Position: Deputy Director

Organization: Environmental Defense Action Fund

Location: Washington, D.C.

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Environmental Defense Action Fund (EDAF)

Environmental Defense Action Fund is the lobbying arm of Environmental Defense Fund, a leading environmental organization dedicated to educating the public about sound environmental policy and promoting lasting solutions to protect the environmental rights of all people. Environmental Defense Action Fund is guided by scientific evaluation of environmental problems, and the solutions we advocate will be based on science, even when it leads in unfamiliar directions. We work to create solutions that win lasting economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-effective and fair.

As a 501(c)(4) organization, Environmental Defense Action Fund is not limited in what it can spend to promote legislative environmental solutions. Donations to Environmental Defense Action Fund are therefore not tax-deductible.

Deputy Director

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a talented and innovative Deputy Director to join EDAF to assist in building this c(4) from the ground up. The Deputy Director will directly support the President, EDAF in building, monitoring and managing the program, and guiding team members in their work with coalition partners. The ideal candidate will bring excellent team management skills, fundraising and budgeting experience, and an interest in supporting a range of legislative activities.

Key Responsibilities

The Deputy Director will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Draft political strategies for EDAF/EDF that have a strong political element, i.e., implementing the Republic Initiative and other similar efforts.
• Represent EDAF at political events and community endeavors.
• Assist President, EDAF in fundraising and building board and extended networks.
• Build and manage a political donor database – recruit, cultivate and maintain.
• Assist EDF programs with their design and implementation to raise money for their c(4) efforts.
• Facilitate consistent and effective communications among all program staff; report and make recommendations to the President, EDAF regarding progress, obstacles, and resource needs.
• Promote an organizational culture and structure that fosters communication, collaboration, teamwork, and trust.
• Work with the President, EDAF to set objectives and strategies; assist in translating these strategies into workplans.
• Respond to requests from the Executive Team, *Development, Finance, and other EDF departments for information or assistance.
• With the Senior Director and pursuant to consultation with program staff, negotiate consultant and other provider contracts and monitor contract deliverables for timeliness and quality.
• Participate effectively in science, policy, and communications team discussions.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• 7 years of relevant experience, including project/team management experience and experience developing organizational systems and protocols in a nonprofit, political or campaign setting.
• Advanced degree in law, science, policy, or business administration.
• Prior experience working on environmental issues with a legislative focus.
• Exemplary problem-solving, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience solving complex problems through coalitions and partnerships.
• Experience mediating internal conflicts both inside and outside of a chain of command.
• Flexibility and a good sense of humor.
• Demonstrated desire to step into various roles as needed.
• Commitment to EDF’s strategic approach, combined with enthusiasm for working on complex issues.

Compensation and Benefits

Environmental Defense Fund offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume and salary requirements to [email protected]. Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EDF’s Diversity Mission Statement can be viewed at EDF Diversity Statement.