Senior Manager, Environmental Initiative – Minnesota

Organization: Environmental Initiative

Position Title: Senior Manager, Sustainability Program

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Application Deadline: February 13, 2015

Description: The Senior Manager, Sustainability Program has primary responsibility for design and leadership of projects related to corporate sustainability and the role of the business community in environmental stewardship and solution building. In addition, the Senior Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for existing partners and funders, and will lead in the development of new relationships with key contacts. The Senior Manager plans, executes and evaluates projects, and provides support to other Environmental Initiative projects. The position includes responsibility for project development, design, and fundraising, as well as implementation of existing and emerging projects related to sustainability. The position reports to Environmental Initiative’s Senior Director, Projects and Programs.

Initial projects will include:

• Providing ongoing leadership for the Waste Reduction Collaborative
• Playing a critical supporting role on the Business & Environment Series
• Leading the development of a new collaborative leadership project designed to harness Minnesota’s sustainability leadership potential and catalyze action to reduce local business’ energy, waste, and water footprints

Responsibilities:

Project Development, Design and Fundraising

• Develop and maintain a diverse network of strong relationships between individuals from the environmental nonprofit, government, and business communities.
• Track sustainability issues and engage staff, board members, and external stakeholders to identify and develop new Environmental Initiative projects in the sustainability realm.
• Work with the Senior Director, Projects and Programs, Chief Financial Officer and other project staff to develop viable business models, work plans, and budgets for projects.
• Cultivate new relationships with potential corporate, foundation and government funders, and collaborate with the Executive Director, Development Director, and grant writer to secure funding for sustainability projects.

Project Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage projects including project design, developing and maintaining work plans and budgets, identifying, tracking and evaluating project outcomes, and supervising project team members.
• Serve as primary liaison to external partners on sustainability projects.
• Work with Communications Director, Executive Director and other staff to plan and execute project communications.
• Coordinate events and/or project-related meetings including agenda development, identification of strategy and objectives, facilitating discussion, and leading follow-up activities.
• Provide project reports and updates to the Executive Director and the Environmental Initiative Board of Directors as needed.
• Coordinate with other Environmental Initiative staff to integrate sustainability projects with long-term regional strategies and within the organization’s larger work.
• Regularly convene staff members working on sustainability-related projects to coordinate activities, to find opportunities for synergy, and to further strategic goals.

Supervision, Communications, Organizational Strategy & Support

• Directly supervise project managers and/or project associates at Environmental Initiative.
• Support projects managed by other Environmental Initiative staff, including working at events.
• Support Environmental Initiative’s general operating activities, including communications and fundraising.
• Support project directors and project managers in the implementation of multiple projects at any given time, primarily focused on sustainable business and also potentially focused on air quality, energy policy, climate change, or other environmental issues.
• Conduct research and produce reports synthesizing research findings.
• Maintain written and oral communication with external project partners.
• Participate in oral and written communication of project and organizational updates and outcomes to Environmental Initiative partners and the public (potentially including blog posts, email newsletter updates, event marketing communications, written project reports, and outreach and education presentations).
• Participate with other staff in reaching out to and recruiting new external partners.
• Keep abreast of emerging trends and issues related to sustainable business and the environment through reading, research, and engagement with the broader community of sustainability and environmental professionals.
• Participate with other staff in planning and evaluating projects, including the development of measurable goals and project milestones.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and other staff to develop and implement strategic direction for Environmental Initiative.
• Participate in staff and board dialogues and meetings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• At least six years experience in corporate sustainability or managing complex environmental projects, including budget responsibility and leading project teams
• Supervisory experience, including delegating tasks, evaluating work products, and overseeing performance
• Direct experience in developing new projects or programs and in fundraising from foundation, corporate, or government sources
• Knowledge of a broad range of sustainability issues, including knowledge of how environmental issues impact the private sector, sustainable business practices, and/or sustainable development
• Experience working in collaborative, cross sector environments to facilitate conversations or solve problems among individuals with diverse perspectives
• Experience building and directing projects with diverse funding sources and cross sector partnerships
• Highly skilled and effective communicator comfortable with meeting facilitation, public speaking, and written communications
• Self-starter, with the ability to work independently and be self-guided
• Creative problem solver, entrepreneurial spirit, and comfort with exploring and experimenting with innovative solutions
• Outstanding team player and preference for working in teams
• Ability to simultaneously think strategically and “big picture,” and manage logistical details effectively
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at one time
• Proficient with Mac computer systems and Microsoft Office

How to Apply: Submit your cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and a brief writing sample (1-3 pages) to Ellen Gibson Senior Director, Projects and Programs Environmental Initiative 211 North First Street, Suite 250 Minneapolis, MN 55401 [email protected]