Program Resource Specialist, CA Climate-Friendly Foods

Who we are: Friends of the Earth is a national not for profit environmental organization driven by passion for a healthier and more just world. We push for the bold reforms that are needed. It’s an approach that has worked for five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We are part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.    

To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth’s Food and Agriculture program is working to rapidly transition our food system to one that is sustainable, healthy, and just. We achieve success through a systems-based approach that weaves together market change and policy advocacy supported by intersectional organizing, cutting-edge science, and strategic communications.    

Friends of the Earth’s Climate-Friendly School Food Program collaborates with more than 100 school districts across California and the U.S. to increase access to healthy, plant-based, and organic meals. We provide technical support, marketing materials, and community engagement strategies while connecting schools with resources for success. Our work also includes partnering with school districts and NGOs to advocate for federal and state policy changes. Please see our website for more information on Friends of the Earth’s Climate-Friendly School Food work.   

What we look for: Are you passionate about expanding the availability and consumption of plant-based and organic meals in California schools? Are you excited about crafting compelling program materials that highlight our Climate-Friendly School Food program? Are you eager to develop case studies, toolkits, and other resources that connect with school nutrition staff, students, and families? Are you skilled at collaborating with teams and consultants to ensure program outreach is inclusive and culturally relevant? Are you skilled at creating program engagement and outreach strategies that inspire action among key stakeholders? 

If so, this position is for you. We want you to succeed and we pay a competitive wage that is in line with your experience. The salary range for this full-time remote (CA Preferred) or Oakland, CA office role is $74,000-$78,000. This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position. 

Who You Are:  

Relationship Builder: Collaborate with school districts, students, and community stakeholders to develop impactful resources that highlight the benefits of plant-based and organic school food. Develop and maintain trusted and productive relationships with those most affected by school meals, particularly students, families, and communities of color, and ensure the program and its public profile uplifts their voices. Build partnerships to expand the program’s reach within California and beyond.  

Advocate: Support climate-friendly food shifts by offering culturally relevant resources to support school districts in transitioning to healthier, climate-friendly menu options. Develop compelling case studies, toolkits, recipe booklets, curricula, profiles, and other public-facing resources for and about school nutrition teams, students, families, farm workers, vendors, organic food producers, and the wider community. Oversee the bi-monthly Climate Friendly School newsletter. Manage consultants to ensure all content is accurate, inclusive, and effective.  
 

Results-Oriented: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program’s outreach efforts, including the quality of program resources provided. Organize and facilitate Friends of the Earth’s stakeholder group meetings and in-person gatherings with K-12 school nutrition stakeholders to solicit feedback on their emerging needs for technical assistance, resources, and materials.  Conduct research and disseminate findings on climate-friendly food through conference presentations, panels, webinars, reports, and blogs.  

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience in program development, outreach, research, and resource creation. 

• Experience building new program resources, including case studies, newsletters, toolkits, and blog posts. 

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Excel, Asana, Microsoft Suite). 

• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and time management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.  

• Strong understanding of cultural sensitivity and the ability to create resources that are inclusive and respectful of diverse communities. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to inspire trust and respect among colleagues and partners. 

• Strong understanding of and demonstrated passion for climate, environmental, and health benefits of plant-based and organic food. 

• Experience developing RFPs and managing budgets and consultants. 

• Flexibility to travel to California 4-5x/year to visit school sites, conferences, and community events. 

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including school nutrition service teams, students, families, and community members.  

Perks & Benefits:  

We are a generous employer with benefits that will take care of you. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide:  

• 37.5-hour work week 

• 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision coverage (80% for eligible dependents) 

• Disability and Life Insurance 

• Flexible Spending Account  

• 401(k) Retirement Program with a Company Match 

• Generous Leave- twenty (20) vacation days to start, fifteen (15) paid holidays, twenty (20) sick days, parental leave, sabbatical and more 

• Education Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program 

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility