Founded in 2016, Regeneración works to achieve climate justice through community-driven solutions.
We are a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.
Our vision is a safe, vibrant, climate resilient Pájaro Valley, where every person is healthy, thriving, and living in harmony with the natural world.
We advance community-driven solutions that are created, led, and owned by community members.
Our organizing and advocacy work, community collaborations, and organizational culture all reflect our valuing of community voice, collaboration and partnership, diversity and inclusion, equity, justice and liberation, and joy and love.
We welcome candidates who bring a willingness to contribute to the growth of our organization dedicated to ensuring a just and equitable response to climate change on the Central Coast.
Regeneración seeks to employ individuals that have a leadership orientation and perform all assignments with a positive “can-do” attitude while demonstrating organizational values. Outstanding candidates will have a strong desire to support Regeneración’s mission and the region we serve.
Regeneración’s current projects are small to mid-sized with a range of 5 to 10 active projects.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Regeneración is seeking a Program Manager with a high degree of initiative, dedication, and integrity.
Ideally, this candidate will have experience leading project planning and research, project implementation and project team management, financing, and compliance.
The position will primarily be responsible for managing the Monterey Bay Area Climate Justice Collaborative including managing distinct tasks and deliverables in other projects as well as assisting with general operations of Regeneración when needed.
The Position will promote environmental justice and climate resiliency while ensuring equitable benefits from the implementation of projects.
The vision of the Monterey Bay Area Climate Justice Collaborative is to achieve thriving health, economic self-sufficiency and community well-being for the region through activities that rapidly reduce emissions and make our climate-vulnerable region more resilient in the face of increasing climate change impacts. The group works through an adopted charter that centers egalitarian peacemaking practices in its governance and elects Member co-chairs to provide guidance. The group was formed in 2023 and engages ~40 Members ranging from large regional public agencies to small community serving organizations. The group meets monthly in dual-language meetings and supports working groups focused on governance, indigenous engagement, resilience policy advisement and communications. 2026 priorities are to focus on community resilience, resilience centers, and start exploring advocacy priorities together.
The Program Manager engages relevant stakeholders in their process and communicates with Regeneración leadership and Advisory Board about the progress of their projects.
As the Collaboration Manager a successful candidate will be a self-starter and able to move tasks forward independently, while also leading and organizing internal and project partners teams and Member work groups to advance priorities. Excellent listening, inclusive approaches, and communication skills are a must.
The Program Manager position is a regular, full-time, exempt employee position. All employees at Regeneración are “at will.” This position will report directly to the Regeneración Special Projects Manager and will work closely with other Regeneración staff, volunteers, community partners, and allies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Manager’s primary assignment will be to manage the Monterey Bay Area Climate Justice Collaborative.
Monterey Bay Area Climate Justice Collaborative (Collaborative) Coordination and Other Project Management
- Cultivate relationships with all constituencies including tribes, young people, government staff, communities of color, labor, etc
- Work with Collaborative Founding Team, Co-Chairs, and other partners to design, coordinate and direct monthly meetings, including annual visioning, goal-setting sessions & developing effective governance practices.
- Develop agendas, manage logistics and facilitate monthly virtual and in-person Clima y Equidad member meetings.
- Support Climate Finance and Founding Team meetings through agenda setting, meeting facilitation, and notetaking
- Maintain the Collaborative’s administrative systems, including membership roster, resource files, meeting agendas, etc. and provide technical support to network members as needed
- Manage internal communications, including the notes, agendas, meeting dates, surveys, and follow up messaging and sharing of resources
- Monitor and report on the Collaborative’s programs, financial statements, and budget
- Contract for honorariums and program compensation for Members
- Contract with individuals and/or agencies providing Collaborative services.
- Create or delegate and oversee digital external communications, including content for the website and social media.
- Oversee programmatic relationships with other organizations, networks and vendors to promote activities, policies & goals of the Collaborative.
- Manage Collaborative activities and team members to keep work within scope, schedule, and budget across project portfolio; manage timelines, budgets, sub-award agreements and contracts, and deliverables.
- Plan, organize, and execute partner meetings, workshops, and events.
- Prepare notices, agendas and meeting packets with assistance from other staff. Attend meetings and take and distribute notes as needed.
- Identify and resolve project staffing needs and issues in conjunction with the ED and other Managers.
- Assist on grant proposal narrative and budget development and assist or lead on report preparation as assigned.
- Assist with other special projects as assigned.
- Meet with participants on tasks/issues as appropriate.
Collaborative Member Support
- ● Assist the Collaborative Founding Team to identify, recruit and cultivate members, as needed.
- ● Orient new Collaborative members through an onboarding process and answer questions on an ongoing basis.
- ● Support Collaborative working groups in efforts to develop a climate justice advocacy agenda that surfaces the voices and expertise of our members.
