Environmental Sustainability Program Manager (Climate Change)/Temporary (Part-Time)

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an experienced environmental sustainability professional to apply their skills to advance multiple diverse initiatives that advance the sustainability of a major education non-profit institution. The Environmental Sustainability Program Manager will collaborate with and learn from many internal and external experts in the fields of environmental sustainability and ecology as they develop and lead specific sustainability projects.

Working closely with the director of Chautauqua Institution’s Climate Change Initiative, the Environmental Sustainability Program Manager will lead five special projects that advance the Institution’s environmental sustainability goals.

1. Food waste reduction initiative: Lead and expand the “food rescue” pilot program begun in summer 2026, in coordination with external partners including the Chautauqua Property Owners Association, Food Rescue Hero, and Chautauqua County food service organizations. Establish food donation collection points throughout the Institution campus. Recruit and coordinate volunteers for collection and distribution of donated food from mid-June to late August 2027. Explore feasibility of expanding the Institution’s food waste composting program through new collection points and enhanced signage. Promote food rescue and composting programs through targeted online communications resources such as the Chautauqua Grapevine


2. Recycling infrastructure and collection: In coordination with the Institution’s Building and Grounds team, develop a plan and budget to replace existing recycling and trash collection bins with upgraded bins that, through better design and enhanced signage, help reduce the amount of trash contamination in the recycling stream. Priority focal areas for installation of upgraded recycling infrastructure for the 2027 season include Bestor Plaza, Brick Walk Cafe, and 3 Taps. Continue to support and expand e-waste recycling program in collaboration with the Chautauqua Property Owners Association. Promote recycling programs through targeted online communications resources such as the Chautauqua Grapevine


3. Single-use plastics reduction initiative: In coordination with the Chautauqua Hotel Corporation and Chautauqua Bookstore, develop a plan and budget for replacing single-use plastic food and beverage service items with more sustainable non-plastic alternatives. In coordination with the Institution’s marketing department, develop signage for Brick Walk Cafe, 3 Taps, the Bookstore, and Plaza Market educating customers about the Institution’s efforts to move beyond single-use plastics. In coordination with the Institution’s Building and Grounds team, develop a plan and budget for installation of three new water fountains/bottle refill stations with appropriate signage at Odland Plaza, 3 Taps, and the Youth Activity Center.


4. Chautauqua vehicle fleet modernization and electrification plan: Assist with data gathering in support of the vehicle fleet modernization and electrification plan being conducted by University at Buffalo for Chautauqua Institution. Coordinate with the Institution’s Campus Planning and Operations team to ensure timely response to information requests from UB researchers.


5. Chautauqua Lake project: Assist the Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations with advancing the Institution’s scientific research and ecological restoration goals for Chautauqua Lake. Coordinate with partners including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York at Fredonia, Everwild Land Trust, the New York State Department of Environment and Conservation, and Chautauqua County to advance lake restoration pilot projects. Engage Chautauqua donors and patrons about the pilot projects through targeted communications and potential site visits.

In addition to these special projects, the Environmental Sustainability Program Manager will assist the Climate Change Initiative director with administrative duties connected to the 2027 Summer Assembly program, including speaker contracts, vendor payments, and securing gate and parking passes for program guests.

About You

Education & Experience:

• BA or BS in environmental studies or related field required.


• MA or MS in environmental studies or related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated project management experience involving multiple internal and external constituents including volunteers.


• At least five years’ experience advancing environmental sustainability initiatives in a professional context.


• At least three years’ experience advancing ecological planning and restoration initiatives, preferably involving aquatic ecosystems.


• Ability to work well in cross-functional teams.

About Your Department

The Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative operates within Chautauqua’s Program Department and collaborates with departments and teams across the organization to advance program and operational goals. The initiative has three primary areas of focus: (1) creating public-facing educational programming related to climate change, the natural environment, environmental sustainability, and the natural sciences; (2) leading organization-wide environmental and operational sustainability initiatives that advance the Institution toward the goal of net zero carbon emissions; and (3) advancing scientific research and ecological restoration initiatives focused on Chautauqua Lake.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).  The schedule is part-time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York. The flexibility for hybrid telecommuting or remote work within Chautauqua County, NY may be considered.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

Compensation for this position is $40/hour.  

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization. 

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.