Program Manager, Coastal Resilience Convening and Events

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Overview

This program manager (PM) position plays a key role in designing and implementing the convening and field components of a novel capacity development program focused on nature-based solutions for coastal resilience in the United States. Supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the program will provide grantees of NOAA’s Coastal Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) with project assistance through a blended learning experience that combines online and field-based training with a dynamic Community of Practice.  

This PM position is based within the Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) in New Haven, CT. ELTI is a global capacity development program focused on conserving and restoring tropical forest landscapes, including coastal ecosystems. The PM will also work closely with faculty and staff from the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC), a Yale research hub dedicated to advancing the science of natural climate solutions and ELTI’s primary partner for this program. A central responsibility of the position will be managing event logistics, vendor relationships, participant travel, and operational systems to ensure high-quality delivery of in-person and field-based convenings, which will require working closely with faculty and staff from ELTI, YCNCC, NFWF, NOAA, and external partners to  ensure that national and regional convening event execution aligns with programmatic goals and participant needs.

Implements and manages logistics for a national convening and four regional convenings supporting coastal resilience initiatives, including planning timelines and tracking deliverables. Plans and executes event logistics, including venue sourcing, lodging coordination, transportation planning, and field visit logistics for participants and program staff. Manages participant and staff travel, accommodations, and logistics to ensure a seamless and high-quality convening experience, including booking coordination, communication of travel requirements, and troubleshooting travel-related issues. Develops and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with vendors and service providers, including venues, transportation providers, caterers, and other event-related contractors. Supports contracting and procurement processes, including preparing requisitions and liaising with subcontracted event management or conference service providers. Administers participant registration systems, including setup, tracking registrations, managing participant data, and ensuring accurate reporting. Develops and manages participant communications related to convenings, including travel guidance, event preparation materials, and on-site coordination information.

Manages on-site event logistics execution, including coordination of operational details and troubleshooting issues in real time. Manages financial and administrative processes associated with convenings, including submitting requisitions, tracking expenses, and reconciling expense reports. Maintains systems to track event logistics, participation, and outputs, and prepares summary reports for program leadership and funder reporting requirements. Collaborates closely with instructional and facilitation teams to ensure convening logistics, field activities, and participant engagement strategies related to convenings is in alignment with programmatic objectives. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience in event planning or logistics management, including coordinating complex, multi-day events and strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and timelines simultaneously.

2. Experience working with vendors and managing service providers and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including managing participant communications and logistics coordination.

3. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in real time in dynamic event environments.

4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with registration platforms or event management tools.

5. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex logistical information.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience planning national or regional convenings, workshops, or conferences.

2. Familiarity with Yale procurement, travel, and expense systems (or similar institutional systems).

3. Experience managing participant travel, including group bookings and reimbursements.

4. Experience coordinating field-based events or site visits.

5. Familiarity with coastal resilience, climate adaptation, or nature-based solutions

Principal Responsibilities

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

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Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.