- ● Support Collaborative working groups in efforts to provide resources and trainings to advance learning and relationships within the Collaborative.
- ● Support coalition organizing, policy advocacy, and communications activities to advance campaigns selected by the membership, as well as endorsement requests
- ● Draft briefings on projects as they progress and conclude.
- ● Support volunteers, interns and consultants for the Collaborative.
Budget & Administration
- Oversee project budgets with multiple funding streams; track expenses and revenue or delegate to Administrative Coordinator and interface with the Accounting and Finance departments at Community Initiatives as necessary.
- Develop, manage, and maintain administrative and organizational systems and processes, working closely with the Administrative Coordinator and other staff.
- Oversee preparation and tracking of invoices, reimbursements, credit card expenditures and financial reports related to project portfolio.
- Act as a thought partner to the Director around operational strategy and workflow across the portfolio of projects.
Communication
- Foster collaborative relationships with partner organizations, funders, and community stakeholders locally and nationally.
- Represent Regeneración with local, state and national community stakeholders at meetings, conferences and focus groups and communicate internally with other staff and volunteers
- Make presentations to and facilitate meetings involving Regeneración staff, volunteers and the public.
- Follow-up with meeting participants on tasks/issues as appropriate or delegate tasks to other staff.
- Promote opportunities for Collaborative Members (collaborative proposals, letters of support, focus groups, jobs, etc) and help grow an ecosystem of climate justice professionals.
- Act as spokesperson for the Collaborative with officials and media.
- Draft and distribute Press Releases as needed.
Other
- Participate in general Regeneración fundraising activities and office maintenance
- Assist in identifying potential funding sources for the Collaborative and in writing/editing prospective proposals.
Any other duties/assignments not listed but assigned by the Executive Director.
Job Skills and Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and ability would be:
- A Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in environmental studies, policy, planning, or a closely related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in place of a degree on a case-by-case basis.
- At least 2 years of experience managing multiple projects with excellent organizational and time management skills including demonstrated experience in program coordination with diverse stakeholders
Requirements:
- Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to connect and communicate with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds (verbal and written)
- Must be bilingual - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish
- Ability to work independently, multitask, and set priorities to meet deadlines
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with various constituencies: residents, staff, consultants and prospective / current donors.
- Must be an excellent collaborator and team player
- Ability to use good judgment and maintain confidentiality
- Must be flexible and be able to prioritize any last-minute changes/request
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office and Outlook/Teams required (knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity/experience with GIS databases and mapping software is desirable)
- Familiarity with basic website maintenance (WIX)
- Understands the challenges of climate justice (addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, such as people of color, Indigenous groups, and low-income communities)
- Interest in or experience creating inclusive solutions at the intersection of environmental advocacy and social justice
- Must pass background check
- Must be able to hear and see, including the distinction of colors
Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to transport self and attend various community events and meetings in Watsonville or other Monterey Bay locations that may be scheduled outside of regularly scheduled working hours, including weekends.
- Employees are expected to help with organized outreach efforts that may include door-to-door outreach and dissemination of information.
- Occasionally participate in “All Hands On Deck” activities, where all Regeneración staff cooperate on a large project, event, educational program, or fundraising campaign.
- Be prepared to lend a hand throughout the organization as needed.
- Existing knowledge of and passion for environmental issues and awareness
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep experience with California agricultural community (raised and/or living in a community similar to Watsonville, Greenfield or Salinas.)
- Proficiency in social media platforms and graphic design tools such as Canva
- Knowledge of and relationships with local funding community
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting for long periods of time at a computer
- Moderate physical activity including walking, stooping, bending, reaching and lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
Compensation
Job Type: 100% FTE with full benefits; exempt; salaried position
Anticipated start date: July 20-August 15, 2026
Open until filled
Salary range: $70,500 - $75,000
Location: Watsonville office part time (with remote option for part time to be negotiated.)
This position will be offered with the following benefits through our fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives.
- Employer-Sponsored Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Basic life & short- and long-term disability insurance
- Employer-Sponsored 401(k) Program with 5% Employer match
- Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Time
- 14 paid Holidays and 4 floating holidays
- Ability to work from home part-time
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development opportunities
Regeneración, a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply:
Send cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position along with a detailed resume to [email protected]. Letters of reference are optional and may be submitted after your letter of interest.
Apply by email to:
[email protected]
Non-Discrimination Policy
Regeneración, a fiscally sponsored Project of Community Initiatives, prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying against any person for any reason—for example, because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religion, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity, appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of our organization's practices, including, but not limited to, hiring and rendered services.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $70,500.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Bilingual: 2 years (Required)
- Microsoft Office: 2 years (Required)
- Organizational skills: 2 years (Required)
Language:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Watsonville, CA 95076
