Illinois State Lead

Company Description

SubjectToClimate is a free platform with teacher-designed lesson plans, curated resources, and professional development opportunities to enable all K-12 educators to easily integrate climate change into what they already teach. 

Job Description

At SubjectToClimate, we value a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where every team member can feel a sense of belonging. As such, we strive to employ best practices in employment decisions without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, medical condition, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Position Description

The State Lead acts as a connector between SubjectToClimate and climate change education activities throughout the state. The goal of this role is to ensure that local values and voices are highlighted within SubjectToClimate’s work. Because it is essential to customize our work to what is most relevant to the local environment, the roles and responsibilities listed may also need customization. In addition, the State Lead interacts across all departments at SubjectToClimate, collaborating with different state leads, and delivering monthly update reports. 

The role includes:

1. Building Awareness of PD programs 

   • Professional Development: Teacher Presentations - 30/60/90 minute engagement opportunities to share the state hub, resources, and StC courses

   • Play an advisory role in developing the PD program strategy 

   • State Teacher Training: Participate in synchronous sessions as needed 

   • Leverage impactful state conferences/events to build on-the-ground connections

2. State Hubs 

   • Design initiatives to build awareness of state resources and hub

   • Liaises with the State Project Manager during the launch of the hub

   • Research and share state-specific PD and provide approval for state-specific PD

3. Initiating and Developing Relationships with State Partners

   • Seek out partnerships with state agencies and develop collaborative relationships 

   • Lead the state’s “Advisory Committee,” a coalition of organizations that provides feedback to SubjectToClimate on the development, launch, and distribution of state hubs

   • Connect with organizations with aligned missions or areas of overlap with SubjectToClimate 

     • Establish relationships with local universities that offer coursework in sustainability

     • Seek out partnerships with schools, administration, government agencies, etc. 

   • State Conferences/Events 

4. Funding

   • Aid StC staff in identifying relevant funding opportunities (based on knowledge of the local landscape)

   • Make connections where possible between StC and potential funders 

   • Network with other entities (i.e. school districts) that can strengthen StC’s grant applications

Qualifications

Requirements

• Though this is a remote position, the State Lead needs to live in the state they are applying for. 

• Passionate about our mission and values 

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

• Local knowledge of state education systems (State Department of Education, local school districts, state partners, educational associations, educational organizations, etc.) 

• Ability to inclusively lead people of various backgrounds across multiple stakeholders

• Courage and creativity to take on new partnerships to expand SubjectToClimate’s reach in the state 

• Available to work 10 hours per week 

• Attending in-person events (25% travel) 

• Experience as an educator, both traditional and nontraditional welcome

Additional Preferences 

• Proficiency in working in a remote environment (zoom, slack, Monday.com)

• Experience in organizing events

• Grant writing familia