Office Manager – Delta Institute

The Delta Institute, a non-profit organization that creates, funds and implements programs that integrate environmental, economic and community health to develop a green economy, is seeking an Office Manager.

The Office Manager reports to the Co-Directors and is an integral part of the 14 member Delta Staff team. The Office Manager is responsible for the smooth operation of the office and for fulfilling the administrative needs of the organization including but not limited to the following duties:

RESPONSIBILITIES
Office Management

• Maintain electronic and paper files according to quality standards
• Maintain, evaluate and purchase all office equipment including copy machine, printers, postage machine, water cooler and phones
• Communicate with building landlord for maintenance and general communications
• Purchase all office and meeting supplies
• Maintain the appearance and order of all common areas
• Receive all mail, and distribute or process checks and invoices
• Project set-up including making paper and electronic flies and schedule for all new project work

Computer Support

• Perform basic computer troubleshooting and maintenance
• Provide computer support to office personnel
• Proficiency at Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Access, and/or Intuit Quickbooks Professional a plus
• Able to learn to manage file server and terminal server

Project Work

• Assist the Delta staff with various projects including, copy editing, pagination and production of reports, data entry, web research, mailings, etc

HR Duties

• Make files for new hires
• Facilitate new hires paperwork, including all tax forms, Delta application, CTA form and direct deposit form
• Set-up work areas for and orient new hires
• Figure Annual Leave, explain to new hire and add to Annual Leave worksheet
• Collect timesheets and – maintain Annual Leave worksheets

Accounting Support

• Mail out invoices and maintain log
• Receive checks and process by endorsing, copying, maintaining log and emailing to Co-Directors and Accountant

Board of Directors

• Produce Board books – electronic and paper copies
• Communicate with Board members regarding meeting attendance

Trainings and Events

• Assist with meeting and event planning
• Perform one time set-up
• Manage registration
• Produce materials
• Initiate invoices and collect payments

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree
Experience in small office environment
Strong PC literacy and computer skills
Solid organization skills
Comfortable with fast-paced environment when deadlines must be met
Able to work simultaneously on multiple short and long term tasks
Able to take initiative and solve problems creatively
Pleasant, punctual and works well either independently or in a team
Strong written and verbal communication skills

SALARY
Commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
E-mail cover letter and resume to jbirnstihl@delta-institute.org. Preferred start date between 3/31/08 and 4/18/08.

Master Naturalist Project Organizer – University of Illinois Extension

The University of Illinois Extension – Cook County/South Suburban Unit is looking to fill their new Master Naturalist project organizer position that will be based in the Matteson office. This will be a new program in Cook County, in collaboration with the Forest Preserve of Cook County, the Field Museum and Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. Other partners may join us in the future.

On the state level, IL Master Naturalist is collaborating with the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Nature Conservatory, various U of I departments and the Illinois Steward Magazine, and others. Cook County is one of several piloting this program over the next few years.

This person will work as a team member with other Cook County personnel. The person will implement assigned educational programs that are designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and the development of individuals and communities in Urban Environment and Natural Resources. Extension program organizers secure and coordinate the efforts of volunteers, facilitate planning and marketing efforts, and network and/or collaborate with community organizations and groups to address their educational needs.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list will be conducted.

Administrative & Organizational Relationship

The program organizer is administratively responsible to the Cook County Director and/or Associate County Director with program guidance, leadership, and supervision from the Horticulture Educator. This position is a part time hourly position and is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated annually. The work will be done in an average of 20-25 hour workweek. Some night or weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities:
1. Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines.
2. Complies with all University of Illinois Extension and Cook County policies and procedures in programs, outreach, and employment.
3. Submit weekly itinerary of planned work activities.
4. Coordinate the logistics and activities for specific program related tasks, such as travel, equipment, facilities use and other supplies.
5. Formulating and insuring the implementation of standard operating procedures for program activities, including University of Illinois Extension “Risk Management” guidelines to insure the safety and welfare of participants.
6. Establish the pilot program that is in line with the state Master Naturalist Flagship program and 21st Century goals.

