Jobs. Jobs. Jobs.


SEMAP (Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership)
Executive Director – Accepting Applications Until March 1st

The purpose of SEMAP is to benefit the health and well-being of citizens of and visitors to the five Southeastern Massachusetts counties (Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes) by engaging with, educating, and building partnerships among the regional community, businesses, and farmers to support and expand sustainable commercial agriculture and assure an abundant supply of locally produced agricultural products.

The SEMAP Executive Director will actively seek economic development, will provide leadership for the operations of SEMAP, will maintain and develop SEMAP’s signature programs and services, and will work with and report to the SEMAP Board of Directors. The Executive Director will advocate for local agricultural issues, will serve as SEMAP's chief public spokesperson, will oversee administration for the organization, including standing and ad hoc committees, and will supervise 2 to 5 full and part-time staff members, as well as consultants, contractors, and/or interns.

To learn more >

The Marion Institute
Development Fundraising Professional– Respond by March 1st

The Marion Institute (MI) seeks a Development Fundraising Professional to join the Executive Director and MI team. We are looking for a person who is excited by the prospect of leading and managing all aspects of MI’s fundraising. Founded in 1993, the Marion Institute is a member based non-profit that acts as an incubator for a diverse array of programs and projects that delve into the root cause of an issue and seeks to create deep and positive change. Working closely with the Executive Director as well as the Board, the Development Fundraising Professional will be responsible for shaping and executing the overall MI approach to generating financial support.

The job will require: the annual fundraising strategy and calendar, special fundraising projects such as capital campaigns, challenge grants, planned giving development, grant writing and reporting, prospect identification and cultivation, event planning and implementation, communication expertise, database management and the annual appeal.

To learn more >

Coalition For Buzzards Bay
Vice-President Development

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay seeks a seasoned fundraising professional to serve as Vice-President of Development for this energetic, performance-driven and rapidly growing regional organization. The full-time senior level position reports directly to the President, joins a talented management team and dedicated Board of Directors, and is responsible for the management of a staff of four fundraising professionals. Interested applicants should contact Coalition President Mark Rasmussen at rasmussen@savebuzzardsbay.org to learn more.

To learn more >

Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
Senior Program Leader, Climate Change and Energy

As one of the nation’s oldest independent environmental research centers, Manomet is developing innovative models for businesses and communities to forge new partnerships for creating a sustainable planet.

The Senior Program Leader will direct and grow a major new project on climate change adaptation with national implications. Working with stakeholders in four major rural landscape sectors and at two spatial scales, the Senior Program Leader will develop and implement strategies to build climate change resiliency into critical ecosystem services. The position reports to the Climate Change and Energy Initiative Director. The position is located at Manomet’s headquarters on the bluffs overlooking beautiful Cape Cod Bay, in Plymouth, MA, 45 miles south of Boston.

To learn more >

NEGEF Small Grants
Next deadline: February 15, 2010

NEGEF’s small grants program provides grants to groups working on community level issues in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Fund interprets the word ‘environment’ broadly and will provide funding for a wide range of activities. Whole systems-thinking is critical to initiatives focused on making our environment better, healthier and more sustainable. Small grants are intended to support community groups who represent the most exciting energy in the environmental movement that are not being reached by traditional funders.

Successful applicants will have:
• Earned credibility as a grassroots organization through community work which strengthens the role of local citizens in solving environmental problems or developing sound environmental policies;
• Identified a significant community need and developed a clear plan for translating that need into action;
• Developed a vision of the long-range impacts of their work; and
• Demonstrated an ability to account for the expenditure of funds.
NEGEF does not fund the following proposals:
• Educational curriculum and/or in-school projects
• Publication of books or reports
• Lobbying or partisan political activities
• Studies with no follow-up action
• Acquisition of land and/or buildings
• Individuals
• For-profits
• Micro- or mini-grant programs

The goals of the Small Grants program are to:
• Increase civic engagement, volunteerism, emerging leaders and community initiatives that create health, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities at the neighborhood and town level in New England;
• Help community leaders move single issue, backyard debates to positive, inclusive, systemic, constructive, and lasting community solutions;
• Link community-based advocacy with the work of state-wide and national organizations without losing local identity; and Establish and maintain informed networks of activists across the region that are committed to building a just and equitable society.

Renowned Scholar, Writer David Orr to present on
Green Design & Climate Change at SEEAL Annual Event

SEEAL, the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance, will hold its annual year-end celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 24. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill.

The annual event will be held from 5-8 p.m., and will feature a celebration of SEEAL’s accomplishments, inspirational presentations, music, food and drink, and engaging exhibits. The celebration is free and open to the public, but since space is limited it will be first come, first served.

