely with the Director of Food and Climate Equity, MDAR's Commissioner's Office, EEA and MDAR's Environmental Justice Task Forces, MDAR's Climate Task Force and other MDAR staff to support the development and execution of Environmental Justice activities.

　　 Qualifications Required

　　Strong communication and writing skills are essential. Project management experience, with excellent attention to detail. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to read, understand, and relay relevant information in an engaging and easy to navigate and understand manner to agency staff and key stakeholders.

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　Familiarity with and commitment to the principles of environmental justice. Experience with establishing rapport with and exhibiting cultural sensitivity with members of EJ populations. Experience with and ability to speak in public forums, and provide oral presentations. Experience in writing and communication, specifically outreach materials and other public-facing media. Ability to have relevant social sensitivity across cultures and socio-economic class. Desire to understand the multi-faceted obstacles to the achievement of environmental justice in MA, and willingness to acquire knowledge as necessary to address those needs. Ability to maintain positive morale and outlook while working to overcome internal and external obstacles to advancing environmental justice across the state. Experience with database management, including Access and Excel. The ideal candidate will have experience, education or a strong interest in subjects relating to Environmental Justice and its application to agricultural fields of study.

　　Qualifications

　　First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

　　Substitutions:

　　I. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.

　　II. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

　　*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

　　Comprehensive Benefits

　　When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

　　Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

　　An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

　　The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.