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Download: Research and Analysis: Enforcing RI’s Compost Laws RFP (PDF)

Research and Analysis: Enforcing RI’s Compost Laws RFP

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is a statewide network established in 2011 with a mission to promote a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable food system. We cultivate partnerships, develop and implement high-impact projects and advocate for good food policy. We center equity in our work, which touches all parts of the food chain – production, harvesting, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management. We operate with a volunteer board, a professional staff, and hundreds of members and partners from across the Ocean State. More information about RIFPC can be found at www.rifoodcouncil.org.

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council seeks a contractor to conduct research and analysis regarding implementation of existing Rhode Island state laws related to the management of food waste. The objective is to provide a data-based estimate of the cost of properly enforcing existing Rhode Island state laws related to the management of food waste.

Background

The central landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island is projected to reach full capacity in 10-15 years. The quasi-public entity that operates it, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, told planners in 2018 to start looking for trash disposal alternatives by 2022. The trash being dumped into the landfill includes about 100,000 tons of food waste per year, making food waste one of the top materials being deposited in Rhode Island’s waste stream. Unfortunately, when organic waste like food waste is deposited in a landfill and starts decomposing, it releases methane – a greenhouse gas which is much more dangerous than carbon dioxide for the climate, because it is much more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Concurrently, there is a strong and growing need for high quality compost that can improve soil fertility among RI’s farmers, gardeners, home builders, and state infrastructure agencies. This small state boasts 57,000 acres of farmland and over 1,000 farms, which were estimated by the University of Rhode Island to result in $297 million in agricultural sales (2012 estimate adjusted for inflation to 2020 dollars).

To address this issue the state legislature has passed laws such as R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.9-17 and R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-111-2 which aim to require large food waste generators to divert their food waste and require schools to conduct waste audits. These laws are largely unenforced due to state budget constraints. This project seeks to understand this situation as a critical step in finding pathways to remediate it.

Activities/Outputs

A report including but not limited to the following:

• Summaries of existing laws included in the analysis
• Analysis of the activities associated with enforcing the laws
• Estimated costs associated with the identified activities
• Identification of barriers to enforcement (e.g. the full-time employee cap at RIDEM) and potential solutions for overcoming them
• Identification and costs of complimentary programs (e.g. technical assistance programs)) used/needed to support enforcement of the laws
• Identification of potential public and private funding sources
• Summary comments

The consultant will meet regularly with the RIFPC Food, Climate, and Environment Program Director. Virtual and in-person meetings with representatives from RI Department of Environmental Management, RI Department of Education, and the RI Legislature as well as with NY Department of Environmental Conservation and MA Department of Environmental Protection as well as important stakeholders like the RI School Recycling Project, Center for Ecotechnology, RI Wasted Food Solutions Action Network members and other stakeholders identified will be required. The consultant will be expected to identify key takeaways, emerging questions, and high-level recommendations for review by RIFPC in an iterative manner throughout the project term.

The maximum total budget for this research and analysis is $10,000-12,000 over 5 months (March-July).

Applications may be submitted via email to info@rifoodcouncil.org until February 17, 2025.

Download: Community Climate Justice Project Manager (PDF)

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is a statewide network established in 2011 with a mission to promote a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable food system. We cultivate partnerships, develop and implement high-impact projects and advocate for good food policy. We center equity in our work, which touches all parts of the food chain – production, harvesting, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management. We operate with a volunteer board, a professional staff, and hundreds of members and partners from across the Ocean State. More information about RIFPC can be found at www.rifoodcouncil.org.

RIFPC is embarking on a three-year project “From Food Waste to Opportunity.” This project will reduce greenhouse gases and fight food insecurity by a multi-partner effort working in climate justice communities to provide food waste reduction training, surplus food donation technical assistance and free composting options. We seek two self-motivated, outgoing, full-time Community Climate Justice Project Managers, one serving Providence / Pawtucket / Central Falls and one serving Newport / Middletown. These positions will report directly to the Food, Climate & Environment Program Director.

The primary day-to-day objectives of these two roles are to work with low-income community members and community leaders on base-building, training, education, and leadership development among low-income community members. The Managers will be responsible for community leader and member involvement in all aspects of our EPA Environment and Climate Community Change Grant, From Food Waste to Opportunity, working to increase excess food donation and food waste composting. The managers will provide input on EPA Grant activities and work with project leaders, partners and other supporters to assist with implementing the EPA From Food Waste to Opportunity Project and each will recruit 10 stipended community members per year to join a community Opportunity Rising Board (ORB) and hold monthly ORB Meetings as a forum to:

• Participate in leadership development through RIFPC’s Food Leaders Lab;
• Perform community outreach and education about the causes and impacts of excess food and food waste being landfilled; and
• Recruit neighbors to join neighborhood campaigns to increase food waste composting

The Managers will co-facilitate ORB meetings with the Program Director and member leaders and implement educational and leadership development training throughout the year. They will also play a critical role working with project partners and other supporters in their assigned communities to assist with implementing aspects of the EPA From Food Waste to Opportunity project.

