New York University

Description

Rebuild by Design is looking to select an individual with experience in policy, research, design, advocacy or organizing to develop and execute a strategy to grow the participation and impact of the NYS Adaptation Practitioner’s Network. A successful applicant will build on the foundation laid for the NYS Adaptation Practitioner’s Network, which includes building its systems and structures, growing statewide membership, creating outreach and education opportunities in the forms of meetings, events, and written content, strengthening relationships with State government, and developing the practice of adaptation planning and policy within the State. This selected candidate will work directly with a small team who share a passion for improving communities and the built environment towards equitable adaptation to climate change in New York State and beyond. Rebuild by Design is located at the Institute for Public Knowledge at NYU and the Manager will be eligible for NYU's benefits. This position requires the candidate to be based in New York City.

Working under the Director of Rebuild by Design, the Network Manager will work with partner organizations to oversee the coordination and direction of the Network.

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING

• Development and implementation of a multi-pronged strategy aimed at institutionalizing the New York State Adaptation Practitioner’s Network to support its members in their commitment to equitable climate adaptation in NYS.
• Grow the network in ways that build the capacity of climate practitioners around the state to enhance their climate adaptation practices.
• Lead the member practitioners through coordination with the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) to inform their upcoming Statewide Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Build capacity among hazard mitigation and climate mitigation practitioners, state agencies and local governments.
• Develop the network with an eye towards replicability for other states to learn from this experience.

RESEARCH + POLICY

• Understand New York's communities' varying risks and social vulnerabilities to climate change across the state.
• Understand past and pending adaptation legislation that will transform community resilience practices, and identify opportunities for the Network to weigh in on policy and budget development.
• Engage Network members to build out tools to and resources such as an inventory of NYS organizations that work on climate adaptation, digital publications to share best practices and inventory of existing State tools that can connect practitioners to State and Federal resources. 
• Understand national and international best practices and learn from similar programs.
• To be a resource to the state in their climate policies and update to their Hazard Mitigation Grant Planning

OUTREACH, EDUCATION + COMMUNICATIONS

• Professionalize the Network by building a brand and corresponding website that contains a directory and educational resources for the Network and public.
• Develop and support communications collateral, such as thought pieces (OpEds), social media posts, and flyers.
• Build out communication practices, such as newsletters and sharing sessions, to educate practitioners, decision makers, and the media.
• Develop and execute in-person and virtual meetings and public events.
• Coordinate with other national, state and local networks.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Background

Climate change is here, and storms that feel extreme now will only become more frequent and more intense. From 2011-2021, every county in New York State has had a federal disaster declaration due to precipitation or storm surge-induced flooding – and 16 counties have experienced a disaster declaration more than five times. To adequately prepare our communities for the future, we need cohesive climate mitigation and adaptation plans, policies, and practices which address greenhouse gas emissions, smart growth, zoning reform, long-term infrastructure, and protection of waterways. Every dollar spent on flood infrastructure saves $6 in the long run, while simultaneously spurring economic development, job growth, and healthier, more prepared communities, thereby creating a positive benefit-cost ratio. Federal and state agencies play key roles in shaping our response to this need, but local and regional stakeholders – NGOs, academic institutions, and community groups – are also critical in developing and executing effective strategies for hazard mitigation and climate adaptation, as they are the agents who, in concert with municipalities, see the work through from planning to implementation.

The State has made great strides in cutting-edge policies to address climate change, such as the $4.2 Billion New York State Environmental Bond Act and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. However, we have far to go to be truly resilient.

In 2020, Rebuild by Design co-founded the New York State Adaptation Practitioner's Network with the Water Resources Institute at Cornell University. In less than two years – and through a pandemic – the Network has grown to over 40 organizations or institutions of varied sizes from Buffalo to Long Island.

The Practitioner’s Network seeks to propel hazard mitigation and climate adaptation policy to further develop an understanding of local challenges state-wide and to ensure that practitioners in every community can benefit from the knowledge and resources our members have to share. In turn, this knowledge sharing has a rippling effect on the communities it is shared among, increasing understanding, preparedness, innovation, and capacity in the face of future challenges.

The New York State Adaptation Practitioner’s Network, serves as a space for frequent knowledge-sharing among nonprofits, academics, and State officials. The Network also serves as a frequent sounding board for tools, policies, and programs developed by State agencies – the outputs of which benefit communities across the entire state. Through in-person and virtual convenings, guest speakers, and an understanding of best practices, members (practitioners, academics, and State agencies) build capability through training and information sharing to mitigate climate hazards, vulnerability, and exposure, ultimately reducing the cost incurred, and avoiding suffering from extreme climate events.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have all or most of the following skills:

• A bachelor's degree and three to six years of work or lived experience in urban resilience, climate adaptation, issue-based or political campaigns, coalition building or transforming policy. A master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant field can substitute for two years.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining partnerships, coalitions, and collaborations.
• A track record in developing and executing successful issue-based policy strategies and organizing and mobilizing collective action.
• A commitment to equity and social justice, with an understanding of the inequitable impacts of climate change.
• Familiarity with New York State government, communities, and political structures.
• Possess a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices and nature-based solutions.
• Experience working with communities and civic engagement in NYS or elsewhere and a commitment to center communities in the work.
• Highly organized with logistical coordination and event planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills including written and oral communication, press, socoal media and a high comfortability with speaking in public. 
• Must be able to work nights and/or weekends from time-to-time to attend events as needed.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Multilingual skills and cross-cultural experience are highly appreciated.