Community Engagement Director - Climate Resilient Infrastructure (Cri)

Leveraging their program management background, the Community Engagement Director - Climate Resilient Infrastructure (CRI) will lead community and Program stakeholder engagements for one of the largest urban greening programs in the Midwest. This role is pivotal in CIS’ Stormwater Utility Community Based Partnership with the United Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City (UG/KCK). They will manage the relationship with external senior leaders and other associated stakeholders on multi-constituency projects within the Program and provide similar support to other Programs. This is an exciting, long-term opportunity to maintain ongoing connectivity to grow and expand partnerships across the nation.

This position will eventually report to the Midwest Market Director, with a dotted line reporting to the Managing Director of CIS’s  Asset Management.  In the interim and until the Market Director is hired, this position will report to the Managing Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify local and regional stakeholders and map out their relationship to the Program through the development of a stakeholder analysis plan. Establish and nurture effective relationships with these stakeholders.
• Work with local property owners to negotiate agreements with private property owners allowing access to their property and any deal terms that allow for the installation of stormwater infrastructure
• Help the Market Director establish a strong working and collegial relationship with the local partner staff, and program leadership.
• Thoroughly understand the vision, contractual agreements, and roles and responsibilities of our partnership with UG/KCK.
• Develop an outreach and marketing plan specific to the Program that supports CIS’s local brand through CIS’s role in the Program.
• Identify, engage, contract and manage outreach and communication service providers and their contractual obligations related to the implementation, delivery and management of the UG/KCK Program.
• Develop and manage standardized communication protocols that support the Program and support the CIS brand.
• Coordinate events, collateral materials, etc. that support the goals of the Program through stakeholder engagement, public relations, internal communication, media relations, and digital marketing.
• Establish and nurture relationships with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) represented in the UG/KCK Program ecosphere; educating the CBOs and those they represent as to the benefits of the UG/KCK program. This role will require listening first, building trust with the community and then connecting the CBOs to the Program.
• Lead periodic meetings with CBOs and other nonprofits etc. to discuss program management operations and priorities.
• Provide administrative oversight and support for Community Engagement outreach programs and initiatives, including but not limited to community volunteerism, service learning, job shadowing, internships, etc.
• Develop and articulate a strategy for Community Engagement for each Proposed Project site. Work with Michael Burke of Quest2 consulting services as Quest2 establishes and develops a mentor protégé program for the BIPOC community, including recruiting BIPOC-led organizations, and CBOs from various fields. This workforce development practice is integral and key to supporting emerging design, construction and maintenance firms that will in turn support the Program.
• Support an environment that fosters respectful, informative and timely communication and collaboration across various functional areas.
• Troubleshoot and adjust strategy and tactics when necessary to ensure achievement of goals.
• Support and reinforce company goals, strategies, and decisions in a manner consistent with our culture and vision.
• Recognize and elevate any potential liabilities that may adversely impact the program and/or company.
• Coordination with team members across CIS's infrastructure portfolios, as well as with subconsultants, public agencies, clients, nonprofits, and other community-based organizations, as needed.
• Lead/assist with marketing efforts, such as proposal writing and participating in business development and marketing events and activities.
• Identify and participate in industry working groups, associations, and collaborative networks to stay up-to date, gather industry intel, and share CIS's work.
• Identify and participate in industry working groups/conferences, associations, and collaborative networks to stay up-to date, gather industry intel, and share CIS's work.

What You Will Need:

• Enthusiasm to work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of asset managers, engineers, landscape architects, and planners to make positive and impactful change across communities through careful design and implementation of green best practices.
• Motivation to serve underserved communities.
• The ability to understand and negotiate complex contractual agreements with private property owners.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture, Business, Finance, Economics or related field. A graduate degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of professional experience in service provider business with a focus on upholding contract obligations and identifying opportunities for expansion/growth.
• Previous experience with public-private partnerships, specifically within the stormwater management industry, is a plus. Experience related to asset management of the life cycle of real estate facilities is a plus.
• History of building strategic relationships aligned on goals and focused on creating value for clients.
• Proven ability to lead the implementation of project-level strategies.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to mitigate risk factors and resolve complex or unforeseen conditions amid tight timelines and high client expectations.
• Demonstrable business sophistication and financial aptitude necessary to navigate high complexity service level agreements.
• Demonstrable success in managing external senior leaders and other associated stakeholders on multi-constituency projects.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, in terms of being able to communicate general project status and performance, specific deliverables, issues and/or other points of escalation in addition to the standard day-to-day communications required to ensure that all other program participants (internal team members, delivery partners, other 3rd parties, etc.) are performing their required duties.
• Proven ability to implement ideas and settle differences in a manner that strengthens relationships.
• Proven success analyzing key business issues and identifying the root cause of business challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to organize individual and team activities to ensure operations are highly productive and meet or exceed business goals.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds and at all organizational levels, including the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Ability to travel regularly.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Position Location Requirements

Based in the Greater Kansas City metro area. The candidate is expected to attend in-person meetings as required and should anticipate approximately 10% travel time throughout the year.

Exceptional Benefits for Exceptional Team Members

The anticipated pay range for this position is $125k to $150k, however, base pay is flexible and may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and location. This position is also eligible for a discretionary performance incentive.

CIS employees are eligible for:

• A choice between two benefit-rich medical, dental and vision plans
• 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting and contribution match
• Unlimited paid time off
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid time off to volunteer
• Tuition reimbursement to support growth and development
• 100% paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Maternity leave
• Paternity Leave
• Military Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program

About Corvias Infrastructure Solutions, LLC (CIS) :

CIS is a national leader in the development and implementation of public infrastructure solutions, focusing on improving the environmental, economic, and social condition of the nation’s infrastructure through solutions that drive local economic inclusion and equity, reduction of public risk, and increased community investment and buy-in. CIS also offers related advisory expertise and services on topics including nature-based solutions, climate resilience, disaster prevention, environmental equity/justice, green stormwater infrastructure, environmental finance, water affordability, and public trust. For more information, please visit www.cisolutions.com.

Corvias (the “Company”) does not discriminate in employment or applications for employment based on an applicant’s sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, service in the armed forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected classification as outlined by Federal, State or local laws.

Learn more about Corvias’ External Recruiting Policy.

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