• Work with Advisory and Committee Partners as goals, evaluations, methods and procedures are created.
• Assist in assessment among potential partners in Cook County.
• Collect non-discrimination forms
• Assist in creation and distribution of marketing pieces
• Assist in securing and instructors and providing them with expectation materials
• Identify and plan orders for supplemental training materials as needed
• Assist in identifying locations and creating training schedule
• Enroll participants; assist in planning interview process for participants
• Assist in identifying possible partnerships

7. Under the direction of the Educator, coordinate Master Naturalist project confirmations, develop and maintain a database of all Master Naturalist projects and collect and analyze all data for projects.
8. Work with Extension Horticulture Educator to respond to partner and volunteer requests for assistance in a timely manner.
9. Coordinate and schedule Master Naturalist classes, meetings, field trips, and special events and attend when possible.
10. Develop a plan for involving volunteers in specific educational programs, which includes recruitment, training, support and recognition.
11. Work with Extension Urban Horticulture educator to identify and coordinate the development of grant opportunities.
12. Coordinate the dissemination of information about Master Naturalist program efforts and related information to the general public, targeted audiences and local politicians.
13. Networks and collaborates with community organizations to enhance the program.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:
1. Bachelors degree with Professional training in Natural Resources or related field
2. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
3. Skills in written and oral communication
4. Evidence of experience in helping people relate to or interpret the Natural world
5. Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
6. Ability to organize and manage time and people
7. Ability to compile, organize and maintain complex files, records, and/or reports.
8. Knowledge and use of basic computer technology.
9. Professional or volunteer training in Natural Resources, or equivalent related experience.
10. Ability to learn marketing and promotion techniques for program activities.
11. A personal automobile available for work.
12. Evidence of a valid driver’s license and a minimum of automobile liability insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Skill in collaborating with diverse audiences.
2. An understanding of the history, objectives, organization, scope and methods of University of Illinois Extension.
3. Ability to work flexible day, evening, and weekend hours.
4. Knowledge and use of computer technology.

Location:
Cook County, South Suburban, District 1
5527 Miller Circle Drive
Matteson, IL 60043

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Application must consist of:
• Letter of interest relating to the position available
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three (3) references (including a complete address and phone number)

Send application materials to:
Nancy Pollard
University of Illinois Extension
5527 Miller Circle Drive, Suite A
Matteson, IL 60443

For further information contact Nancy at (708) 720-7500 or pollard@uiuc.edu.

Deadline: To insure full consideration, application materials must be received by April 15, 2008.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Bookkeeper – ReusableBags.com

ReusableBags.com is a Chicago-based, small, fast-growing, profitable, “green” e-commerce company dedicated to serving the triple bottom line has an immediate need for an outstanding person to fill a part-time bookkeeper position. Their mission is to offer innovative high-quality sustainable consumer products through several cause-related, content rich ecommerce websites. They offer a selection of smart, innovative, eco-friendly products that help people consume less, giving consumers pragmatic solutions and intelligent alternatives. Their first site ReusableBags.com has established a strong brand, a large passionate customer base, and is generating enormous buzz – recent highlights include Reader’s Digest, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Chicago Tribune, CNN, ABC News, NPR’s Marketplace and an endorsement in An Inconvenient Truth.

Description:
Candidate should be able to excel and adapt in a rapid growth, startup environment and require minimum supervision. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. Workload is approximately 6 – 10 hours a week (could be one full day at the office or 2 half days). This is an hourly position.

