Program Director

About OpenAQ

In pursuit of a clean air future, OpenAQ enables universal access to air quality data so that air quality researchers, community advocates, journalists, and other changemakers can build the case for clean air action. We aggregate and harmonize disparate air quality data from sources around the world and host it on our first-of-its-kind free and open-source data platform. We connect users of this data across sectors and geographies to support an international learning environment. 

By filling a basic data access gap and convening a global community of individuals and organizations passionate about fighting air pollution, OpenAQ helps tackle one of the biggest public health and human rights issues of our time: 99% of humanity breathes polluted air, harming health and shortening lives. Children, the elderly, and women are particularly vulnerable; and the most polluted air is typically in low- and middle-income countries and in environmental justice communities, creating an unequal burden of harm. Reducing air pollution also reduces pollutants that are contributing to the climate crisis.

OpenAQ is a nonprofit U.S. organization, formally founded in 2018 in Washington, DC. Our team works remotely. 

Role

The program director’s portfolio of work is diverse and engaging and provides for ongoing professional growth. Major areas of work include (1) developing strategic relationships and partnerships that result in greater use of the OpenAQ data platform and spur data-informed projects that advance clean air objectives; (2) building cross-sectoral and cross-geographic connections among air quality stakeholders to support the exchange of ideas, joint skill-building, and worldwide collaboration; (3) researching and writing reports and stories about how air quality data is being used to effect change and the general importance of open data in solving the world’s pressing issues; and (4) giving presentations and supporting owned and earned communications that advance organizational goals and health.

This is an exempt, full-time, remote position reporting to the executive director. 

   Primary Duties:

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including government and other data-generating partners, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations, software developers, journalists, and others.
• Lead and co-lead workshops and other discussions that foster dialogue and create synergy across the data-informed air quality ecosystem, including trainings (in partnership with our lead software engineer) on how to use the OpenAQ data platform.
• Create learning cohorts to build skills and connections, especially with communities that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution. This includes developing and managing “Community Ambassador” cohorts.
• Participate in partnership projects, ensuring fulfillment of OpenAQ deliverables.
• Engage in public speaking to diverse audiences at conferences and other events regarding OpenAQ activities, partnerships, and impacts. 
• Write and publish impact and user stories in various mediums, amplifying and promoting the efforts of those who are using air quality data to effect change.
• Conduct research and produce reports and other written materials, including researching and writing an annual report on the world’s air quality data landscape.
• Engage with OpenAQ stakeholders to determine community needs and inform OpenAQ strategy, including implementing an annual OpenAQ Community Survey.
• In concert with the team, formulate impactful, community-supported projects to advance organizational goals.
• Provide input to grant proposals and grant progress reports, occasionally participating in fundraising meetings.
• Serve as an ambassador for OpenAQ in all settings, building OpenAQ’s presence in the air quality, climate change, public health, and environmental tech sectors.

Job Qualifications

Required Experience & Education

• You have working knowledge of air quality (or an associated sector such as health or climate) and/or working knowledge of open data-sharing infrastructure.
• You have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• You have a bachelor’s degree or higher (this qualification can be met through other professional, educational, and lived experience).

Required Skills, Abilities & Qualities

• You care deeply about improving global air quality and ensuring equal access to clean air. You have a passion for OpenAQ’s mission.
• You are an effective, respectful, and inclusive communicator, both inside and outside of the organization, whether in-person or as a remote collaborator.
• You engage authentically and enjoy working with individuals and communities with diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds and with and without technical backgrounds.
• You have a proven ability to bring stakeholders together toward a common end.
• You are a clear and effective communicator of complex ideas to external audiences in terms of public speaking and written media.
• You have strong research and writing skills. 
• You are self-motivated and take initiative; you are able to work independently with an entrepreneurial approach. 
• You are able to manage multiple projects while keeping a “big picture” strategic view. You are accountable and take pride in delivering work products on time.
• You understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• You enjoy working collaboratively and have a positive, flexible attitude when working with a team.
• You are excited about the opportunity to work at a fast-paced, relatively young nonprofit.

Desirable

• You have experience working in a nonprofit setting with a mission-driven staff and board. 
• You have worked on international issues and/or in cross-cultural settings.
• You are fluent in a language other than English.
• You have existing relationships with air quality, health, and/or climate stakeholders, especially those who use data to inform and advance their work. 

Other Requirements

Work Authorization: You have the legal right to work in the U.S. (Because we work remotely, you may live abroad.)

Travel: Periodic travel is required, mainly domestic, but with some opportunity for international travel.

Work Schedule: This role allows you to work on your own schedule, with the understanding that you will occasionally need to be available in the early morning, the evening, and the weekend, as well as to travel. This role may occasionally require excess hours in order to achieve deliverables.

Compensation, Benefits & Intangibles

OpenAQ offers competitive compensation and benefits, including a 401k and company matching plan, health reimbursement plan, family-friendly policies, and unlimited PTO. The starting salary range is $75,000-$85,000. We are a small, but mighty, team of thought-partners that takes pride in our work and values lightheartedness and camaraderie. 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@openaq.org. Title your email “Program Director - Your Name.” The position will be open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications June 13, 2022.

Equal Opportunity Employment

OpenAQ is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.