Program Manager

Waste Wise is a program of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit and program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. We inform and implement environmentally sustainable practices in business by providing technical assistance and access to resources. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is a statewide advocacy or organization representing 2,300 businesses and over 500,000 employees across Minnesota. We advocate on a broad array of business issues that affect businesses bottom line. Advocacy includes legislative representation at the state capital, as well as individual business assistance through our programs. Events and sponsorship programming support our advocacy, membership representation, and service.

SUMMARY:

The Program Manager is responsible for conducting new business outreach, on-site energy consultations, energy project technical assistance, maintaining the program database, being accountable for program contracts, assisting in the RFP process, managing direct reports as assigned and supporting special projects. This position is also responsible for providing targeted program services to members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Lead Waste Wise’s daily operations:

1. Foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive working environment
2. Serve as the subject matter expert on the waste reduction industry, keeping up on trends and changes
3. Schedule and lead regular internal team meetings
4. Host 1 on 1 meetings with direct reports to ensure contract and career development goals are being met
5. Perform mid-year and annual reviews, approval of PTO, and address performance or behavior as needed
6. Work with Program Coordinators to set contract goals and continuously improve program implementation
7. Direct Minnesota Chamber collaboration opportunities in partnership with Energy Smart
8. Review invoicing and goals assembled by contract leaders before submitting to accounting

Program growth and maintenance:

1. Attend networking and trade events as needed. This may include presentations
2. Collaborate with Program Coordinators and Director to identify and ensure new programming opportunities align with the mission of the Minnesota Chamber and Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation
3. Maintain a positive relationship with program funders and increase market share by proposing new services
4. Informs the new team member onboarding process by instilling best practices and technical expertise
5. Work with internal and external parties to ensure the database is properly maintained and efficient

Provide technical assistance to businesses:

1. Conduct on-site meetings with high-priority clients or MCC members to assess for sustainability improvements
2. Delegate follow-up and projects to Coordinators for ongoing technical assistance
3. Inform the strategic direction of sustainability programming:
4. In partnership with the Director, Coordinators, Energy Smart, stakeholders, and MCC members, identify new ways to provide leadership and programming in business sustainability 
5. Leverage data to position Waste Wise as a leader in business waste management technical assistance programming
6. Work with communications to improve impact of outreach and marketing efforts

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five to Ten years’ experience in commercial sustainability program implementation and/or management.
• Associate, Technical, or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of waste reduction and environmental sustainability topics
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with employees, owners of small to large businesses, waste hauler representatives, and others
• Strong oral and written communication abilities, including the ability to connect with diverse audiences
• Exceptionally strong data management, research, and organizational skills
• Able to manage, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Able to think outside the box and create opportunities from challenges
• Vehicle required from travel, will be reimbursed for mileage

RELEVANT INFORMATION: This is a full-time exempt position with comprehensive benefits and involves travel within Minnesota. The position is hybrid and will be performed both remotely and onsite at various locations within Minnesota with the main office located 380 St. Peter Street, Suite 1050, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Work hours will typically be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Qualified candidates should submit their resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Katie Klein (kklein@mnchamber.com).

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce values diversity in the workplace and provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.