EXECUTIVE I (Environmental Justice Program Coordinator)

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

3d•$6,135 - $8,790•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is seeking a Spanish-speaking Environmental Justice (EJ) Program Coordinator for its Chicago team. The position supports the Office of Environmental Justice by connecting IEPA’s technical programs with residents in areas of environmental justice concern, expanding public participation, improving language access, and supporting meaningful community involvement in environmental decision-making. The coordinator also leads efforts to develop and promote Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs), which enable regulated entities to invest in community-benefiting projects when resolving enforcement actions. Under direction, the coordinator organizes, plans, executes, controls, and evaluates implementation of the Illinois EJ Enforcement Strategy, Enhanced Public Participation Plan, and other Agency EJ policies and initiatives. The position plans and evaluates the Illinois EPA Language Access Plan, including English-Spanish translation and interpretation of non-confidential, publicly available information; administers the Agency’s SEP program; and performs operational functions for the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice on behalf of the EJ Officer. Other reasonably related duties may be assigned. The position is based at IEPA headquarters in Chicago. Reporting to headquarters is required as necessary, according to operational needs. The stated work schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch; the role has a 37½-hour work week. The position requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel, and is subject to a name-based background check.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of four years of college; coursework in business or public administration is preferred.
One year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency-approved professional management training program.
Proficiency translating written documents between English and Spanish.
Proficiency interpreting verbally between English and Spanish.
Written and verbal fluency in Spanish.
A current and valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel.
Ability to pass a name-based background check.
For employees covered by the applicable specialized-skills provision: at least one year of work experience with environmental justice programs, community engagement initiatives, or public-facing environmental programs.
For employees covered by the applicable specialized-skills provision: at least one year of experience responding to public inquiries related to environmental, community, or regulatory issues.
For employees covered by the applicable specialized-skills provision: at least one year of experience cultivating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with community groups, advocacy organizations, regulated entities, or governmental partners.
For employees covered by the applicable specialized-skills provision: at least one year of experience developing, monitoring, or evaluating program goals, performance metrics, or compliance activities.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with environmental justice programs, community engagement initiatives, or public-facing environmental programs.
At least one year of experience responding to public inquiries related to environmental, community, or regulatory issues.
At least one year of experience cultivating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with community groups, advocacy organizations, regulated entities, or governmental partners.
At least one year of experience developing, monitoring, or evaluating program goals, performance metrics, or compliance activities.
Experience developing, maintaining, or using mapping or data-tracking tools for environmental, community, or regulatory programs.
Experience implementing or supporting language-access initiatives or working with communities whose preferred language is Spanish.
Experience developing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including community groups, industry representatives, advocacy groups, or government agencies.
Experience developing or managing programs, including creating program materials, forms, case studies, or guidance documents.
Experience with environmental governance and regulatory structures at the state and federal levels.

Responsibilities

Coordinate implementation of the Office of Environmental Justice’s policy initiatives, including the Illinois EJ Enforcement Strategy, Enhanced Public Participation Plan, and other Agency EJ policies.
Plan and evaluate implementation of the Illinois EPA Language Access Plan, including translating and interpreting non-confidential, publicly available information between English and Spanish.
Organize, plan, and administer the Illinois EPA Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program.
Plan, organize, and administer operational functions for the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice on behalf of the EJ Officer.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the responsibilities of the position.