Education: College Degree Preferred

Skills & Experience:
• 4 years experience (2+ yrs direct)
• Detail oriented, analytical thinker with strong communication skills
• Excellent QuickBooks skills
• Strong MS Word, Excel and Internet skills

The following skills / experience are not required but are preferred:
• Accounts Payable (inventory purchases and bills) and Accounts Receivable (credit card receipts against monthly item sales, manual deposits, paypal receipts)
• Develop process and systems to streamline bookkeeping tasks
• Identify inefficiencies and ways to improve profit/reduce cost
• Troubleshoot and resolve billing issues (quantity, pricing, terms, etc.)
• Reconcile checking account and merchant statements
• Help implement checks & balances such as fulfillment house invoices, payment processing and merchant processor fees, vendor credits, etc.
• Occasionally assist Operation Manager on various projects such as helping automate transferring data from website into QuickBooks
• Create monthly and quarterly financial reports using QuickBooks and Excel as requested.

Key Responsibilities Include:
• 4 years experience (2+ yrs direct)
• Detail oriented, analytical thinker with strong communication skills
• Excellent QuickBooks skills
• Strong MS Word, Excel and Internet skills

They have an entrepreneurial work environment with a lot of autonomy. While a casual environment, work is fast paced and outstanding results are expected.

ReusableBags.com is an ethics-driven organization and pride ourselves on having a workplace with open communication, mutual respect and the golden rule. We are very selective – whether selecting products /vendors or hiring employees in order to insure a good fit.

To Apply: Please complete the Bookkeeper Applicant Questionnaire and email it along with your resume to Careers@ReusableBags.com. Please do not call at this time or email to any other email addresses, no exceptions. All email will be answered.

If you know the perfect person for this position, please forward this description to them.

E-Commerce Inventory Manager – ReusableBags.com

ReusableBags.com is a Chicago-based, small, fast-growing, profitable, “green” e-commerce company dedicated to serving the triple bottom line has an immediate need for an outstanding person to fill the Inventory Manager position. They offer a selection of smart, innovative, eco-friendly products that help people consume less, thus giving consumers pragmatic solutions and intelligent alternatives. We target the rapidly growing $209 billion LOHAS market. Their first site ReusableBags.com has established a strong brand, a large passionate customer base, and is generating enormous buzz – recent highlights include Reader’s Digest, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Chicago Tribune, CNN, ABC News, NPR’s Marketplace and an endorsement in An Inconvenient Truth.

Description:
ReusableBags.com Inventory Manager is responsible for the day to day management of the inventory lifecycle. They will support the purchasing process; manage open purchase orders and product delivery to warehouse; and oversee fulfillment house partner in receiving, storage, and order fulfillment & shipping. The goal is to make all inventory management processes effective, efficient, stable, & scalable, and to ensure accurate information is available at all times for inventory levels, product availability, purchase order status, etc. to allow better management decisions.

A few musts:
• effectively utilize on-line tools to track and maintain inventory for ~500 different products
• maintain effective relationships with 30+ vendors to ensure accurate product availability information
• maintain productive relationship with 3rd party fulfillment house to improve joint process efficiencies and reduce inventory discrepancies
• provide timely and accurate product availability information to purchasing and customer service
• track many different projects at one time and thrive in a growth environment
• work in multiple Chicago locations each week (requires own transportation)

Candidate must be able to excel and adapt in a rapid growth, small business environment. Must be able manage competing and shifting priorities.

Education: Bachelors Degree

Skills and Experience:
• Minimum 2 – 4 years relevant work experience
• At least 1 year experience directly managing inventory (as described above)
• Experience working with warehouse/fulfillment partner highly preferred
• Ecommerce experience preferred; mail order management a plus
• Experience with osCommerce and Wiki a plus
• Must be internet savvy
• A great “numbers” person
• Results-oriented self-starter
• Great, “can do”, positive attitude

Key Responsibilities Include:
• Efficiently manage the PO lifecycle (from planning / creation to receipt of goods to payment by the bookkeeper)
• Create purchase orders to replenish inventory
• Manage inventory budget
• Manage the timing and delivery of purchases
• Manage the best pricing and terms for purchases
• Manage the vendor relationship (including PO follow up and resolving any shipment or defect issues)
• Work with the bookkeeper to resolve any billing discrepancies
• Monitor inventory levels and work with other departments to understand merchandising plans, new product searches, and sales and marketing efforts
• Analyze item sales, inventory turns and vendor turnaround to determine ordering requirements and profitability
• Track product availability and forecast potential issues using internal reports
• Monitor web pricing to ensure it meets vendor requirements & is competitive
• Manage order returns and communicate product issues (i.e. defects, negative feedback) to vendors
• Know all products well and work with fulfillment partner to receive purchases and troubleshoot any errors that arise
• Work with fulfillment partner to ensure accuracy of reported inventory levels
• Provide accurate and timely inventory level reports and analysis to Management
• Monitor and analyze fulfillment partner performance to help safeguard the company brands (quality of order processing, etc.)
• Spend 2 – 3 days per week on-site with the fulfillment partner (more during sales surges)

They offer a very competitive compensation package based on experience including a base salary and strong incentive/bonus program with upside potential.

They have an entrepreneurial work environment with a lot of autonomy. While a casual environment, work is fast paced and outstanding results are expected. This position is a 40+ hour work week. Approximate hours: M-F, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

They are an ethics-driven organization and pride ourselves on having a workplace with open communication, mutual respect and the golden rule. We are very selective – whether selecting products, vendors or hiring employees in order to insure a good fit.

To Apply: Please complete the Inventory Manager Applicant Questionnaire and email it along with your resume to Careers@ReusableBags.com. Please do not call at this time or email to any other email addresses, no exceptions. All email will be answered.

If you know the perfect person for this position, please forward this description to them.

Policy Advocate, Municipal Electric Utilities & Clean Power – Environmental Law & Policy Center

The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization, seeks to hire a policy advocate/organizer. This advocate will work with ELPC program staff to conduct a direct advocacy campaign encouraging municipal electric utilities and joint energy purchasing agencies to increase their use of clean renewable energy and energy efficiency, and to decrease their purchases of electricity from and investments in new coal plants that produce significant pollution. This is a full-time position, based in Chicago, involving work in Illinois and other Midwest states.

ELPC is a regional public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization working throughout the Midwest and the Great Plains, and on key national issues. ELPC’s major program areas include: promoting clean energy development strategies that solve global warming problems and reduce environmental degradation by encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives to coal and nuclear power plants; promoting innovative transportation approaches, such as the development of a Midwest high-speed rail network, that will lead to cleaner air and more jobs, and proposing “smart growth” alternatives to sprawl-inducing new highway projects; and developing sound environmental management practices that protect and preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life in our communities. One of ELPC’s premises is that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together. ELPC’s multidisciplinary professional staff includes 30 public interest attorneys, M.B.A.s, policy advocates and communications specialists. ELPC was established in 1993 and has $5 million annual budget.

Responsibilities:
The Policy Advocate will organize public support and meet with municipal utility managers to promote their purchase and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency resources and to discourage purchase and use of power generated by new coal plants. The Policy Advocate will engage in public education and outreach, policy research and development, policy advocacy and grassroots organizing, along with other members of ELPC’s multidisciplinary Energy Project team. ELPC policy advocates also work on “hot” statewide, regional and national campaigns as needed. This position requires occasional travel throughout the Midwest. The Policy Advocate will work out of ELPC’s headquarters office in downtown Chicago.

Qualifications:
• Excellent speaking and writing skills.
• Strong analytic abilities and a demonstrated interest in public interest advocacy.
• Smart self-starter with track record of initiative and success.
• At least three years of experience organizing public advocacy campaigns.
• Should have substantive knowledge in the clean energy or clean air fields.
• Should understand and enjoy multifaceted public policy strategic advocacy that involves media, legislative, policy analysis and organizing approaches coordinated with strong and effective legal advocacy.
• An inspired and demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy and an ability to work productively as a member of a team of skilled professionals is required.

