UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The recently established University of Connecticut Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Program (UConn TCTAC) is competitively recruiting a talented Community Organizer (AAUP: Research Assistant 2) to assist with work in the area of Environmental Justice, Energy, Water, & Transportation.  UConn TCTAC supports New England as part of a nationwide USEPA program that provides free-of-charge assistance to communities, states, tribes, and other underrepresented groups to navigate Environmental Quality, Energy Justice, Climate Adaptation, and Environmental health challenges through federal grant application systems.  The center's mission is to offer services such as grant writing support, identification of potential funding resources, data collection assistance, document review, technical consultations, and other targeted assistance aimed at removing barriers to improve accessibility to opportunities for communities with environmental justice concerns.

The TCTAC is located at the Connecticut Transportation Institute (CTI) which is also comprised of three research centers, the Technical Assistance and Training Center, The Connecticut Advanced Pavement Laboratory, and the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center. CTI was established at the University of Connecticut in 1974 and operates within the College of Engineering. CTI’s mission is to conduct integrated multidisciplinary research, education, and related services that promote safety and efficiency in multi-modal passenger and freight transportation systems and, in turn, enhance livable communities, sustainable economies, and the environment. CTI brings together a critical mass of transportation faculty and research talent at the University of Connecticut, the top public research institution in New England.

We invite applications for the open position of Community Organizer. Under the direction of the UConn TCTAC Program Manager and UConn faculty, the individual selected for this position will work with other UConn TCTAC staff and student interns to help accomplish the mission of the UConn TCTAC program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

As part of the UConn TCTAC team, the selected Community Organizer will work as part of the UConn TCTAC team to:

• Build relationships- network with community members and officials and build public relationships. Listen to community members and help them develop programs to address environmental issues in their communities.
• Identify needs- Work with the TCTAC team to analyze social, political, and economic forces to identify the needs of a community. Assess the needs of the UConn TCTAC program and collaborate on identifying, developing, and implementing improvements to the program.
• Create strategies- Help develop strategies and tactics to address community needs and create informational materials and reports. 
• Develop programs – Develop outreach, programs, and campaigns to reach specific groups in New England. You may also be required to organize events and groups around the theme of Environmental Justice. Develop informational content for communities in the areas of transportation and energy; interact with community stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, community development, public administration, social work, engineering, environmental sciences, land use planning, or a related field.
2. At least two years of related experience in community engagement, collaborative work as a community organizer, or a similar role.
3. Experience developing materials for workshops, webinars, outreach, and education of communities and non-profits.
4. Excellent organizational and communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree and one year of post-degree experience.
2. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and environmental professionals on the environmental and social impacts assessment of engineering projects including transportation, energy, urban development, and related areas.
3. Background relevant to the planning, design, and/or assessment of engineering projects or urban developments.
4. Familiarity with energy and transportation regulations in multiple New England states and Federal government.
5. Working knowledge of other languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese (Including Mandarin, and Cantonese).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, grant-funded position at the University of Connecticut with a term of one year, subject to renewal. The main work location will be the UConn campus in Storrs, Connecticut; remote work may be considered in accordance with the University's Alternate Work Arrangements policy and authorization. Occasional day and overnight travel to locations around New England will be required. Attendance at multi-day training and professional conferences within New England or elsewhere in the U.S. will be optional. 

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. The expected annual salary for this position will be between $60K and $65K and commensurate with the level of experience of the successful candidate. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498849 to upload a resume, CV, cover letter summarizing how your qualifications and experience meet the position requirements (maximum two pages), and names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references including email addresses.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is selected. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 27, 2025.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.