Zero-Waste Business Development Coordinator

Job Description

Recycle Ann Arbor's (RAA) mission is to develop and operate innovative reuse, recycling, and zero-waste programs that improve the environmental quality of our community. RAA is a nonprofit, social enterprise organization that understands that unique and diverse perspectives are essential to achieve our mission and live our values of —Visionary Leadership * Respect, Caring and Wholeness* Sustaining and Enduring * Strong Teams and Community *Honesty and Integrity.

Are you passionate about transforming business relationships to prioritize people and the planet while maintaining economic stability? As the Zero-Waste Business Development Coordinator, you will play a strategic role in expanding mission-driven zero-waste services into new and existing markets. Your responsibilities will include combining analytical and creative thinking to identify opportunities, tracking emerging trends, and aligning strategies with the company’s growth objectives. Additionally, you will foster relationships with community partners, conduct market research, and collaborate across departments to drive sustainable growth, enhance brand visibility, and strengthen partnerships with municipal, private, and community entities through strategic contracting and service delivery.

BENEFITS:

* Full Time position with a flexible schedule!

* $60,000-$65,000 annually!

* We offer a full medical, dental, and vision package!

* 5% 401(k) match!

* Employer paid life insurance, short term and long-term disability!

* Voluntary critical illness, accident, and pet insurance.

* Employee Assistance Program

Position Summary

This is a new position within the organization and will require close integration with all organizational division directors and managers through strong cross-functional collaboration.

Reports to the Director of Operations in alignment with direction from the Director of Business Development.

· Works with Senior Leadership Team

This position is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about sustainable and equitable business development, sustainability, strategic partnerships, and community impact. Your work will support organizational growth while championing environmental responsibility and community impact. You will combine analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to identify emerging opportunities, track sustainability trends, market research, and align strategies with organizational objectives. This position requires strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Market Development

Identify, evaluate, and pursue business development opportunities that align with our zero waste mission.

Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and community needs to inform strategic growth.

Collaborate with leadership to develop growth plans and develop strategic partnerships.

Contribute to proposal development, RFP responses, creation of compelling pitch decks, reports tailored to public, private, and nonprofit audiences, and grant applications to secure new contracts and funding.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Cultivate and maintain relationships with municipal, private, and nonprofit stakeholders.

Along with the Director or Operations, represent the organization at public meetings, sustainability community events, conferences, and engage in strategic networking opportunities.

Work closely with local governments, businesses, and community partners to co-create zero waste solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate closely with operations, marketing, outreach, and sustainability teams to ensure alignment and consistency across departments.

Support cross-departmental initiatives to integrate sustainability principles and to support the development and rollout of new programs and services.

Project Management

Lead or support zero waste projects that span multiple departments, ensuring clear goals, timelines, and deliverables.

Track progress and provide updates, while identifying and addressing barriers to implementation.

Maintain organized documentation, reports, and communication logs for all active projects.

Support for Director of Operations

Assist the Director of Operations with project tracking, internal coordination, and execution of operational priorities.

Help manage meeting logistics, calendar coordination, and follow-up action items.

Prepare materials, data, and summaries for operational meetings and external engagements as directed.

Support operational needs such as gate house or other site-based support functions as needed to maintain smooth service delivery and team support.

Research & Analysis

Conduct and present in-depth market research, demographic analysis, and partner profiling to support program development.

Monitor industry policy developments, environmental innovations, and local or regional trends relevant to zero waste, sustainability, and our mission to anticipate trends and advise leadership.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Passion for zero waste, sustainability, and environmental justice.

· Excellent customer service skills with a focus on mission alignment.

· Detail-oriented with the ability to document and communicate key insights.

· Active listening skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

· Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

· Ability to interact professionally with others and represent the organization’s mission and values externally

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Strong analytical, research, and presentation skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external customers.

Familiarity with municipal contracting, RFPs, or public-private partnerships, preferred.

Experience working with local governments, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations, preferred.

Knowledge of circular economy, waste diversion strategies, or climate action planning, preferred.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Associate’s degree in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Business, Urban Planning, or related field — or equivalent work experience.

2+ years of experience in business development, community partnerships, or program coordination.

Physical Requirements:

This role will involve travel for community engagement and partnership development.

· Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, squat, or climb stairs for an extended period

Working Environment:

· Full-time, in-person position based at Ann Arbor-area facilities.

· Outward-facing role with time spent attending meetings, occasionally speaking at events, and engaging with partners.

· The majority of work is within Southeast Michigan; infrequent overnight travel is possible.Company Description

Our mission is to develop and operate innovative reuse, recycling, and zero-waste programs that improve environmental quality. Throughout 2019 we tracked the materials that we collected curbside, at our Drop Off Station, at our Recovery Yard and at our ReUse Center. These materials totaled 13,878 tons! We then used the EPAs WARM model to calculate the carbon emissions conserved. And the results are in, a big thanks to the Ann Arbor community for reducing, reusing and recycling. Our efforts make an impact.

Full-time