<h2>Overview</h2>NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Bozeman, Montana; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C. NRDC creates impact around the world and for a better future, and we’re looking for an equally ambitious and skilled Senior Director of Industrial to help us get there. NRDC’s Industrial Division is dedicated to deeply decarbonizing industry, with an initial focus on cement, steel, and aluminum; supporting the responsible deployment of green hydrogen in targeted applications; addressing non-CO2 greenhouse gases, with a current focus on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and nitrous oxide; and bolstering the federal clean energy innovation ecosystem. NRDC’s Industrial Division is seeking to hire a Senior Director to work in one of our five main U.S. offices: Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, Santa Monica, or Chicago. Position Summary Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy, the Senior Director will―in close collaboration with the Industrial Division staff members and particularly the substance leads―refine the strategy for the Industrial Division and lead and operationalize the people, structures, partnerships, and programs to execute the Division’s advocacy strategy for maximum impact. This role requires a significant amount of collaboration and thought partnership with other internal teams, as we work within a matrixed structure of operation. Among others, close coordination with place-based teams who lead shaping and execution of NRDC's advocacy in specific geographies is critical. The Senior Director will represent NRDC and the Industrial Division at internal and external events and forums to help elevate our reputation and profile as experts in the sector. To advance the Industrial Division’s strategy, the Senior Director will effectively manage the Industrial Division’s budget and resources, work with Development to cultivate partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and develop an effective communications and campaigns strategies in partnership with the Center for Campaigns and Organizing. The Senior Director will be expected, and will be supported, to build this program even further to help meet the urgency of the moment. If you thrive in a care-oriented, diverse environment where people connect to create impact, you will enjoy the work we are doing at NRDC.<h2>Responsibilities</h2>To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disability to perform the following essential functions.<ul> <li>Lead the Industrial Division, including strategic planning, people management, and administration.</li> <li>Collaborate with the Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy to set the Industrial Division’s strategic goals in alignment with organizational priorities, develop key performance indicators and work plans to achieve outcomes, and set high performance expectations.</li> <li>Responsible for management of the Division’s budget, including forecasting and resource allocation to maximize opportunities and outcomes.</li> <li>Serve as strategic advisor to the Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy and an expert within the Industrial Division and across NRDC, providing as needed expert level guidance on projects, initiatives, and individual-level projects.</li> <li>Collaborate across teams within a matrix to ensure that all initiatives are integrated and in support of NRDC’s strategic priorities. Close coordination with advocacy place-based teams, other sectoral teams, the Center for Campaigns and Organizing, and institutional strategy and operations support functions is required to ensure alignment across all work.</li> <li>Collaborate with Equity &amp; Community Partnerships teams to ensure that equity and justice is embedded in NRDC’s Industrial Division goals and workplans; champion community advocacy and help build expertise and capacity among underserved communities.</li> <li>Work with the Development department to develop and implement a vision and strategy to maximize funding opportunities; help develop foundation proposals, meet with donors, and cultivates philanthropic relationships.</li> <li>Work with the Center for Campaigns and Organizing to develop effective external communication and campaigns strategies and formulate opportunities to increase NRDC’s visibility and name recognition as a leader in industrial decarbonization, hydrogen, non-CO2 greenhouse gases, and clean energy innovation; serves as an external expert and spokesperson for NRDC’s Industrial Division.</li> <li>Cultivate and manage strategic relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders such as NGOs, community groups, governments, businesses, and labor to maximize impact and achieve major outcomes.</li></ul>The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.<h2>Qualifications</h2>Education &amp; Experience<ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in sustainability, environmental science, policy, public administration, engineering, or a related field or equivalent work experience; advanced degree or equivalent work experience preferred.</li> <li>Minimum 10 years’ directly related experience, including at least 3 years successfully managing teams toward a common vision and purpose.</li> <li>Experience successfully managing budgets, including prioritizing and reallocating funds to make the best use of limited resources for strategic purposes.</li> <li>Substantial experience and demonstrated success working with BIPOC-led groups to advance a common goal.</li> <li>Experience in and deep commitment to incorporating and growing the use of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in strategic goals, work plans, team culture, and operations.</li> <li>Experience with public speaking on technical and non-technical topics</li> <li>Proven success in building strong partnerships with national leaders and organizations.</li> <li>Successful development fundraising experience.</li></ul>Skills, Abilities, Competencies<ul> <li>Demonstrable alignment and deep commitment to NRDC’s mission and purpose with an ability to communicate this passion to others with a positive and high-energy attitude, integrity, and a commitment to working collaboratively with peers and colleagues.</li> <li>Forward-looking and strategic thinker with a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.</li> <li>Proven ability to manage teams, develop and execute large-scale projects and strategic goals, and manage relationships in a complex and matrixed organizational structure.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to analyze, understand, and translate complex scientific, legal and policy matters for advocacy purposes.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to identify, and pursue, research and analysis to fill information gaps to inform and support advocacy.</li> <li>Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to connect with a variety of audiences in writing, orally, and through digital means.</li> <li>A willingness to travel to advance organizational goals.</li> <li>Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.</li></ul>NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $187,500 to $206,500. Our offices are open and we are operating in a hybrid model. We offer NRDCers flexibility, and we ask them to come into the office and spend meaningful time there in collaboration with their colleagues. We call this purposeful presence. As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination, those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions via NRDC Employee Relations. NRDC treats all vaccine-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws. To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs. If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422. For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.

