Director of Sustainability

As San Francisco's hometown airline, Virgin America is a next generation low-fare carrier that will serve as many as 10 cities within its first year of operation, and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin America's brand new planes will offer a host of inventive guest features aimed at bringing a little fun back to flying - including the most advanced personal in-flight entertainment system in the domestic airline market, mood-lit cabins, custom-designed leather seats and plugs for laptops and other portable electronic devices at every seat.

Position Overview:

This person in this position will build a leading Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability Program. Specifically, this person will be charged with creating, leading, and managing the global environmental and sustainability program for Virgin America.

This person should be a seasoned "green" expert who has established and worked with high-profile corporate teams. This person must also be someone who can influence all aspects of the company with cross-departmental leadership.

Main Areas of Responsibility

* Create, lead, and manage the Company's environmental responsibility and sustainability/"green" efforts. These efforts will include the following:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the Company's environmental responsibility and sustainability/"green" efforts.
• Create strategies, policies, internal/external reports on environmental responsibility and sustainability; establish and roll out related best practices through Virgin America and its business units.
• Coordinate with relevant business team members to proactively maximize opportunities for environmental responsibility and sustainability-with an early focus on measures designed to reduce CO2/NOX aircraft emissions and create a company-wide recycling program.
• Partner with appropriate business team members to find additional ways to make the company "green" in addition to ensuring full compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations especially California and Federal air emissions requirements (e.g. EPA and airport conformity assessments).
• Create and lead a network of Environmental Champions across the company.
• Keep abreast of industry developments by reviewing trade journals and publications and by attendance at seminars and conventions.

* Assist SVP-Legal & Government Affairs in analyzing relevant legislative and regulatory developments; provide advice about existing and future regulatory and environmental compliance issues with a specific focus on emissions trading legislation.

* Communicate action plans and progress internally, as well as build strategic external relationships.

* Supervise and monitor outside "green" experts.

Professional and Personal Requirements

Education: Excellent academic and work credentials; College degree; Masters in Environmental Studies or Climate related issues, MBA, or J.D. a plus.

Required experience and skills:

• Experience and knowledge of "green" best practices with a particular focus on jet aircraft operations and air quality issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of FAA, EPA, and California Air Board regulations.
• Experience creating and managing successful environmental programs (either corporate or consultancy)
• Proven track record in evaluating environmental responsibility best practices, determining applicability/relevance to an organization, analyzing issues, anticipating future trends
• Deep knowledge of and ability to analyze and communicate about air emissions and environmental reporting - process, tools, trends
• Ability to manage, influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams and mobilize organizations at all levels
• Proven track record representing an organization and forging relationships with a wide variety of external stakeholders
• Experience driving multiple programs and projects in complex, highly-regulated organization
• Ability to influence behavior across large organization
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public speaking
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience

The successful candidate will help drive sustainability at Virgin America.

This person will build upon the established ground work of our existing efforts and shape a comprehensive program for California's hometown airline.

To Apply:

Please see our website to apply for this position.