Director of Policy

The Climate Trust, a growing non-profit based in Portland, Oregon, is a national leader in greenhouse gas offset projects and related climate policy.  Our mission is to promote climate change solutions by providing high-quality greenhouse gas offset projects and advancing sound offset policy. The Climate Trust supplies high quality, innovative offsets for regulatory purposes and operates voluntary offset programs for clients. We are actively engaged in sharing our practical experience in federal, regional, and state offset policy development.

Position Overview: 

The Climate Trust is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead our expanding offset policy team and to create new mission-critical organizational functions. The individual will direct our policy activities, and will be 1 of 2 directors reporting directly to the Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity to work on highly innovative climate change solutions in an energetic, collaborative, and congenial atmosphere.

Responsibilities: 

Key responsibilities of the Director of Policy include:

Direct The Climate Trust's national, regional, and state policy activities:

• Lead our policy team, currently comprised of the Policy Program Manager and the Policy Associate.
• Actively participate in developing and advocating for The Climate Trust positions on emerging climate policy issues.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Offset Quality Initiative to develop consensus positions. 
• Represent The Climate Trust, including testifying at regulatory and policy proceedings and presenting at conferences.

Secure revenues for the policy function:

• Establish and manage relationships with funding sources of national, regional, and state policy work from initial contract, proposal development, and grant performance.
• Build an organizational function in offset protocol development and offset market development by identifying and securing revenue sources, defining work products, and recruiting staff.
• Develop strategic relationships to position The Climate Trust to take advantage of organizational opportunities in emerging state, regional, and federal GHG regulatory programs.

Oversee organizational communications and knowledge sharing:

• Lead the Communications and Marketing efforts.
• Enhance The Climate Trust's impact on climate policy and greenhouse gas offset markets.
• Improve perceptions of offsets through knowledge sharing.
• Position the organization for greater revenue growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, environmental science, or a related field, with Master's degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in climate change mitigation, climate policy, or a related field, with 10 years preferred.
• Proven ability to write grants and raise funds from foundations.
• Proven performance in managing an organizational function.
• Proven performance in supervising program staff.
• Self-starter willing to take the initiative and work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Working knowledge of climate change mitigation policy, carbon markets, and offsets.
• Strong networking skills, with connections with climate policy makers and foundations that fund environmental issues.
• Team player with a sense of humor.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Compensation: The salary for this position is competitive and dependent on qualifications. The Climate Trust offers a highly competitive benefits package, including a cafeteria-style medical, dental, and vision plan (including alternative medicine); 3 weeks of vacation; flexible work hours; an employer-funded 401(k) plan; and a bus/bike incentive program.

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter.  Include position title in subject line: Policy Director

Climate Trust - Policy Director
c/o MBL Group, LLC
111 SW Columbia, Suite 1010
Portland, OR 97201-5844