National Coordinator: Responsible Purchasing Network

The Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) helps private and public sector institutional purchasers identify and procure environmentally and socially superior products in the U.S. marketplace. RPN is dedicated to harnessing the power of institutional procurement as a key lever for positive environmental and social progress.

The project is hosted by the Center for a New American Dream and guided by a national steering committee of private and public sector leaders in the field of responsible institutional purchasing.

Job Description: 

The RPN Steering Committee is seeking a national coordinator to provide leadership and project coordination for this new initiative. S/he will work with national leaders in the procurement field in conceptualizing and executing a series of strategic initiatives that will accelerate environmentally responsible purchasing in the United States. 

The RPN Coordinator will work closely with the Center for a New American Dream's senior staff and the RPN Steering Committee in moving this agenda. S/he will be responsible for the successful day-to-day management of all elements of New American Dream's institutional purchasing programs and the oversight of a staff of three team members and consultants. 

Responsibilities: 

*  Developing a three year strategic plan in coordination with the RPN Steering Committee; 
*  Development of a one-stop shop of materials and resources for the RPN network, including consolidated data on products, standards, relevant databases, vendors, sample contracts, and emerging new purchasing opportunities; 
*  Developing and implementing an institutional membership program and revenue plan for RPN; 
*  Launching a national website that provides numerous tools, services, and contacts for responsible institutional buyers, working closely with existing resources available through other organizations and New American Dream; 
*  Partnering and reaching out to existing organizations to avoid duplication of work and to maximize collaboration with other networks; 
*  Working with subcommittees of the RPN on special projects, such as a mentoring program, a tracking service to assess environmental impacts of purchasing programs, and marketing campaigns to promote purchasing of specific high-impact commodities; 
*  Developing materials to explain and market RPN to a wide audience of purchasers; 
*  Serving as a regular liaison with Steering Committee and with lead purchasers around the country; 
*  Fundraising, including developing fee-for-service programs for RPN; 
*  Managing a small staff, consultants, and interns. 

Position Qualifications: 

*  Demonstrated success as a leader and manager; 
*  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; 
*  Familiar with environmental issues; enthusiasm for the RPN's mission and objectives; 
*  Experience with and/or knowledge of environmental purchasing programs; 
*  Minimum five years experience in management or leadership role in private or public sector; 
*  Ability to think holistically, strategically, and collaboratively; 
*  Experience with marketing and communications a plus; 
*  BA or BS, graduate degree in related field a plus; 
*  Outstanding interpersonal skills, sense of humor, humility, and good judgment; 
*  Familiar with complexity of purchasing processes and external political conditions for this work preferred; 
*  Familiar with global environmental and social problems and track record with some form of market-based change preferred; 
*  Creative, highly organized, ability to juggle multiple tasks; 
*  Ability to be self-directed and deadline-oriented; 
*  Comfortable with working in a fast-paced yet fun environment; 
*  Ability to travel, attend conferences, and speak on behalf of the RPN. 

Compensation, Benefits, and Working Hours: 

$58,000 for a four-day work week plus excellent benefits 

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by September 20, 2005, to: 

RPN National Coordinator Search
6930 Carroll Ave, #900
Takoma Park, MD 20912-4466  

The Center for a New American Dream is an equal opportunity employer. 

Please visit www.newdream.org to gain a better understanding of our mission and programs.