Climate Action Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Primary purpose:

The Climate Action Coordinator is responsible for advancing community-wide decarbonization and climate action in Newton through outreach, engagement, and collaboration with residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The position coordinates key elements of the City’s climate action work, including updating and tracking progress on the Climate Action Plan, supporting implementation of priority initiatives, and helping to connect City programs and community efforts that advance Newton’s climate goals. The position also provides administrative and organizational support for sustainability programs and initiatives.

Supervision:

Supervision Received:  Works under the general direction of the Director of Climate and Energy and receives general administrative direction while exercising substantial independent judgment.

Supervision Given: May oversee and direct co-op or intern students, volunteers, consultants and/or grant-sponsored contractors.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Conduct community outreach and education to advance climate action, decarbonization, and climate resilience.
• Develop and maintain public facing climate communications and resources, including digital content and outreach materials.
• Host, staff, and coordinate volunteers to participate in community events to publicize climate information and encourage local action.
• Coordinate updates to, implementation of, and tracking of progress on the Climate Action Plan.
• Work with City departments and community partners to support climate priorities and track and report progress toward climate goals.
• Provide coordination, supervision, and support to community groups, volunteers, and other participants as appropriate for the City’s climate and sustainability initiatives, including the Energy Coach program.
• Manage administrative, programmatic, and reporting responsibilities for assigned climate and energy programs.
• Prepare required City, state, grant, and program reports and documentation.
• Assist with identifying, applying for, and implementing climate and energy grants and other sustainability initiatives.
• Coordinate with residents, businesses, contractors, City departments, schools, institutions, and community organizations to advance sustainability programs and priorities.
• Provide administrative support to the Climate and Energy team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications listed below to apply.)

Education, Training, and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental studies, engineering, economics, public policy, or related fields.

Work experience in organizations related to the duties of the position and the knowledge, abilities and skills required.
Familiarity with Massachusetts climate and energy-related programs and agencies.

A valid Class D Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge/understanding of: 

• Decarbonization technologies, retrofit processes, energy efficiency, and relevant State programs
• Sustainability principles, climate action planning, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and related environmental issues
• Community engagement and outreach strategies
• Data management and analysis
• Office systems including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively  in oral and written form with a variety of audiences
• Respond professionally to inquiries or complaints from residents, staff, agencies, and stakeholders
• Remain highly organized when managing multiple projects and responsibilities
• Organize community events and outreach programs
• Manage the Climate & Energy and Climate Dashboard webpages
• Supervise, direct, and assist volunteers, interns, consultants, and contractors

Skill in:

• Written and oral communication, public speaking, presenting information to groups, and conveying technical concepts clearly
• Data analysis, metric tracking, and problem-solving
• Professional writing, report and presentation preparation, and research
• Use of common computer software applications such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud

A strong commitment to public service required.   

Job Environment:

Work is primarily performed under typical office conditions, with little exposure to occupational risks; has interruptions during the day from inquiries by the general public, business organizations or contacts and other city personnel.  May include some work in the field.

Operates computers, calculators, typewriters, copier, telephone and all other standard office equipment. 

May have contact with the general public, other town departments and officials, outside agencies, community organizations, businesses, vendors, and other governmental organizations and attorneys, etc. Communication is by means of telephone, personal discussion, and correspondence and involves discussing routine information requiring patience and courtesy. 

Has access to confidential information regarding personnel records.

Errors in judgment could result in significant delay or loss of services, legal ramifications, adverse public relations, and monetary loss.

Physical requirements

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. 

Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers. 

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols. 

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, have a continuing adverse effect on the department’s ability to deliver services, be costly to correct and cause significant adverse public relations.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
 

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: The anticipated starting salary for this position will generally fall within a portion of the posted pay range. Initial placement will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Company Description

THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus.  The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset.  To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits.  We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities.  We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings.  We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees.  And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees