Audience Development Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:  

The Grant Development Manager leads the identification, design, and successful execution of grant-funded projects that advance recycling infrastructure, education, outreach, and processing in priority communities and Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) sheds. This role oversees high-impact projects from planning to completion, ensuring deliverables are met, budgets are maintained, and interest-holders remain engaged throughout the process. This role manages the full grant lifecycle—from scoping opportunities and building strong community partnerships to monitoring implementation—ensuring projects align with TRP’s priorities and deliver measurable impact. This position also plays a key role in advancing special projects, implementation of special projects, supporting coalition goals, and representing TRP at industry conferences and events to build relationships and strengthen the project pipeline.

In addition to project development, the Grant Development Manager conducts research, analyzes data, and develops public-facing resources to share best practices in the recycling industry. This role also engages with funders, stakeholders, and cross-sector partners to communicate outcomes and explore new collaboration opportunities. Internally, the Grant Development Manager contributes to effective team operations, leads process improvements, and leads implementation of special projects. This is a collaborative, strategic position suited for a mission-driven professional with strong project management, relationship building, industry, and community knowledge.

What You’ll Do: 

Grant Origination and Development

• Identify and scope complex, multimillion dollar grant opportunities that support community infrastructure, education, outreach, and processing projects in priority communities and MRF sheds.
• Partner with communities, organizations, and coalitions to design grant proposals and special projects that meet local needs and align with TRP priorities.
• Conduct site visits, calls and targeted outreach to engage potential grantees and assess their readiness.
• Lead the development of grant projects, including proposals, budgets, timelines, impact estimates, grant mapping, contracts/grant agreements, and submissions approval.
• Ensure organizational success in meeting grant deliverables by aligning project activities with grant scopes, monitoring progress against milestones, and implementing corrective strategies when needed.
• Evaluate, adapt, and innovate to shape data-informed approaches and best practices to strengthen project effectiveness.
• Coach grantees and partners to strengthen operational systems, refine communication strategies, and enhance program design to maximize recycling participation and long‑term program performance.
• Present proposals to internal and external stakeholders, using data and projected outcomes to secure funding.
• Lead and contribute to special projects and new initiatives, particularly those with restrictive funding requirements.
• Drive impactful community initiatives, spearheading special projects.
• Travel to project sites when on‑the‑ground guidance is needed to accelerate progress, strengthen partnerships, or remove operational barriers
• Represent TRP at conferences, regional meetings, and community events to expand the project pipeline and strengthen relationships.
• Collaborate with team members to establish standards, improve workflows, and ensure accurate, accessible project records and operational procedures.

Research and Knowledge Building

• Identify strategies and evidence-based best practices (BMPs) that measurably improve recycling behaviors participation, capture and public confidence.
• Evaluate and articulate the deployment, costs, and anticipated return on investment of interventions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to brainstorm, problem solve, and design solutions and strategies.
• Analyze community recycling programs and apply findings to inform project development and recommendations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to compile, analyze, and interpret data to support complex projects, including applying material-specific insights to behavior change research.
• Maintain accurate, accessible public-facing resources on recycling systems and best practices.
• Monitor Participation and Capture metrics to inform future project development.
• Research, update, and analyze community acceptance data to strengthen the National Database.

Funder, Stakeholder, and Partner Engagement

• Serve as a liaison with funders, corporate leaders, government agencies, and recycling industry leaders and professionals.
• Conduct site visits to validate project progress and collect performance data.
• Share project outcomes, insights, and learnings with both internal teams and external partners.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration to advance TRP’s mission and project pipeline.

Team and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate project documentation on platforms such as Airtable, Notion, and SharePoint.
• Support the onboarding of new team members by sharing tools, processes, and best practices.
• Provide administrative support to the Participation and Capture Development team related to budgeting, grant priorities and community priorities. 

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or at least two years of related experience and/or training; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Experience in recycling program operations, local government, communications, consulting, education/outreach, or a related field
• Knowledge of recycling industry operations and methodologies, such as recycling program management, community engagement, waste services contracting, Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) operations, and industry best practices
• Ability to apply system change concepts critically, solve complex problems, and make informed judgments
• Demonstrated ability to make careful, responsible decisions about what to do, say, or share, particularly when handling, ambiguous situations, or matters that require confidentiality and tact.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate information, weigh options, assess risks and impacts, and make sound, timely decisions based on experience, reasoning, and available evidence.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across cross-functional teams and contributing to organization-wide initiatives
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage in direct, respectful, and transparent dialogue.
• Proficiency with workplace technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Notion, Airtable, and technical support tools

 Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Sustainability, or a related field
• Three to five years of experience with community programs or operations in recycling, waste management, or environmental sustainability
• Understanding of key elements of the recycling system, including recycling collection, Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) operations, community recycling program design and implementation, learning management, and education and outreach
• Strong passion for the recycling industry, with a commitment to advancing its mission and impact
• Proven ability to analyze data and program outcomes, translating findings into actionable community projects
• Ability to design and execute innovative programs and processes that balance creativity, mission alignment, and funder expectations
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Other Requirements: 

• This position will require overnight and out-of-state travel for business activities. 
• An employee driving on company business shall have a valid driver’s license.  An employee driving a privately-owned vehicle on company business shall have liability insurance on the privately-owned vehicle. 
• The employee must be able to successfully pass a background check. 

Perks of Working with TRP: 

A Comprehensive Benefits Package 

• Health Insurance Options (with 75% employer paid premiums) 
• Dental & Vision Insurance 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Match 
• Employer paid Life, STD, and LTD Insurance 
• 11 Paid Holidays 
• 4 Weeks of Mandatory Vacation per year (office closures) 
• Flexible PTO and Sick Leave
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave  
• 529 Education Savings Plan 
• Cell Phone & Internet Stipend - $100/month 
• Annual remote work stipend - $1000 for your first year, $500 each year after supporting your home office setup 
• $500 annual professional development stipend

An Unmatched Company Culture  

• Work/Life Integration – we don’t just say it, we actually mean it 
• Flexible Schedules 
• Career Growth 
• Learning & Development Opportunities 
• Partnership Days 

and so much more… 

WE VALUE  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: 

The Recycling Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved with The Partnership, including funders, grantees, and independent contractors.

The Partnership complies with all the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s disability or perceived disability so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job. This ADA policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.