The Environmental/Climate Program Director of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs is responsible for executing the organization’s environmental and climate strategy, leading the day-to-day operations of the department. The Director serves as the chief environmental ambassador and is responsible for establishing and maintaining vital relationships with mission-aligned partner organizations to advance shared objectives. The position reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Economic Development and Lending and works with the CEO, management team, and staff to plan, develop, and implement initiatives that further the Alliance’s environmental agenda, including contributing to the Alliance’s Green House Gas Reduction Fund (GHGRF) initiatives.
The Director should have a proven track record in the strategic development of environmental justice solutions that involve designing and mobilizing support ecosystem, conducting environment and climate education, outreach & policy advocacy, and broader project management. Well qualified candidates will also possess working knowledge of successful green lending strategies – capital resources, product structures, impact measurement, and data compliance. The Director must be multi-faceted, able to work collaboratively with a number of stakeholders in diverse industries; lending institutions, academia, and environmental justice partners including, statewide, and national elected and appointed officials and coalitions to advance the Alliance’s environmental/Climate and energy program agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy and Program Management Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in developing and implementing policy priorities and strategy, including strategically positioning the organization with policymakers and other influencers.
- Oversee advocacy initiatives related to the actions of state and federal agencies
- Lead member-focused research activities to ensure a thorough understanding of member needs and industry best practices
- Create a learning agenda for the Alliance members, focused on foundation knowledge, training, and capacity building for green lending and green project development
- Collaborate with partner organizations to provide relevant tools, educational programming and technical assistance to Alliance members
- Lead coalition-building strategies and maintain key relationships with partner organizations.
- Maintain an active awareness of all relevant climate, energy, and environmental issues in our strategic priority areas, including those related to the GHGRF.
Network Engagement and Public Relations Responsibilities
- Serve as the leader in sustaining existing and building new relationships with community organizations (for example, civic groups, housing, transportation, civil rights, etc.) and government and business leaders.
- Build relationships and engage with Alliance members/leaders in program development and identifying environmental concerns.
- Effectively communicate opportunities and activities with Alliance members and other external stakeholders.
- Monitor and evaluate collaborations with other organizations to ensure consistency with organizational goals.
- Collaborate with staff, creating and managing content for our social media channels, action alerts, supporter communication, and other public-facing communication.
- Serve as a public advocate and ambassador. Work to ensure that the public statements are consistent with organizational policies and priorities.
- Seek out and maximize opportunities to speak at various venues, such as national and relevant state events, public meetings, workshops, panel discussions, universities, etc.
- Represent the strategic priorities and values of the organization in news media interviews, op-eds, and other press events
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:
- Demonstrated passion for and commitment to environmental justice and social change.
- Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and implement project work plans.
- Effective fundraising and financial management.
- Ability to manage several related programs simultaneously and adjust to frequently changing demands.
- Demonstrated understanding of public policy and experience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory frameworks.
- Working knowledge of successful green lending strategies – capital resources, product structures, impact measurement, and data compliance.
- Professional and/or academic experience in public policy, public administration, natural resource management, environmental or urban planning, or related fields.
- General understanding of environmental science concepts related to air quality is preferred.
- General familiarity with the environmental regulatory powers and authority of state, and federal agencies desired
- A master’s degree in one of these fields, with at least five-to-ten years of professional experience, is preferred. However, we encourage candidates with equivalent life and professional experience, otherwise meeting qualifications, to apply.
- Experience working within a community-based nonprofit organization or CDFI and culture is a plus.
COMPENSATION:
$125,000 to $150,000 plus benefits (including group healthcare, negotiable flex hours, and paid holidays & leave). This is a full-time, at-will exempt position. Salary depends on qualifications and experience.
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Charmaine Grafton at [email protected].
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The team member profile does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.