California Program Manager

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A., a non-profit membership association of local governments working to achieve climate protection and other sustainable development goals, seeks a dynamic and talented Program Manager to engage California local governments from its headquarters in Oakland, California.

In collaboration with ICLEI, over 280 local governments across the United States and hundreds more around the world have made commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Participating local governments agree to conduct baseline analyses of greenhouse gas emissions and to develop and implement plans to meet their GHG emission reduction targets. ICLEI staff works closely with these local governments, providing technical assistance, training, software, and other tools to help them achieve their emissions reduction goals.

Position Overview

ICLEI seeks a Program Manager to coordinate and manage activities of its Cities for Climate Protection® (CCP) Campaign in California. This position will deliver technical assistance to local governments, convene local government staff and elected officials in various formats, connect California local governments to State policy development, drive regional and statewide collaboration, contribute to the development of new tools and resources, manage projects, and contribute to all aspects of ICLEI’s programmatic operations, including driving membership and financial support.

Responsibilities include:

∑ Respond to requests for information and provide technical assistance to local governments on a daily basis on methods of quantifying or measuring GHG emissions levels or reductions
∑ Convene local government staff and elected officials in various in-person and virtual formats to increase peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
∑ Research and connect California local governments to state and federal policy issues
∑ Develop new resources (e.g., case studies, fact sheets) to help local governments learn from and replicate model policies and practices
∑ Provide trainings and assistance in the use of ICLEI’s GHG quantification software tools
∑ Manage individual projects with attention to strategic planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation
∑ Collaborate with other staff in evolving municipal emissions reporting protocols
∑ Participate in the development and improvement of ICLEI’s software tools
∑ Coordinate ongoing quantification and verification processes of local government GHG reduction activities
∑ Assist local governments in the identification and development of policies and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, along with the development of action plans to guide implementation
∑ Perform site visits to provide technical assistance to local governments throughout the state and occasionally in other regions
∑ Coordinate and facilitate meetings with various local government stakeholders
∑ Manage relationships with peer organizations and state agencies (e.g., ARB, CEC, CCAR, air districts)
∑ Drive regional and statewide collaboration amongst local governments and associated stakeholder groups
∑ Participate in developing and conducting training programs for local government staff
∑ Contribute to the design and implementation of regional and national workshops for local governments
∑ Train and guide ICLEI staff hired to assist local governments in conducting emission inventories
∑ Maintain an active knowledge of regional developments in the fields of climate change, emissions reduction, alternative fuels, energy policy, and other areas relevant to ICLEI’s work
∑ Represent ICLEI and its member communities at state and regional climate protection meetings
∑ Recruit new jurisdictions to participate in ICLEI’s campaigns and initiatives
∑ Contribute to ICLEI’s strategic vision and the development of new programs
∑ Contribute to fundraising via concept and relationship development and proposal writing

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants will possess a solid understanding of the link between energy use and climate change, a strong background in quantitative analysis, the ability to communicate technical information to people without a technical background, and an eagerness to learn and contribute in a team-driven atmosphere.

Eligible applicants will possess advanced knowledge of or experience working with local governments on the topics of climate, energy, and/or other sustainability initiatives.

ICLEI prefers candidates who hold an advanced degree in a technical or policy-related field and have at least three years of work experience in energy/climate, transportation, waste, urban environmental issues, or related fields OR who hold a BA/BS degree and possess 5+ years of relevant experience.

Applicant must possess excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal communications, and writing skills; and be able to work independently as well as collaboratively; and be willing to travel, as necessary (less than 25%).

Ideal applicants will possess extensive knowledge of and relationships within the California climate community as well as experience working directly for or with local governments on climate protection issues.

Other desirable qualifications include:

∑ Familiarity with the topics of global warming and climate change
∑ Understanding of environmental, economic, and social issues related to energy use, transportation, and waste management
∑ Work and/or volunteer experience with local government
∑ Experience conducting emissions inventories and developing climate action plans
∑ Experience in data manipulation or statistical analysis using quantitative software programs
∑ Technical expertise in quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions that result from the transportation, waste, and energy sectors; urban energy management; and/or urban environmental planning
∑ Experience in workshop development and leading training sessions—in groups and one-on-one
∑ Excellent interpersonal, phone, written communication, and public presentation skills
∑ Strong computer background in the PC environment, with experience in quantitative software programs, including database programs

Compensation: The hiring salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000. Placement is based on the ICLEI U.S.A. salary scale for program managers, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, regular position with an excellent benefits package and upward potential.

ICLEI U.S.A.'s headquarters is located in the City Center area of downtown Oakland, directly above the 12th Street BART station.

To Apply:

Please e-mail a cover letter and resume that details and demonstrates your experience, qualifications, and why you feel you would be the right choice for this position. Please put California Program Manager in the subject field.

This position is open until filled. To ensure full consideration, completed applications should be received no later than 5 p.m. PT on Friday, March 14, 2008. No phone calls please.

All materials submitted become the property of ICLEI U.S.A. and will not be returned.

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, veterans, and members of other underrepresented groups are encouraged strongly to apply.