Protecting the planet's wildlife and ensuring clean air, water, and healthy communities through law, science, and activism.

Senior Director, Industrial

<h3>ABOUT NEW ENERGY NEXUS</h3>New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international not-for-profit organization that supports clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators, and networks. We started in California and have expanded operations into China, India, Southeast Asia, East and West Africa, and Australia. Our mission is to support diverse entrepreneurs to drive innovation and build equity in the global clean energy economy. Our goal is to support 100,000 startups to succeed by 2030 – a decisive decade to surface and support as many climate solutions as possible. Through our global network, we directly boost hundreds of entrepreneurs annually while uplifting thousands more. Since 2004, New Energy Nexus (up until recently known as California Clean Energy Fund) has leveraged $1.5 billion in investment, supported over 900 clean energy startups, and launched industry-leading centers for solution collaboration.<h3>ABOUT THE ROLE &amp; OPPORTUNITY</h3>New Energy Nexus California is seeking a Head of Programs who will be entrusted with the strategic leadership, oversight, and growth of a portfolio of innovative and impactful programs in climate tech acceleration and deployment. This pivotal role involves guiding programs through conception, fundraising, implementation, and scaling phases, ensuring seamless progression and optimal impact. As a key driver of success, the Head of Programs plays a crucial part in developing new initiatives that align with organizational goals, navigating funding sources and funder relationships, overseeing impact, monitoring and evaluation (M&amp;E) and leveraging the team’s expertise to ensure excellence in the implementation of new and existing programs.Additionally, the role includes the management and mentorship of two high-performing teams (Programs and Impact and M&amp;E), and fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. The Head of Programs will adeptly navigate cross-team collaboration, ensuring cohesive efforts and knowledge-sharing across departments. External collaboration with partners and stakeholders is a key facet of this role, requiring effective communication and relationship-building skills to further enhance the impact and reach of our programs.<h3>A TYPICAL DAY</h3>In your role as the Head of Programs, your typical day will be dynamic and multifaceted. You'll collaborate with program teams to set priorities and review their progress, engage with entrepreneurs and stakeholders to identify opportunities for new initiatives or to grow our existing programming, participate in strategic planning sessions with the leadership team, and address any operational and personnel issues within the program teams. Your day will be marked by strategic thinking, hands-on leadership, and a commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs leading the way to 100% clean energy for the 100%.<h3>WORKING AT NEW ENERGY NEXUS</h3>Working at New Energy Nexus California is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the clean energy industry and be part of a supportive and forward-thinking community. It will offer an innovative and collaborative work environment, fostering networking opportunities and providing diverse roles that allow for personal and professional growth.This job is located in Berkeley, CA. New Energy Nexus California offers a flexible work environment with this position being based in the Bay Area, CA and with an expectation to work out of our physical office minimum 2 designated days a week. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is not available for this role.In addition, candidates for this role should be comfortable with international travel, as the position may involve travel to support New Energy Nexus’s work in the Global South.<h3>CORE RESPONSIBILITIES</h3>Program Oversight and Strategic Leadership<ul> <li>Provide strategic leadership and oversight to a portfolio of entrepreneur support programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. </li> <li>Guide the entire program lifecycle from ideation to scaling, even amid organizational restructuring and evolving team dynamics. </li> <li>Leverage experience in deploying technology and entering new markets, aligning programs with global market needs and trends with the ability to navigate a changing regulatory and funding landscape</li> <li>Translate the strategic vision into actionable plans for program teams. </li> <li>Navigate ambiguity and guide teams to optimize collaboration and efficiency.