Salary: The salary range is $37,500 – $50,000, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits.

To Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and professional references to:

Jackie Jutting
Environmental Law and Policy Center
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
FAX: (312) 795-3730
jjutting@elpc.org

Telephone inquiries are discouraged. The Environmental Law and Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer and is continually seeking to diversify its staff.

Asst. Commissioner, Energy and Sustainable Business Division – Chicago Department of Environment

The Assistant Commissioner of the Energy and Sustainable Business Division provides policy development and program implementation for environmental initiatives at one of the nations most environmentally progressive city governments.

Responsibilities include:
• Oversee staff and direct economic development efforts designed to promote the growth of green businesses in the City while supporting the improved environmental performance of existing businesses.
• Oversee key elements of the implementation of the City’s Climate Change Plan with a particular emphasis on the establishment of City-wide energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for residents and businesses.
• Direct air quality programming of voluntary and regulatory emission reduction projects in the public and private sectors.
• Oversee staff assigned to monitor the performance of local natural gas and electric utility construction projects, transmission and distribution operations, and utility regulatory affairs designed to reduce barriers to systemic energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts.
• Manage budgets associated with utility settlement agreements.
• Discuss and negotiates the terms and conditions of contracts with consultants developing programs.
• Supervises staff. who manage a range of projects.

Knowledge & skills required:
Demonstrable knowledge of the development and management of environmental programs focused on environmental best management practices, energy efficiency, renewable energy or more sustainability principles for advocacy or not-for-profit organizations, businesses, or municipal governments/departments.

Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering or Economic Development, OR a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school, supplemented by two years of progressively responsible managerial experience.

Evaluation:
Your initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application form and documents submitted with the application. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted.

Starting Pay: $80,676.00

Application deadline: April 5, 2008

To apply:
1) Go to www.cityofchicago.org/careers.
2) Click on Search and Apply for Jobs in the center of the page.
3) Type in 135106 in the section called Job Number and click on Search for Jobs at the button of the page.
4) Click on Asst Commissioner.
5) Click on Apply for Job at the end of the job description.

Farm Educator – Prairie Crossing Learning Farm

The Prairie Crossing Learning Farm in Grayslake, Illinois, seeks a Farm Educator who will teach and inspire children and adults about sustainable farming through hands-on learning experiences. The Learning Farm offers farm-based education programs to two on-site schools and to families in the Prairie Crossing community and beyond. The successful candidate will bring energy and innovative ideas to build on the success and growth of the Learning Farm’s programming and reputation.

The Learning Farm’s mission is to inspire young people and adults to understand the importance of healthy food, land, and community through experiential education and work on an organic farm. Our existing programs serve the K-8 Prairie Crossing Charter School and the Montessori School of Lake Forest’s Adolescent Program (ages 12-15). In addition, we conduct a summer Children’s Farm Camp, an after-school “Great Pumpkin Gang” club, a spring Organic Plant Sale, an annual Harvest Festival, and a volunteer program that engages children and adults in collecting and washing organic eggs from our 250 laying hens.

Facilities include 3 acres of land, a henhouse, hoop house, transplant greenhouse, children’s garden, and 40 garden plots rented out by the season. A new Montessori School meeting facility, with a kitchen and produce wash area, will be shared by the Learning Farm and is expected to start construction in 2008.

The Prairie Crossing Farm is at the center of the Prairie Crossing community, which is known for its protected open lands, native landscaping, green buildings, strong sense of community, and 90-acre certified organic farm. The farm is home to several enterprises, including the 3-acre Learning Farm, a successful commercial organic vegetable and flower farm, and an incubator program for beginning farmers.

