Position summary:

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) seeks to hire a part-time Associate Project Manager and Researcher. The role is focused on community-based evaluation, communications, and technical assistance to track progress and support success of a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant funded effort in South Los Angeles. TCC is a California state program that funds community-led infrastructure projects and transformative plans for environmental, health, and economic benefits in underserved neighborhoods. TCC is a high-profile program dedicated to empowering communities to choose their vision, strategies, and projects to enact transformational change – all with data-driven milestones and measurable outcomes. Lessons from TCC are relevant for scaling climate action in other underserved communities.

The Associate Project Manager will engage deeply with the South LA Eco-Lab to advance its  goals for a socially inclusive, sustainable, green, and climate-resilient community. Harnessing the leadership and vision of local residents, small businesses, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies, the South LA Eco-Lab is designed to facilitate economic development through climate action, and transform South LA into a healthier, more thriving neighborhood — one with lush green spaces, clean air, renewable energy infrastructure, and dynamic mobility options for pedestrians, bikers, and public transit riders. The South LA Eco-Lab is the result of a coalition made up of public and private partners who secured a $35 million, five-year TCC grant, in addition to other funding. See the funded project area and partner list for more details.

Responsibilities of the Associate Project Manager include: building and managing relationships with South LA Eco-Lab partners; developing and refining qualitative data collection instruments such as surveys, interviewing guides, and focus group scripts; directly collecting data with those instruments and analyzing them for key themes; producing technical reports and more concise, journalistic written products about TCC efforts; and presenting findings to community stakeholders and government officials. See this page for an overview of our work supporting other TCC communities and their groundbreaking work.

Who we’re looking for:

• You have cultural competency and strong interpersonal skills. You are a team player who can authentically build relationships and collaborate professionally with a diverse group of community partners and colleagues. Ideally you have existing connections and lived experiences in South LA. You understand how institutional and structural racism, as well as bias, have impacted underserved and underrepresented communities.
• You’re a skilled communicator. You are committed to producing excellent written products ranging from detail-oriented reports to concise, compelling stories of impact. Ideally you are also a creative and visual communicator, who has experience with report layout, infographic, story mapping, video editing, and/or other tools to communicate information in visually appealing and culturally competent ways. You are a compelling storyteller who draws people into a narrative, communicating complicated information in dynamic ways.
• You have project management experience. You are highly organized and committed to the careful tracking of milestones and deadlines as part of a multi-faceted evaluation, technical assistance, and communications role. You excel when you juggle multiple responsibilities.
• You’re an evaluator at heart. You want to support community leaders and a collective vision by harnessing the power of evaluation and data collection. You understand that evaluation can support successful implementation, provide evidence of success, and inform lessons for future efforts. You are passionate about the vision for the South LA Eco-Lab and the mission of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.

About the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI)

Our mission is to equitably solve environmental challenges through actionable research with communities and policymakers. We often focus on California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, to support a model of environmental leadership that is relevant globally. Our approach is collaborative. We unite scholars across a wide array of disciplines and engage with hundreds of civic partners who inform and use our research. The Luskin Center for Innovation has influenced dozens of public policies and investments for a more equitable and sustainable future.

It’s an exciting time to join the Luskin Center for Innovation! You’ll be part of a team of faculty, staff, and graduate students working in collaboration with civic partners, including in communities of color, to advance environmental equity during a critical period for evidence-based environmental action.

Details and to apply:

This is a rare opportunity for someone seeking a flexible, 20-hours a week position to be part of one of the most impactful research centers in California advancing environmental equity, and to collaborate with community partners doing groundbreaking work in South LA. The position may require attending meetings and events in South LA on a weekly or monthly basis. Daily work location can be hybrid, both at UCLA and remote, as mutually beneficial.

Candidates with a range of lived and professional experiences are encouraged to apply. We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to inclusive and transparent recruitment, hiring, and promotion processes.

Anticipated pay range, depending on experience and qualifications, is $75,000 – $80,000 or $37,500 – $40,000 at 50% time annually. This position is eligible for full and generous University of California benefits.  See here for details about UCLA employee perks.