The Community Climate Justice Project Managers will work closely with the Program Director, Policy & Civic Education Manager, Engagement Manager, Grant and Finance Director, Associate Director, Executive Director, and an external evaluator on EPA grant tracking and reporting for outcomes within their geographic zone, and will help ensure successful execution of all community-level activities in their zone as laid out in the EPA Community Change Grant awards.

The ideal candidates for this position will be:

Experienced in community organizing, including outreach in low-income communities, facilitation of community meetings, gathering and sharing qualitative input, and coordinating collaborative decision-making processes.

An open, confident communicator. Someone who is comfortable speaking to community leaders, community groups in settings like libraries, schools, and senior centers, and is also comfortable engaging in one-on-one conversations with diverse individuals.

An accountable teammate. Someone who can be relied on to manage multiple deadlines, complete activities on time, and ensure that all appropriate staff are kept up-to-date on a regular basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide input on EPA Grant activities and work with project leaders, community leaders, partners and other supporters to assist with implementing the EPA From Food Waste to Opportunity Project
• Network, build relationships with, and serve as a liaison to community groups, area funders, municipal government staff, and other decision makers
• Work under the supervision of the Food, Climate & Environment Program Director and the Policy & Civic Education Manager to research, design, and implement a program for approximately 10 low-income community members to join a stipended Opportunity Rising Board (ORB)
• Work with the ORB, and project partners in direct outreach campaigns to sign up participants from their community in free composting drop-off and pick-up programs
• Work with the Program Director and a graphic designer to co-create ORB training materials related to the EPA grant program goals and objectives
• Plan and host community food waste reduction trainings, educational meetings, and other events, with ORB members and independently, to share lessons on why preventing food waste is important, accessible, and how to do it properly
• Help implement the RIFPC “Food Leaders Lab” Training Program with the ORB members in collaboration with RIFPC Policy and Civic Education Manager, using RIFPC’s four-module training curriculum. This 8-week training is designed to deepen community members’ skills and knowledge base to become effective community food advocates and leaders
• Facilitate monthly ORB Meetings to provide opportunities for members to discuss operational issues with grant implementation; learn about the political process; discuss current events related to food, environmental, climate, and economic justice that are impacting the community; and identify upcoming advocacy and organizing opportunities
• Support ORB members in selecting local artists to be stipended as cultural educators, creating works of art that beautify the food waste collection and processing areas to make them feel safe and welcoming; provide educational information on gardening and composting; and increase community engagement with the project.
• Conduct regular community outreach to build awareness and increase participation in events and activities
• Maintain updated statistics about community member involvement using an online tracking and reporting database
• Work with an external evaluator to implement pre- and post-program surveys, and report back to ORB members and partner organizations with data
• Participate in regular RIFPC staff meetings and events
• Connect ORB members and others to RIFPC events and programs
• Other duties may be assigned by the Program Director to support grant implementation functions

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 2 years previous experience working as a community organizer with low-income communities, including internships, and volunteering
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; minimum Associate’s Degree required.
• Community organizing experience working with residents of low-income communities preferred
• Outgoing personality and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage diverse projects simultaneously
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and selfmotivation
• Positive, proactive, and personable team player
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Expertise in social media and digital communication
• Special interest in building power among low-income people of color to fight for social, economic, environmental, and racial justice

The Community Climate Justice Project Managers report directly to the Food, Climate & Environment Program Director. Some work will be conducted remotely, while most work will require travel in the community, and a smaller amount of travel around the state. Consistent “in-office” and field hours are expected. These positions start in early 2025.

The salary for this position is $55,000 – $65,000, with retirement and healthcare benefits, a generous holiday and vacation policy, a flexible workplace, and a collegial environment.

To apply, send: a cover letter and resume to info@rifoodcouncil.org with CCJ Program Manager and either “Providence” or “Aquidneck” in the subject line. In your cover letter please describe your experience working as a community organizer, what you learned from that experience, and your philosophy of community organizing among people with low incomes. Cover letters that do not specifically address these three points will not be considered.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by email. Employment history and/or background check including three references is required of final candidates. The RIFPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the benefits of a diverse organization. We encourage qualified applicants who have lived experience of food insecurity to apply.

RIFPC is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, or ex-offender status. Applicants who have personal and/or professional experience with people affected by the inequities in the industrial food system are encouraged to apply.

Download Grant and Finance Director (PDF)

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is a statewide network established in 2011 with a mission to promote a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable food system. We cultivate partnerships, develop and implement high-impact projects and advocate for good food policy. We center equity in our work, which touches all parts of the food chain – production, harvesting, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management. We operate with a volunteer board, a professional staff, and hundreds of members and partners from across the Ocean State. More information about RIFPC can be found at www.rifoodcouncil.org.