Prairie Crossing is at the forefront of efforts to build up local and organic farming. The Liberty Prairie Conservancy, a local land trust that preserves farmland, is headquartered at the farm. The Prairie Crossing Institute offers programs and workshops to serve farmers, communities and developers who want practical guidance in combining residential development and farms. The Learning Farm is a program of the Prairie Crossing Institute, a 501 (c) (3) organization.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience will be offered. The position will be filled as soon as the right candidate is identified.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or academic certificate in a relevant field
• At least one year of experience in organic farming and gardening
• At least one year of experience in developing curriculum and teaching in an informal education setting
• Strong organizational, communication, and inter-personal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred
• Ability to fundraise

Key responsibilities:
• Teach farm-based classes for students in two local schools, and oversee the Children’s Farm Camp, Great Pumpkin Gang, and volunteer groups
• Working with teachers, develop farm-based education curriculum and activities for experiential, constructivist learning. Inspire teachers to link farm experiences with their students’ classroom studies and to participate in the farm.
• Lead selected farm tours and field trips for youth and adults
• Share information and successes through conference presentations and written articles in relevant publications
• Coordinate with the Farm Manager to ensure that the Learning Farm land and facilities are safe, beautiful and prepared for educational activities
• Hire and supervise part time program assistants and volunteers
• Perform administrative tasks directly related to the above

To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and two references to Linda Wiens, Prairie Crossing Institute Director, lwiens@prairiecrossing.com.

Urban Initiative Program Coordinator – Angelic Organics Learning Center

Angelic Organics Learning Center seeks a responsible, highly organized individual to join our team as a Program Coordinator to our Urban Initiative in Chicago. This position starts at 20 hours a week in April, 2008 with the possibility of full-time by July 2008. This person will work with the Program Director to implement urban food systems programs. At least three years of related experience is required.

Position Description:
The Program Coordinator works closely with the Program Director to
implement urban food systems projects. This position is based at our Chicago office and works
regularly on-site with projects in neighborhoods around Chicago. The position starts at 20 hours
a week in April 2008 with the possibility of full-time with benefits by July 2008.

General Responsibilities:
• Work with community partners to plan, budget, and implement food system projects. Re-
lated activities include: coordinating community outreach, leading hands-on agricultural
training, and providing project documentation.
• Assist in planning and creating urban agriculture demonstrations at sites managed by the
Learning Center. Assist with site management at greenhouses used by urban growers.
• Coordinate and lead public workshops and field days. Participate in developing and revis-
ing related curriculum and project planning materials.
• Recruit and manage volunteers on-site and at events.
• Represent the organization at local, regional, and national food system planning and out-
reach events.
• Work with stakeholders and contracted evaluators to evaluate progress of food system
projects.
• Assist in preparing grant applications and reports, and in providing program information
for the organization’s communications materials. Participate in funder presentations and
visits.
• Assist in preparing annual department plans and budgets.
• Complete related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Training Requirement: We request that you reserve April 17-20 to attend an important training and orientation event in Wisconsin.

Required Qualifications:
• 3 years minimum experience in one or more of the following: Rural or urban farming and
farmer training, teaching/organizing in cross-cultural environments, group facilitation,
participatory planning, project development and management, experiential learning,
community health promotion, community economic development.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor physical labor at urban growing sites in all conditions.
• Ability to work with remote co-workers and collaborators via phone and email.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and promptly with a diverse audience.
• Ability to prioritize assigned and ongoing tasks to manage time effectively.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs.
• Available to work some weekends and evenings for scheduled events and activities. This
position also requires periodic full-day and multi-day travel, in the region and nationally.
• Basic proficiency in MSOffice and email.
• Commitment to the Learning Center’s work to build local food systems.

