Roots for the Future program manager, contract
Environmental Initiative is a nonprofit organization working to advance social equity and environmental health. We do this by:
Convening and facilitating conversations between diverse stakeholders to address environmental, economic, and public health issues.
Managing on-the-ground projects to improve our air, land, and water.
Planning and hosting events for environmental leaders from nonprofits, communities, businesses, and government agencies to share information, network, and learn from one another.
We believe building relationships, collaboration, and working across differences are the keys to fostering an inclusive, just, and thriving world.
Environmental Initiative is seeking a program manager to provide part-time (30 hours per week) contract program support between June – August 2025.
How to apply
Complete an online application and upload your resume.
Priority deadline: June 13, 2025.
Position summary
The program manager will support the implementation and daily operations of a 6-week summer internship for Roots for the Future, working directly with staff, youth, and partners.
Roots for the Future is an environmental justice youth internship program designed to introduce high school students to green careers, leadership, and community action. Youth participants will explore climate issues, urban forestry, and sustainability through hands-on learning, field trips, and career development.
This role is ideal for someone interested in:
- Environmental justice, youth work, and community-based programming.
- Opportunities for a summer internship or leadership experience.
- Gaining experience in environmental education and youth development.
- Being part of a passionate, mission-driven team.
Position responsibilities
- Lead, with support, day-to-day coordination and logistics.
- Lead daily participant check-ins, workshop facilitation and activities, and support sessions.
- Supervise and mentor 20 youth participants.
- Coordinate transportation and field trips.
- Support youth-led projects/ presentation development.
- Track attendance and support documentation needs.
- Collaborate with the program director and coordinator to ensure a safe, fun, and structured learning environment.
- Complete evaluation reports with the coordinator.
Qualifications, desired skills, and experience
- Must be 18 or older.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.
- Interest/background in environment, education, community work, or related fields.
- Experience working with youth preferred.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead and work independently in a team setting.
- Positive attitude and flexibility.
- Must agree to a background check. Hiring is dependent on the results.
Physical requirements
This role is primarily in-person in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Occasional lifting, moving, or transporting materials weighing up to 30 pounds may be expected, and accommodation can be made if necessary for accessibility.
Compensation
The program manager will be paid at a rate of $26 per hour. This position is not an employee of Environmental Initiative, but an independent contractor. A 1099-NEC form will be sent in 2026 for tax purposes.
Environmental Initiative values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply for staff or contracted positions. Environmental Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are not discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, or any protected category prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.