Program Associate - Carpet Stewardship Program

Job Title: Program Associate – Carpet Stewardship Program

Location Preferred: Remote in California, within reasonable proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Fresno, or San Diego
Reports to: California Program Director

Summary

The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) seeks a highly motivated and organized Program Associate to assist the Program Director, Senior Associates, and Marketing Development team in advancing the California Carpet Stewardship Program's goals. The ideal candidate will provide administrative, operational, and programmatic support to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives that increase carpet collection, recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing across California.

CARE offers an excellent opportunity for an individual passionate about sustainability, recycling, and environmental stewardship to contribute to a dynamic and impactful program.

About CARE

CARE is a non-profit organization that finds market-driven solutions to divert post-consumer carpet from landfills. Established in 2002, CARE facilitates a national recycling system and collaborates with stakeholders from the carpet industry, government, and non-governmental organizations. The California Carpet Stewardship Program, launched under AB 2398, is the first U.S. legislation to advance carpet recycling and the circular economy.

For more information, visit: www.carpetrecovery.org

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Associate will collaborate closely with CARE leadership and team members to support program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and marketing efforts. Key responsibilities include:

• Program Support - Support ongoing projects, including logistics for the collections program, outreach to stakeholders, and technical assistance.  Coordinate with local governments, recycling coordinators, carpet retailers, and contractors to expand the network for post-consumer carpet recycling.  Assist the Program Director with tasks as directed.
• Marketing and Outreach - Assist the Marketing Development team with educational campaigns, webinars, and trade show presentations.  Partner in developing and distributing outreach materials.  Document and monitor outreach activities, contact details, and follow-up actions.  Support CARE staff to build presentations for pertinent outreach to stakeholders (mills, processors, A&D, commercial real estate services, GCs, demo contractors, end-use clients, trade associations).
• Stakeholder Engagement – Participate in the identification and engagement of new stakeholders.    Conduct stakeholder workshops, outreach events, and educational initiatives to promote CARE's mission.
• Program Monitoring and Data Collection - Collect and analyze data regarding recycling rates, stakeholder activities, and program outcomes.  Assist in preparing reports for regulatory and internal purposes.
• Grant and Subsidy Support - Support CARE's grant and subsidy programs, including application assistance, compliance monitoring, and communication with grantees.  Help develop and manage solicitations for grant-funded projects.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in administrative services, program coordination, or a related field. Environmental/recycling industry or non-profit experience preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) and on virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom Webex).  Experience with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce). 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing and delivering presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote team environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally throughout California, including overnight trips.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience in recycling, sustainability, or environmental programs.  Experience developing educational and outreach materials for conservation or recycling programs.
• Familiarity with California waste reduction legislation, including AB 939, AB 341, AB 32, AB 2398, AB 863, AB 2398, and AB 1158.
• Degree in Business, Communcations, environmental Science or other related focus.
• Project Management certification and/or experience.
• Spanish or other language proficiency is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range:  $70,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision coverage, 401 (k) plan, and annual leave.  Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel using a personal vehicle.

Work Environment

The Program Associate will work from a home office and may occasionally visit warehouses, factories, waste management facilities, or outdoor sites. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities.

CARE is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.