Environmental Justice and Human Health Program Coordinator

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Environmental Justice & Human Health Committee strives to create a healthy world for all by advocating the elimination of toxic chemicals and addressing other threats to human and environmental health. We focus on safeguarding children’s health, learning potential and future well-being.

The Environmental Justice and Human Health Committee Program Coordinator is responsible for key work of WPSR. This work focuses on eliminating toxic chemicals in the environment generally and in hospitals in particular, protecting the public’s health from toxic environmental exposures; working to protect patient health by reducing toxic elements within the healthcare environment; and on advocacy, policy change and education regarding current human and environmental health issues.

Core responsibilities of the Program Coordinator include:

75% of time:
• Working with the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition to advance chemical reform at the state and federal levels.
• Supporting WPSR’s greening healthcare work, on campaigns to engage health professionals and health facilities in working to provide increasingly sustainable and safe health care.
• Working with the Coal Free Washington Campaign to phase out Washington State’s sole coal plant.
• Continue building statewide network of health professionals and training and organizing them to take action.
• Organizing health professionals for legislative contributions.
• Represent WPSR at key functions and coalition activities.
• Assume the lead in organizing public forum events and half-day trainings for health professionals at regular intervals focused on EJ&HH issues and priorities.
• Writing/reviewing documents, fact sheets, op-eds, sign on letters, etc. as needed concerning EJ&HH issues and priorities.
• Assist with grant reporting. This includes working with WPSR Executive Director in the grant writing / proposal period as well as taking lead in drafting report for the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition.

25% of time:
• Plan and attend EJ&HH meetings.
• Attend WPSR board meetings and be prepared to report on EJ&HH work.
• Work with WPSR members and staff to draft resolutions for medical and health associations and shepherd them through the resolution process.
• Assist with website development and building new content for EJ&HH program area.
• Assist WPSR with newsletter development, specifically EJ&HH content.
• Assist with WPSR’s pursuit of additional financial support via grants and foundations. This includes both looking for the opportunities as well as collaborating with WPSR staff in writing proposals and applications.
• Other tasks as assigned by Executive Director.

Requirements/qualification (specific to job):
The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge of health professionals and public health issues. He/she should have at least two years of background which specifically relates to this work, either within the healthcare sector itself or in a related field. He/she should be prepared to jump into the position, and possess ideas for moving strategically forward. He/she should also possess sincere enthusiasm for creating a safer and healthier world.

Requirements/qualifications (personal):
• A bachelor's degree is required, advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental and social change.
• Commitment to WPSR mission and grasp of manner in which EJ&HH program work fits into the larger organizational vision.
• Minimum 2 years related experience.
• Would prefer someone with experience working on political or issue-based campaigns.
• Strong staff and program management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and to form effective working relationships. Strong “people” skills and the willingness to use them are essential.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ease in communicating complex concepts in a clear and effective manner. Must possess the ability to tell a compelling story.
• Creative thinker who can quickly turn ideas into action. Ability to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time efficiently, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects.
• Must possess personal initiative and be prepared to learn detailed material independently and in an efficient manner.
• Strong systems skills including Microsoft Office products, database and online research and outreach applications.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including conflict resolution skills.
• Candidates must be willing to travel within King County and to Olympia, Washington.

Notes:
~ Due to the nature of the Washington State Legislative session, the position offered initially will be .50 FTE (now through May or June) and will be approximately a .25 FTE position for the remainder of the calendar year.
~ Depending upon funding and personal progress, the position may be continued beyond 2011.
~ Salary dependent upon qualifications.

How to Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to: cherie@wpsr.org with "EJ&HH Program Coordinator" in the subject line by March 28, 2011. No phone calls please.

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