Required Qualifications:
• Nonprofit resource development experience, such as grant writing or individual giving
• Experience with a contact management database, such as eTapestry
• Marketing or special events experience
• Strong writing skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and image editing/management and page
layout software (such as Adobe In Design and Photoshop)
• Experience implementing, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting information systems in a technical or administrative support role
• Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish

Desired Qualifications:
• Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish
• Self-motivated
• Highly organized
• Strong writing skills

To Apply: Please familiarize yourself with our website at www.learngrowconnect.org. Then send your cover letter and resume by email to jobs@learngrowconnect.org or by mail to:

Urban Initiative Program Coordinator Position
Angelic Organics Learning Center
6400 S Kimbark Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

If you submit your application via email, PDF format is preferred for all documents.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2008

Local Purchasing Intern – Greg Christian Catering

Greg Christian, Chicago’s Conscious Caterer™, is on a mission to nourish with inventive, natural and organic cuisine that will have an impact on the health of the population and a deep regard for the preservation and protection of our planet. Greg Christian Catering and Events seeks out the finest natural and organic ingredients from local farmers, who nurture their treasures with a deep regard for the earth. Get Me Greg’s Online Catering seeks to change the way offices eat for their meetings by providing organic and hormone-free food items as well as bio-degradable disposable flatware. Greg Christian Catering is looking for a full-time, local purchasing intern to join their staff.

Objectives and General Purpose of Position:
Manage day-to-day procurement at Greg Christian Catering for all items including food, beverages, disposables, office supplies, cleaning supplies, etc. Develop written procurement policy for Greg Christian Catering incorporating local, natural, organic, and conventional policies. Reporting to Greg Christian, founder and owner, and Carlos Magallanes, Chef at Greg Christian Catering. This position is currently unpaid.

Responsibilities:
• Develop written policy for local food, organic, natural and conventional food procurement. Develop instructions and procedures for overall procurement work specific to Greg Christian Catering.
• Manages the food supply in order to maintain the highest levels of quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.
• Maintain daily records of goods ordered and received in database. Prepare and process purchase orders for sales. Check shipments upon receipt.
• Control purchasing budgets.
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them in order to determine product availability and terms of sale. Negotiate prices and grant contracts while also evaluating suppliers on price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, selection, etc.
• Review contracts in order to assess compatibility with Greg Christian CSR and Environmental Sustainability policies. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations.
• Prepare monthly/weekly reports for Greg Christian and Alan Smetana covering current usage, updates on pricing, and other information as needed.
• Develop relationships with farmers, purchasing managers, and company owners. Attend professional meetings, trade shows, farmer meetings, and conferences as appropriate; meet with external organizations to ensure cooperative efforts are enhanced and available resources are utilized.
• Maintain awareness of local food procurement mission. Develop new programs to increase ways in which GCC can source local. Assist Greg Christian on creating new ways to enhance environmentally-sound procurement.

Professional Skills and Qualifications:
• Skill in database organization and budgetary analysis.
• Ability to communicate supply objectives clearly.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects.
• Results-oriented, team player who takes initiative. Must be a self-starter, highly motivated, ethical and hard worker who has the ability productively under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize information and understand issues that could affect GCC.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively within a corporate structure, while also having the ability to communicate with social service personnel in an effective manner.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Access, Office Suite

Time Commitment: Full-time.

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Jill Zenoff, Green Initiatives and Local Purchasing, Greg Christian Catering at jill@gregchristian-catering.com.

Executive Director – Illinois Solar Energy Association

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975 whose mission is to advocate the use of solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy and to educate Illinois citizens about their benefits. The ISEA is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society(ASES)and has over 450 members, including nearly fifty businesses. The ISEA is operated by a Board of Directors elected by members, and currently functions on a volunteer basis.
The ISEA conducts bi-monthly membership meetings, maintains the www.illinoissolar.org website, publishes the Heliographs newsletter and the Illinois national Solar Tour Guide, conducts educational workshops and engages in a wide range of outreach activities.

The ISEA is seeking an Executive Director who will be entrepreneurial and passionate in assisting in the growth and development of the Association and carrying out its mission.

