Needs From: BrownEngage

About RIEEA: The Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA) is a collaborative network of individuals and organizations working to promote environmental education in both formal and nonformal settings. RIEEA is a small but rapidly growing organization. Learn more about us by visiting our website (rieea.org) and check out our latest annual report (rieea.org/about-us/annual-report/).  

Our Mission: The mission of RIEEA is to support and promote high-quality environmental education throughout the state. We collaborate with all educators, students, and advocates to respond to community assets, needs, and aspirations.  

Background: NCF-Envirothon, a program of the National Conservation Foundation, is an international environmental and natural resource problem-solving competition that builds leadership experience for high school students. Since 1995 Rhode Island Envirothon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has annually held a prestigious statewide competition for Rhode Island high school students that tests their knowledge in the areas of aquatics, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, plus a special environmental issue which changes annually. A one-day, outdoor competition in the spring is the culmination of a year-long program of environmental study in these challenging natural resource topics. Working in teams of five, students compete to represent the state in the International Envirothon Competition held each summer. 

Position Overview: Rhode Island Envirothon will formally become a program of RIEEA in August 2026. We are seeking a Program Manager who will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the state competition, training workshops, and support materials, as well as expanding and strengthening this unique and exciting program for Rhode Island youth. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and creative thinker, exceptionally organized, and a true team player who is committed to ensuring equity and accessibility in all of their efforts. This is a part-time position that will report directly to the Executive Director.   

Job Responsibilities:

Contribute to a collegial and collaborative work environment where the values of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are central to the mission.Serve as the primary contact for team coaches, program partners, volunteer workshop trainers, and NCF-Envirothon. Oversee planning, scheduling, and implementation of all aspects of the Rhode Island Envirothon program, including but not limited to:outreach and communication efforts, including expanding participation among coaches and teams and maintaining contact lists for program communications;hands-on training workshops related to the natural resource focus areas;development of educational support materials;the annual Rhode Island Envirothon competition; andpreparing the winning team for the International Envirothon Competition.Support the redesign of the Rhode Island Envirothon website in collaboration with the Executive Director and Communications Manager.Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director.Provide monthly performance reports to the Executive Board.Provide occasional support to other RIEEA programs and events, as capacity allows within the scope of this part-time position.Maintain weekly communication with the Executive Director. 

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, wildlife biology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of professional and lived experience.Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and ability to juggle multiple projects on competing deadlines.Excellent oral and written communication skills, including comfort presenting in front of large groups of people of different ages; proficiency in Spanish a plus.Experience with development of youth education programs; experience in environmental education highly desirable. Experience coordinating special events for community engagement. Eagerness to learn and grow professionally, to be honest and direct, and to bring positive energy and good humor to this position.Enthusiasm and ability to work with a community of educators, partners, and students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.Eagerness to attend the NCF International Envirothon Competition in late July of each year.Ability to recruit, train, and manage a small group of volunteers. Ability to work efficiently, with flexibility, creativity, and initiative.Ability to work independently as required but also to work effectively as a team member.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or comparable platforms. 

Compensation: $20-$25/hour, depending on experience. This position is funded for one year, with anticipated renewal contingent upon funding. The selected candidate will begin onboarding during the final independent competition cycle. Anticipated start is late April with required attendance at this year’s Rhode Island Envirothon competition on May 22, 2026. Our hope is that this position will evolve with RIEEA’s growing needs.  

Work Schedule and Location: Actual work schedule is flexible and negotiable, with an average of 15 hours of work/week. Some variability in hours of work/week is to be expected due to the annual cycle of activities. RIEEA maintains an office at 50 Sims Avenue, Space 209, Providence. Work may be done remotely as needed/desired. Some meetings during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) require in-person attendance and can be scheduled according to availability. Occasional attendance at weekend and evening events is required.  

To Apply: Interested candidates should email the following to Jeanine Silversmith, Executive Director, at jsilversmith@rieea.org:

cover letterresume1-2 work samples relevant to this position (e.g., lesson plan, organization tool, flier, etc.)names and contact information of 2 references that can speak to your strengths regarding this position 

All applications will be reviewed as they are received. This position will remain open until filled. RIEEA is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply. RIEEA is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other classification.