Program Manager, Nature-based Solutions & Coastal Resilience Training

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!OverviewThis program manager (PM) position plays a key role in designing and delivering a novel capacity development program for practitioners implementing newly funded nature-based solution projects focused on coastal resilience in the United States. Supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the program will provide grantees of NOAA’s Coastal Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) with project assistance through a blended learning experience that combines online and field-based training with a dynamic Community of Practice. The curriculum will be tailored to participants’ needs and informed by expertise from recipients of NFWF's National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), as well as faculty, researchers, and staff at Yale University and other leaders in the field.This PM position is based within the Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) in New Haven, CT. ELTI is a global capacity development program focused on conserving and restoring tropical forest landscapes, including coastal ecosystems. The PM will also work closely with faculty and staff from the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC), a Yale research hub dedicated to advancing the science of natural climate solutions and ELTI’s primary partner for this program. A central responsibility of the position will be identifying and managing collaborations with other Yale Centers and Programs, as well as with the professional networks of NOAA and NFWF.Manages the day-to-day design and implementation of a national coastal resilience blended training program, including organizing and facilitating meetings, ensuring timely completion of deliverables, preparing meeting notes and reports, and maintaining strong partner relationships.  Supports the design, administration, and analysis of information-gathering processes that inform program content, including reviewing and organizing project information, developing and implementing questionnaires, conducting interviews and focus groups, and synthesizing findings into reports and presentations. Manages the design, planning, and execution of one national and four regional in-person convenings, including agenda development, speaker coordination, and facilitation of sessions and field visits. Supports development of the online learning program, including building and managing the Learning Management System, curating course materials, and coordinating speaker engagements, video recordings, and other production activities. Manages delivery of the online learning program, including preparing course communications and announcements, responding to participant questions, moderating discussion forums, scheduling and facilitating live sessions, coordinating course logistics, and contributing to the development and grading of assignments. Assists in developing and managing the Community of Practice (CoP), including designing the online platform, onboarding participants, curating resources, and coordinating engagement activities such as webinars and peer exchanges. Contributes to program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts by synthesizing participant feedback and identifying opportunities to strengthen program delivery. Perform other duties as assigned.Required Skills and Abilities1. Demonstrated experience in program or project coordination, including managing timelines, deliverables, and multiple workstreams.2. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.4. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data tracking and reporting tools and strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with practitioners, partners, and subject matter experts.Preferred Skills and Abilities1. Experience supporting training programs, workshops, or professional convenings.2. Familiarity with online learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and virtual engagement platforms (e.g., Zoom, Hivebrite).3. Experience with coastal resilience and/or nature-based solutions.4. Experience supporting stakeholder engagement in environmental or conservation contexts.5. Familiarity with community of practice models or peer learning networks.Preferred Education and ExperienceMaster’s degree in environmental studies, public policy, natural resource management, or a related field and two to four years of related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Principal Responsibilities1. Oversees the advancement and growth of the program. Gives direction and leadership supporting the philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives. Assumes primary accountability for disseminating and publishing all program information to create public awareness and support of the program. 2. Works closely with leadership, internal and external colleagues, and community residents to further develop and implement strategic plans. 3. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates community partnerships and collaborations to assist in the development and growth of the program. Develops the metrics to identify and measure the success of the program. Responsible for measurements of grant success and related evaluation. 4. Assists in identifying and evaluating potential future funding sources, and contributes to the submission of grants and contracts supporting th