Provincial Sustainability Assistant

Title: Provincial Sustainability Assistant Part-time Remote

Location: Chicago United States

Job Description:

The Provincial Sustainability Assistant plays a key role in advancing the Felician Sisters of North America's commitment to caring for our common home. Working alongside the Provincial Sustainability Coordinator, this position helps transform the province's environmental goals into meaningful action through education, advocacy, corporate engagement, and sustainability initiatives inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and the vision of Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum.

The Felician Sisters of North America are seeking a Part-Time Provincial Sustainability Assistant to join this important ministry. This fully remote position offers flexible scheduling, and candidates may reside outside of Buffalo, New York. Travel of approximately 15-20% is required for conferences, meetings, and organizational events throughout the United States and Canada.

The Felician Sisters of North America are part of a joyful international community of vowed women religious who lead contemplative-active lives of service. Pioneers in health care, education, and social services, the Felician Sisters have founded, sponsor, co-sponsor, and/or support more than 40 ministries across North America. Inspired by the example of Blessed Mary Angela, St. Francis, and the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum, the Felician Sisters embrace their responsibility to care for our common home through environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and advocacy that honors the dignity of all creation.

Position Overview

The Provincial Sustainability Assistant partners with the Provincial Sustainability Coordinator to integrate environmental stewardship into the life and ministries of the Felician Sisters of North America. This position supports sustainability education, corporate environmental engagement, program administration, communications, and advocacy rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and the Church's call to care for our common home.

The successful candidate is passionate about environmental sustainability, enjoys building relationships, is highly organized and self-motivated, and is comfortable working independently in a remote environment while collaborating with Sisters, Felician Services, colleagues and external partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct research on environmental and sustainability issues affecting the province and its ministries.
• Participate in the Laudato Si' Action Platform Committee and help advance the province's sustainability initiatives.
• Create, publish, and manage the Sustainability & Stewardship and Socially Responsible Investment newsletters.
• Administer and promote the Felician Sisters of North America's Fill It Forward Program, inspiring participants to replace single-use plastic water bottles with refillable bottles through educational campaigns, challenges, and incentives. The program supports the province's commitment to environmental stewardship by reducing plastic waste, lowering carbon emissions from plastic production, minimizing microplastic pollution, and tracking individual and organizational participation and impact.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with corporate partners to support shared environmental advocacy initiatives.
• Serve alongside the Provincial Sustainability Coordinator as a member of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), participating in corporate engagement efforts and attending conferences.
• Participate with the Provincial Sustainability Coordinator in SHARE (Shareholder Association for Research and Education) Canada initiatives.
• Collaborate with other ministry partners on environmental initiatives.
• Assist in developing systems and processes that measure the effectiveness of sustainability programs and initiatives.
• Deliver presentations, facilitate meetings, and represent the Felician Sisters at conferences, webinars, and educational events.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through webinars, educational opportunities, and sustainability training.
• Attend Felician Services Mission Leader Forums and other organizational meetings as requested.
• Administrative and clerical tasks.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Approximately 15-20% travel throughout the United States and Canada.
• Attendance at ICCR conferences twice annually.
• Occasional evening committee meetings and events (via Zoom).
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel by air.
• Valid passport or ability to obtain one required.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Part-time position averaging approximately 20-29 hours per week.
• Flexible daytime schedule with occasional evening meetings.
• This position may transition to full-time in the future based on organizational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of extensive related education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• Two to three years of professional sustainability or environmental stewardship experience preferred.
• Experience developing or managing sustainability initiatives, environmental programs, or related projects.
• Experience collaborating with corporations, nonprofit organizations, or advocacy groups on environmental issues is highly desirable.
• Experience measuring program outcomes or developing sustainability metrics is a plus.
• Familiarity with sustainable building initiatives, carbon footprint analysis, or environmental reporting is beneficial.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Familiarity with Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum required.
• Understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability best practices.
• Appreciation for the mission and values of the Felician Sisters of North America.

Skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse organizations and stakeholders.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated professionalism, humility, and a collaborative approach. Candidates who demonstrate curiosity, sincerity, and a willingness to learn will thrive in this role.