</li> </ul>Program Quality and Impact<ul> <li>Oversee impact reporting and M&amp;E to ensure the capture of data and metrics that drive continuous improvement of program impact and service delivery as well as provide accurate reporting to funders</li> <li>Under the direction of the Managing Director, work with the Head of Partnerships, Events, and Brand to lead program design and evaluation for the purpose of securing new funding and supporting program renewal</li> </ul>Seasoned Team Leadership and Mentorship<ul> <li>Provide strong leadership and mentorship to program leads, setting a high standard for excellence in program execution. </li> <li>Support the professional growth and development of team members and foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture. </li> <li>Address operational and personnel issues within program teams promptly and effectively.</li> <li>Create a positive and productive work environment where challenges are met with solutions and teamwork.</li> </ul>Strategic Leadership<ul><li>Develop and articulate a clear and compelling strategic vision for a portfolio of programs to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem to support diverse entrepreneurs and a just and equitable clean energy transition in CA and beyond.</li></ul><ul> <li>Develop our ramps and career pathways programming for innovators and entrepreneurs in disadvantaged and frontline communities.</li> <li>Work with our labor and industry partners to implement workforce training partnerships that support the acceleration and deployment of climate solutions alongside the creation of high-quality family-supporting jobs.</li> <li>Provide effective leadership by offering clear and purposeful guidance to program teams.</li> </ul>Requirements<h3>REQUIRED EXPERIENCE  FOR THE ROLE</h3><ul> <li>Strong dedication to New Energy Nexus's mission, showcasing a profound understanding and alignment with organizational goals</li> <li>8-10 years of extensive experience in climate tech acceleration, deployment and supporting clean energy entrepreneurs, including a minimum of 5 years in a Senior Director role</li> <li>8-10 years of experience in developing and overseeing a portfolio of innovative and impactful programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives</li> <li>Proven track record in successfully navigating programs from ideation through fundraising, implementation, and scaling</li> <li>Engineering degree or related science and technology background</li> <li>Adept at evaluating emerging technologies and navigating the challenges associated with bringing innovative solutions to market</li> <li>Ability to assess program effectiveness, make data-driven decisions, and drive continuous improvement of program outcomes</li> <li>Demonstrated experience in securing program funding through diverse channels, including state and federal government and/or philanthropy</li> <li>Expertise in developing and managing program budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring financial sustainability</li> <li>Exceptional leadership and management skills, providing effective guidance and supervision to program leads while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.</li> <li>Strong writing and public speaking skills</li> <li>Willingness and excitement to collaborate with external partners and travel regularly for speaking engagements as a New Energy Nexus ambassador worldwide</li> </ul>Benefits<h3>BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION</h3>Competitive compensation of $150 - $175K annually plus generous benefits including, medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, paid holidays and 401(K)<h3>TO APPLY, TIMELINE, AND PROCESS</h3><ul> <li>Submit your resume, cover letter  and responses to our application questions. </li> <li>Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled. </li> <li> Interview process: Qualified applicants will participate in a series of interviews via Zoom. There will be 2-3 rounds of interviews.</li> <li>Accommodation: If you require accommodations during the interview process, please contact us with your request.</li> </ul>New Energy Nexus is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. New Energy Nexus hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. We strongly encourage diverse applicants to apply.

NEX is the world’s leading ecosystem of funds &amp; accelerators supporting clean energy entrepreneurs, from emerging tech through to clean energy deployment &amp; adoption

Explore jobs

Get Hired

Discover climate organizations

Join our Fellowship

Post a job

Speak at our Fellowship

Become a Climatebase member

PLATFORMS

MEMBERS

WHO WE ARE