The event will include a presentation by David Orr, a renowned scholar, teacher, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur in a broad set of environmental fields including politics, education, ecological design, and climate change. Orr is the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College. He has authored six books including the forthcoming, Down to the Wire: Confronting Climate Collapse, an assessment of climate destabilization, and an urgent call to action. He has served as a Trustee for many organizations and foundations including the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Among his recent projects is a two-year $2.2 million collaborative project to define a 100 days Climate Action Plan for the Obama Administration, www.climateactionproject.com.

Orr’s presentation will be followed by a social hour featuring SEEAL partner exhibits, music, food, and beverages.

SEEAL, whose mission is to support its partners’ capacity to provide quality environmental education and stewardship in our region, is a program of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (CFSEMA). The collaborative is open to any individual or organization that shares this goal.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Marshall, SEEAL Coordinator, at jmarshall@seeal.org, or 508-493-4343.



SEEAL Makes Grants Available for Climate Change Projects

Mini-grants of up to $5,000 are available for climate change projects that benefit Southcoast Massachusetts, include an educational component, and address the reduction of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Preference will be given to projects that are collaborative, easily replicable and transferrable, and actually influence behavioral change among Southcoast residents. The application deadline is October 29th. Click below for application materials.

Click here to download the mini-grant RFP

Click here to download the cover page




Are You a Student or a Teacher of Sustainability

Sustainability Teacher Training at UMass Dartmouth

August 18th and 19th at the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford

The UMass Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability is hosting a Sustainability Teacher Training from 9-3 p.m. on August 18th and 19th at the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford. Sponsored by the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEAL), the institute will pair a training in edible schoolyards with a hands-on, inquiry-based exploration of sustainability principles and practices.

Instructors include Deb Habib from Seeds of Solidarity, Joe Yarmac of Fairhaven High School, and UMass Dartmouth faculty Chad McGuire and Dr. Laurie Robertson-Lorant Increase your sustainability literacy, learn about local sustainability initiatives, design activities for your classroom, and join a growing network of Southcoast teachers involved in sustainability teaching and activities. Participating teachers will receive a $100 stipend as well as 10 PDP’s. For more information, or to register, contact sustainability@umassd.edu or 508-910-6484.


Sustainability Course at Umass Dartmouth

Special Topics Policy Studies:Sustainability Education and Public Policy: Connecting for Change
PST 650-5101 three graduate credits
September 2-December 23
Wednesday 4-6:30 pm
New Bedford
Instructor: Dr. Laurie Robertson-Lorant

Sustainability refers to re-evaluating our relationship to the natural world and realizing that ecology, economics and social equity are inextricably linked. This three-credit interdisciplinary course is designed to give candidates for the Master of Public Policy degree an understanding of how institutions such as schools, industries, businesses and local governments are reinventing themselves to meet the interrelated environmental, economic and ethical challenges we face in this era of crisis and change.

Assigned readings will focus on topics such as no-waste systems, renewable energy and industrial design; nature-based education, civic engagement and public health; biodiversity, cultural diversity and the arts. Emphasis will be on writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving through collaboration on projects that combine visionary ideas with practical strategies for living sustainable lives through the acquisition of 21st century skills.

Thanks to a partnership with the Marion Institute, students enrolled in PST 650-5101 will attend the Bioneers by the Bay Conference in New Bedford from October 22-25, 2009. This is an annual gathering of internationally-known policy-makers, educators, scientists, engineers and artists who will present practical and visionary solutions for ensuring a healthy, prosperous and equitable future. This course will prepare students for the lectures, workshops, films, exhibits and performances offered during Bioneers by the Bay and provide them with time to read, reflect, analyze, discuss and write about the many innovative ideas generated by the conference.

Tuition & fees (excludes $30/semester registration fee): $1,092

Register online through COIN; or call the telephone registration line at 508.999.9129 (have ready your Mastercard, Visa or Discover card).

Faculty Bio: Dr. Laurie Robertson-Lorant is a graduate of Radcliffe College, Harvard University, with an M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. She has taught at the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford and in Education and English Departments of UMD, the Literature and Writing Programs of MIT and the English Departments of Berkshire Community College, St. Mark’s School (Southborough, MA) and School Year Abroad in France. Dr. Lorant is the author of Melville: A Biography (1996) and The Man Who Lived Among the Cannibals: Poems in Voice of Herman Melville (2005). Formerly a cofounder of Keep Lenox Green, a delegate to the Berkshire County Regional Transportation Advisory Group and a member of the Lenox Land Use Committee, she is a member of the Mayor’s Sustainability Task Force in New Bedford.

