Climate and Air Program Manager

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE: Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes scientific and economic analysis and the use of market mechanisms where applicable to reach effective, durable solutions. The organization was founded by four scientists who were concerned by the loss of reproductive ability of osprey due to the spraying of DDT and grew from that bold beginning to become one of America's most effective and prestigious environmental organizations. Environmental Defense is a pioneer in the development of innovative policies to achieve measurable results in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.

The position of Program Manager in the Climate and Air Department is a senior executive position in the organization's endeavor to craft non- partisan, science-based, economically sensible responses to the severe air and climate challenges that confront mankind as we enter the twenty-first century. The Climate and Air program operates at the international, national and local levels to identify and advance systems for the reduction of pollution and of greenhouse gas emissions that threaten human health and the stability of the earth's climate.

From its earliest days Environmental Defense has been committed to following sound science wherever that leads. The organization builds teams of scientists, lawyers, and economists to investigate the scientific basis for environmental problems, including the market forces and government policies that encourage and subsidize patterns of environmental damage.

Environmental Defense focuses on a range of environmental arenas - including air and water quality, climate change, environmental health, and ocean ecosystems. Environmental Defense seeks practical solutions, founded on science, that policy makers and industry can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Overall Function: The position of Program Manager is essentially the #2 position in the Climate and Air Program, and reports to the Climate and Air Director. In a unit distinguished by an extraordinary record and characterized by strong, accomplished professionals, the job will range, depending upon the issue, from gentle coordination and oversight to more direct supervision and direction. There is large scope for initiative and the formulation of new directions to the degree to which the Program Manager wishes to play a creative role.

The position is based in Washington, and the incumbent will be expected to play a particularly strong role at the level of national programs, politics and policy formulation, including interaction with Federal agencies, the Congress, interest groups, private industry, and other environmental organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate key Climate and Air issues at the intersection of the political and policy process;
• Develop and recommend programs and policies;
• Monitor and guide key program activities;
• Assure coordination of, and provide guidance to, Climate and Air programs, particularly in the areas of air quality, energy policy and technology, and national efforts to limit conventional pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions;
• Liaison with other Environmental Defense departments, including most specifically the Health program, Living Cities, and Ecosystems;
• Assist and represent the Director in management of the program;
• Complement the efforts of Environmental Defense fundraising staff to secure grants from major donors, foundations, and other sources as appropriate.

Qualifications:

The qualifications below are listed in functional and performance terms rather than in terms of degrees, years experience, etc.

Applicants must have a broad knowledge of air and environmental issues, demonstrated experience and judgment in matters of environmental policy, familiarity with the policy players and groups in the climate and air fields, demonstrated experience in assessing and managing professional staff , good communication and mentoring/guidance skills, flexibility, focus and resilience in the face of high workload, competing demands for time and attention, and a rapidly evolving agenda.

Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Cheryl Pickard Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue,
NW Washington, DC 20009

Environmental Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.