Climate Resilience Manager, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is seeking a Climate Resilience Manager to design and implement regional climate adaptation projects and collaborate with watershed communities. The role involves managing technical projects, GIS analyses, reporting, and outreach, reporting to the Senior Climate Resilience Manager.

The position is hybrid (Boston office) with a January 2027 start date; remote-only candidates are not considered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred; commensurate experience considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in urban planning, environmental engineering, or climate adaptation; municipal climate planning a plus.
• Proficient with GIS software, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience writing and obtaining grants is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects within CRWA’s Climate Resilience program.
• Coordinate with the CRCC and municipalities; manage contracts and budgets.
• Provide desktop GIS analyses; prepare reports and presentations for communities.
• Travel across the watershed; engage with residents and stakeholders.
• Support DEI initiatives and cross-team coordination.

Skills

Project management

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in environmental science/engineering or related

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Excel

Google Suite

Job description

Climate Resilience Manager, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)

Organization/Grantor:Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)

Position/Title/Fund:Climate Resilience Manager

Salary:$65,000 - $70,000 annually

Description

CRWA is an internationally-recognized environmental advocacy nonprofit based in Boston, MA. Our mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. We develop science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), an environmental advocacy nonprofit based in Boston, MA, is seeking a Climate Resilience Manager to join our growing team. The Climate Resilience Manager will work with the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) to design and implement regional climate adaptation projects and collaborate with individual watershed communities on local climate projects. The CRCC is a partnership of twenty-eight watershed communities that takes a cross-boundary approach to climate adaptation and mitigation to address precipitation-based flooding, sea level rise, extreme heat, and ecosystem health through regional collaboration and information sharing.

The Climate Resilience Manager will provide critical capacity to support CRWA’s Climate Resilience program by managing technical projects, performing desktop geographic analyses, compiling and analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting to and engaging with local community members. The ideal candidate will have both technical and project management skills and be able to apply those to support and advance CRWA’s organizational goals. This role will report to the Senior Climate Resilience Manager and will work closely with other program staff.

This position is a hybrid remote/in-office position located in CRWA’s Boston office with a start date in January 2027. Fully remote candidates will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Project Management and Implementation

• Lead and support ongoing and new projects within CRWA’s Climate Resilience program
• Support the CRCC’s Charles River Flood Model project by managing the community outreach plan, conducting site visits, and leading technical work, including overseeing subcontractors
• Manage contracts with consultants, including managing timelines, deliverables, and budgets
• Apply for funding, primarily from state and federal grant programs, for new Climate Resilience projects and initiatives
• Partner with municipalities to develop projects, obtain funding, and implement climate planning and adaptation projects
• Travel to various sites and meetings throughout the watershed to present, participate in community meetings or events, or meet with residents

Charles River Climate Compact

• Present Climate Resilience program work and the CRCC’s projects with partners and at technical conferences
• Support CRCC membership with projects and grant requests, as needed
• Work with CRWA climate team and CRCC to implement the CRCC Strategic Plan and Equity Action Plan

Build Climate Resilience

• Contribute to implementation of strategic and annual work plans for the Climate Resilience program
• Provide technical and analytical support on additional program projects as necessary, including desktop and online GIS analysis
• Regularly translate technical information into public-facing materials and public presentations for watershed residents and other lay audiences
• Participate in climate planning and advocacy efforts that build resilience across the watershed, state, and region, and support CRWA’s advocacy initiatives by providing technical information and recommendations on various climate resilience topics
• Support communication and coordination across program teams
• Coordinate with, supervise, support, and/or mentor junior staff
• Represent CRWA before partners, governmental officials, funders, and the community
• Conduct work in accordance with CRWA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative
• Additional administrative support and responsibilities as needed

Qualifications

• Educational background in the fields of environmental science/engineering, environmental or urban planning, climate adaptation, urban forestry, or related
• Master’s degree preferred but candidates with commensurate experience will also be considered
• 3-5 years of experience in urban planning, environmental engineering, or climate adaptation; municipal climate planning experience a plus
• Proficient with GIS software, Microsoft Excel, and Google Suite
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Experience with project management
• Experience writing and obtaining grants is a plus
• Experience with group facilitation and stakeholder engagement, particularly with diverse audiences from all backgrounds
• Demonstrated strong, clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate about CRWA’s mission and work to the public
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Past experience working with municipalities is a plus
• Must be able to travel throughout the watershed frequently, occasional travel out of the region and state may be required
• Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion

This position requires regular travel throughout the Charles River watershed; therefore, a valid driver's license and reliable access to a personal vehicle is necessary to perform the critical functions of this role.