Here is a PDF to post and/or share…

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Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability Kickoff Meeting

To Officials, Citizens and Organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts concerned with Sustainability

The future of our region and indeed our planet depends upon our making choices today that are sustainable fifty to one hundred years from now. The decisions about how we develop land, use natural resources, consume energy and govern ourselves will have repercussions far into the future.

Many disparate groups and individuals in Southeastern Massachusetts have been working on these concerns under the umbrella of sustainability. Included are those promoting local agriculture and farming, advocating for solar and wind energy, and planning for alternative methods of transportation. Many have participated in a recent series of “regional exchanges” sponsored by UMass Dartmouth’s Sustainability Initiative and Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD).

We feel that it is time to unite these efforts as the Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability. UMass Dartmouth and SRPEDD are taking the lead to organize the Council and we invite you to participate by appointing yourself or someone to represent your organization to the Council.

The organizational meeting of the Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability will convene on Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 3:30 to 6:00 P.M. at the Advanced Technology Manufacturing Center (ATMC), 151 Martine Street, Fall River, MA. We hope that you can attend or appoint someone by returning the attached form by June 11, 2009.

The purpose of the Council is to provide education, advice and assistance on the broad issue of sustainability in Southeastern Massachusetts. The Council will act as a leadership forum and network to connect, facilitate, support and coordinate sustainability efforts and initiatives throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. (See attached Statement of Organization).

For more information about the Council and the region’s efforts toward achieving sustainability, please contact Susan Jennings at UMass Dartmouth (508-910-6484; sjennings@umassd.edu ) or Louise Hardiman at SRPEDD (508-824-1367; lhardiman@srpedd.org ).

We look forward to seeing you on June 18th.

Very truly yours,

Dr. Jean F. MacCormack, Chancellor, UMass Dartmouth
Dr. Susan Peterson, Chair, SRPEDD

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Read more on how to become a Council Member >



SEMAP
Executive Director Job Description

SEMAP
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership
www.semaponline.org

A 501(c)(6) not-for-profit applying for 501(c)(3) status
SEMAP Mission: To help agricultural enterprises in Southeastern Massachusetts achieve economic success.

Compensation: Negotiable, including stipend for insurance.

Time Commitment: Average 40-hour week. Some evening and weekend hours and travel will be necessary.

The SEMAP Executive Director:
a. Actively seeks economic development opportunities for the region's commercial farmers.
b. Is responsible for securing funding to implement the SEMAP mission, meet operating needs, and assure long-term fiscal stability of the organization. In addition to grant writing, the Executive Director is expected to use multiple approaches including a) corporate membership, b) individual membership, and c) community visibility and "revenue-positive" event planning.
c. Provides leadership for the operations of SEMAP.
d. Maintains and develops SEMAP's signature programs and services.
e. Works with and reports to the SEMAP Board of Directors.
The SEMAP Executive Director:
a. Advocates for local agricultural issues.
b. Serves as SEMAP's chief public spokesperson.
c. Oversees administration for the organization, including standing and ad hoc committees.
d. Supervises 2 to 5 full and part-time staff members, as well as consultants, contractors, and/or interns.
e. Oversees grants, contracts and consultants; manages programs and services.
f. Oversees website and database development and maintenance.
g. Creates measurement, outcome, and performance standards.
h. Meets performance measurement criteria of the Board, which is informed by the agricultural community.
i. Provides advice and counsel to the SEMAP Board of Directors.
Other job-related duties and responsibilities may be assigned and/or the job description changed periodically to reflect changing organization needs.

Minimum Qualifications include:
a. A passion for the mission of SEMAP and its role in agricultural stability and growth in the region.
b. Bachelor's Degree in marketing, economics, or related business field or equivalent experience.
c. Significant organizational experience including fundraising, grant writing, program development, strategic planning.
d. Significant leadership experience.
e. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies and maintain collaborative partnerships.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:
Excellent written and oral communications skills;
Demonstrated ability to identify and solve complex problems and manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
Knowledge and understanding of computer and Internet technology.

Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent working knowledge of agricultural issues.

Complete job description will be posted at www.semaponline.org.

TO APPLY: Send letter of application, current resume, and the names, titles, addresses and telephone numbers of three references via e-mail to carolynd@umext.umass.edu -- include "SEMAP search" in the subject line.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 29, 2009



SEEAL Releases Request for Proposals –
Youth Energy Audit & Weatherization Training

“Sustainable New Bedford,” a two-year project, funded by the City of New Bedford and the EPA, has a grant available to lead energy audit and weatherization trainings for young adults and high schools students in New Bedford, to help get the city’s youth ready to tackle issues of climate change and energy efficiency. Organizations can request up to $37,000. 501(c)(3) status required. MBE, WBE are highly encouraged to apply. Application deadline is April 30, 2009.