General Description:
The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day general management of the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) activities, issues and projects. The Executive Director will work closely with, and under the supervision of, the Board of Directors of the organization to design, develop and implement projects and activities that support and further the mission and objectives of the ISEA.
Responsibilities include directing the organization’s fundraising activities, developing contacts and alliances with a variety of organizations and individuals, developing and working with volunteers and the general membership, and participating in planning activities with the Board. The Executive Director is supervised directly by the President of the organization. The Executive Director will supervise and coordinate staff, volunteers and interns as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Issues and Project Management
The Executive Director is responsible for the management of ISEA’s policy and project agenda. This includes attending a variety of meetings, developing press releases and position papers, monitoring activities of local governmental entities, developing and implementing ISEA projects, and other duties. Some examples of representation include attending conference calls and meetings of the ISEA Board of Directors, ASES Chapter Caucus and the ASES Annual Conference. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board and the members on these activities.

The Executive Director will also be responsible for operating ISEA electronic systems, whether independently or through interns, staff or volunteers. Examples of these systems include but are not restricted to membership entry and renewal, workshop registrar, National Solar Tour and generic financial and management databases.

2. Public Affairs/Communications
The Executive Director will be the primary public spokesperson for the ISEA. The Executive Director will promote communication with a variety of groups and individuals, provide accurate and timely information about ISEA’s work and positions to members, the press and the general public, and maintain the highest level of professionalism in ISEA’s relationships with all people and organizations. The Executive Director will work with the Editor of the Newsletter (Heliographs) to furnish material for issues, as well as contribute content to the
ISEA website, as well as other relevant publications.

3. Membership
Members are the lifeblood of the organization and keeping members informed and involved is a key task of the Executive Director. The Executive Director will assist in recruiting and retaining ISEA members, especially in the business categories. The Executive Director will manage the ISEA’s members’ services, and work with the Membership Committee when one is formed.

4. Fundraising
The Executive Director will assist the Board of Directors to raise funds for the ISEA programs and operations through preparation of proposals to foundations, individuals, governments and corporations, direct mail campaigns to members and potential members, and design and organization of other special fundraising events. The Executive Director will help to ensure that primary ISEA activities such as the Education workshops and the Solar Tour Guide are significant revenue sources as well as programmatic successes.

5. Other Duties as Required
The Executive Director will have responsibility for other activities as they arise. Flexibility and openness to new tasks will be important.

Job requirements:
• Proven fundraising abilities.
• Creative ability. Aptitude for innovation and strategic thinking to find new solutions, methods and approaches to create projects and activities that achieve the mission of the ISEA.
• Time management skills. Ability to keep a number of activities moving forward simultaneously.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic (not necessarily technical) issues related to solar thermal and photovoltaic energy, wind power and other forms of renewable energy. Ability to analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and to develop creative strategies and innovative solutions.
• Communication ability: Well-developed interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills. These skills would translate in personal and public events, including media interviews, testimony and published writings.
• People skills: Ability to meet constructively and work with a wide variety of members, volunteers, the general public, trade associations, advocacy groups and officials at the city, county, and state levels and in a range of private sector entities.
• Professional demeanor, especially in the face of controversy.
• Willingness to work odd hours, evenings and weekends to match the schedule of community organizations, local government meetings and volunteer members.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the ISEA.
• Sense of humor and ability to thrive in a developing environment.

Compensation:
Compensation will be made on a contractual basis, with additional funds available for expense reimbursement as allocated by the ISEA Board of Directors. Compensation does not include benefits except for state mandated Workers’ Compensation. Compensation range: $2,500- $3,500/month. No moving or relocation expenses will be available. Contract will be made on a “level of effort” basis with benchmarks to be agreed upon and attained.

To Apply:
Resumes should be received either electronically, by fax or by postal mail no later than March 28, 2008. Please submit resume and cover letter via email to: stewartgulyas@gmail.com, fax to: (708) 524-0799,

or mail to:
Executive Director Search
Illinois Solar Energy Association
800 W. Evergreen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622