RIFPC seeks a full-time Grant and Finance Director, reporting to the Associate Director. The primary day-to-day objectives of the person in this role are to work with program and executive staff to oversee administration of the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant (ECJCC) award made to RIFPC which funds the “From Food Waste to Opportunity” project while preparing systems that benefit the RIFPC portfolio of grants ensuring:

• Projects are implemented within budget, and grant expenditures are aligned with grant objectives
• Compliance with funding agency guidelines and requirements, analyzing allocable expenses and formulating projections, and compliance with 2 CFR 200 as applicable
• Integrity of all financial transactions and reporting in the context of grant awards through accurate monitoring and tracking of expenditures, and preparation of necessary financial reports

The Grant and Finance Director will collaborate closely with the Associate Director, Executive Director, and Food, Climate, & Environment Program Director on the development of appropriate policies and systems to manage grant activity and reporting. The Grant and Finance Director will also assist the staff in ensuring that the financial aspects of new grant proposals are consistent with the policies and procedures developed.

The ideal candidate for this position will be:

Highly experienced in grant and financial management, including management of large, complex, multi-year federally funded grant awards.

An accountable teammate. Someone who can be relied on to manage multiple complex deadlines, ensuring that all appropriate staff are kept up-to-date.

An open, confident communicator. Someone who is comfortable training staff and contractors in groups and speaking in one-on-one conversation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant & Contract Compliance

• Oversee and monitor the complete life cycle of the ECJCC Grant including but not limited to: managing grant reporting deadlines, monitoring the budget and spending status of assigned grants, and ensuring requirements for monitoring and financial reporting are met for all federally funded grant programs as required by 2 CFR Part 200
• Build relationships and serve as a liaison with appropriate staff in funding organizations responsible for reporting and compliance, and with subcontracting and otherwise contractually obligated entities
• Provide financial oversight and management of grant award funding and communicate with appropriate grantor staff members on questions/issues
• Review financial transactions allocated to grant awards to ensure reasonableness, consistent treatment, and availability of funds
• Analyze and monitor projects’ fund and cash balances to keep the executive and project staff informed of status
• Monitor subcontracted and subawarded partner organizations’ compliance with federal regulations to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Work with Associate Director and other staff to ensure appropriate internal controls for all contracts and grants management functions
• Supporting RIFPC staff in building/improving systems to ensure financial and operational compliance and best practices
• Support audit processes, providing all required documentation

Accounting

• Work with RIFPC’s accounting firm to ensure timely and accurate processing of payables, deposits, and billings
• Lead monthly grant staff allocation process and reconciliation of staff allocations
• In collaboration with the organization’s Associate Director, determine financial charges that are allocable to the grant award. Ensure correct allocation of salaries charged to projects, and provide weekly staff reports on time charged to projects
• Review all materials provided by external accounting and billing firms, guiding their priorities, monitoring their workflow, and providing leadership while ensuring accountability for their outcomes

Budget Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare and manage grant budgets, and initiate requests and provide information for budget revisions or amendment requests. Prepare, complete, submit, and ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial and close-out reports, and review financial and tax reports prepared by accountants.
• Assist with the development of a Federal NICRA proposal. Once established, reconcile monthly organization indirect cost rate.
• Review subcontracted partner organizations’ financial reports, and oversee and track payments to them.

Other duties may be assigned by the Associate Director to support the financial and grant management functions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Five or more years of experience managing grants and nonprofit finances required.

• Working knowledge of relevant regulations and requirements to meet government and grantee regulations and reporting requirements for grant financial activities, including the Code of Federal Regulations / OMB Uniform Guidance required
• Proficiency with accounting/financial software (preferably Quickbooks, Gusto, and bill.com, spreadsheets and data management systems required
• Sophisticated nonprofit fund and federal grant accounting and management knowledge required
• Experience in preparing reports for submission to funders, preparing regular budget reports, and conducting other financial analyses (e.g. variance)
• Ability to interpret and apply organizational, philanthropic, and agency policies.
• Ability to understand, analyze and interpret financial information in varying formats (including general ledgers) and complete required reports
• BA/BS degree in business administration, nonprofit financial management, economics, public administration, or accounting preferred
• Strong ability to organize workload when faced with competing priorities and to complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in work product
• Demonstrated high level of confidentiality/professionalism. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated skill in providing a high level of service to, and effective relationship building with, multiple internal and external constituencies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
• Proficiency in use of common desktop/web applications

The Grant and Finance Director reports directly to the Associate Director. Some work will be conducted remotely, while other work will require travel around the state. Most hours are flexible, but consistent “in-office” hours are expected. Attendance for in-person activities will be scheduled as needed.

The salary for this position is $75,000-$80,000 annually. RIFPC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement and healthcare benefits, a generous holiday and vacation policy, a flexible workplace, and a collegial environment.

To apply, send: a cover letter and resume to info@rifoodcouncil.org with Grant and Finance Director in the subject line.

RIFPC is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, or ex-offender status. Applicants who have personal and/or professional experience with people affected by the inequities in the industrial food system are encouraged to apply.