Request For Proposals

Cover Page

Press Release



SEEAL Makes Grants Available for Environmental Projects –
Request for Proposals.

Mini-grants for up to $5,000 are available for environmental education, stewardship, and sustainability-related projects. Application deadline is April 30th. All projects must: 1) benefit the City of New Bedford, 2) be educational, and 3) address the reduction of toxic chemicals, pesticides, and harmful emissions into the environment. The grants are made possible by the City of New Bedford and the EPA.

Request For Proposals

Cover Page

Press Release

Shrink Your Footprint Series
Eat Green ~ Buy Green ~ Water Green

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-Noon.
January 17, February 21, March 21
Free and open to the public, at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, MA



SEEAL Annual Meeting & Celebration with Bill McKibben

Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA
Friday, November 21st, 2008, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public



Sustainable New Bedford Mini-Grants Available.

Press Release
Application Cover Page
Grant Guidelines


“Sustainable New Bedford,” is a two-year project, 2008-2009, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. SEEAL is the subcontractor of the award and will carry out project goals for the City of New Bedford.


Project Introduction
Program Design
Job Openings
Grant Opportunities
Project Sponsors



Project Introduction

Sustainable New Bedford projects will be carried out in two years, 2008-2009.

Sustainable New Bedford aims to raise awareness among residents and businesses, involve youth, offer resources for non-profits and community groups, and further stimulate the environmental movement that is helping to shape the City’s future. All activities and tasks under this project will take place in the City of New Bedford. SEEAL, with oversight by the City of New Bedford and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (CFSEMA), is the local environmental education group that will work to ensure that activities under this work plan are carried out.

The project is organized into five primary tracks.

The five-track focus is intended to fairly benefit residents, community groups, non-profits, businesses, youth and schools in the City of New Bedford. Aligned with the EPA’s goals and cross-goal strategies, the work will promote EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. This project will help to reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the natural environment, to lower the use of pesticides in the City, and to reduce damaging effects that hazardous substances have on the City’s environment.

The five tracks are:

• Develop curriculum that enhances sustainability education in New Bedford Public Schools. Tasks will include: to formulate curriculum, design and build activities to further aid in students’ science education, to facilitate outdoor experiences, and to provide teacher trainings.

• Lead a youth energy audit training for young adults and high schools students. Trainings, audits, summer internships and school-wide presentations will build confidence and leadership skills as well. Collaborative program delivery and oversight will help to ensure project success.

• Support implementation of recommendations made in the Mayor’s Sustainability Task Force’s (MSTF) report. This track will offer supportto ensure follow-up for the MSTF.

• Sponsor non-profit and community group projects on sustainability and watershed initiatives which focus on harmful effects of chemical releases and pesticides on air, land and water quality. Support ongoing efforts of New Bedford environmental non-profits and help them to build up-to-date resources that include emerging environmental issues.

• Help facilitate the Bioneers by the Bay Sustainability Conference that will be hosted by the City of New Bedford 2008.

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Program Design

SEEAL will focus on innovative approaches, solutions and tools to increase environmental awareness and stewardship within the City of New Bedford. With input from public schools, non-profits, businesses, universities, and City staff, SEEAL will be aligned with the best professional advice and scientific resources available. SEEAL plans to utilize existing local, national, and international knowledge at every level of its planning, implementation, and performance measurement.

SEEAL is a program of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. SEEAL works under the guidance and supervision of the Community Foundation’s staff and board of directors, as well as its own 20-member board of directors. SEEAL and the Community Foundation will work closely with the City of New Bedford to ensure the grant’s success. SEEAL will submit quarterly reports outlining the grant’s successes and challenges to the EPA via the City of New Bedford. There will be continual evaluation of methods and strategies used and resulting measurable outputs.

This project will target and reach youth, adults, community groups, non-profits, businesses in New Bedford, and the City’s residents at large. Inclusivity, accountability and best management practices will be implemented at all levels. All grant and job opportunities will be solicited in a fair and open process. SEEAL will do its best to benefit its headquarter city, New Bedford. [back to top]


Job Openings

Job openings are to be determine and will be posted soon – please check back..

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Grant Opportunities

Press Release
Application Cover Page
Grant Guidelines
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Project Sponsors

SEEAL will subcontract a 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earmark for the City of New Bedford to administer Environmental Education & Programming.

City of New Bedford	EPA
CFSEMA

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