Program Director, Minnesota GreenStar

The Green Institute seeks a Program Director to manage its soon-to-be-launched Minnesota GreenStar green homebuilding and remodeling certification program. The Program Director is immediately responsible to the Executive Director of the Green Institute and will also be guided by a 13 member multi-stakeholder Steering Committee.

The Green Institute is a professional non-profit organization whose mission is "sustaining our environment and communities through practical innovation". Minnesota GreenStar, based on a partnership of the Green Institute, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry - Minnesota, is a new program designed to promote healthy, durable, efficient, and environmentally responsible homes in Minnesota. 

Minnesota GreenStar comprises a regionally appropriate green building standard that embraces our unique climate concerns, building codes, and energy, material and natural resources. Fundamental to the program is an objective, third-party verification system that assures consumers that the new home or remodeling project performs as promised. The standard will be supported by a mandatory education program for builders and remodelors, as well as general education and promotion to consumers. With the robust standard as the vehicle, it is our aim to ensure that the homebuilding and remodeling industry has effective means to offer more efficient, healthy, and environmentally sensitive design and construction practices. 

Minnesota GreenStar leverages two green building standards - New Home Construction and Home Remodeling - both designed with the builder/remodelor and homeowner in mind. The guidelines will provide users with prerequisite and prescriptive strategies, as well as a broad, well-rounded array of alternatives to achieve Minnesota GreenStar certification. Trained and certified raters evaluate whether new home construction projects meet program standards.

Minnesota GreenStar offers an array of benefits for different stakeholders. 

* Home buyers look for the Minnesota GreenStar logo to be sure they're actually getting a healthy, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible home, 

* Builders and contractors receive validation from a trusted, independent source to support their marketing efforts as a green builder or remodelor, 

* Local governments and policy makers are able to track the number and types of green homes in their communities and better understand the resource and health benefits those homes represent relative to conventional alternatives. 

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will possess two distinct skill sets: (1) technical experience related to green home building, energy efficiency and durability, and (2) solid communication, planning, marketing, and fundraising skills. Ideally, candidates will possess hands-on experience with residential construction practices. Local-based knowledge and relationships are valuable. This position requires a flexible schedule, as some responsibilities involve evening and weekend activities.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following: 

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners, builders, clients, public agencies, sponsors and other funders, and utilities with conservation programs. 2. Administer pilot phase of remodeling and new homes standards.
3. Lead and manage continuing development of standards including future standards for multifamily dwellings and developments.
4. Develop and maintain program protocols and procedures, including an administration and verification/rating processes for new homes, remodeling and existing homes, multifamily, and developments.
5. Secure funding resources including corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, government grants or contracts, and utility support.
6. Develop and manage program budgets.
7. Provide marketing and technical support to participating builders.
8. Coordinate marketing and PR of events, trainings, and workshops.
9. Organize and coordinate logistics for Minnesota GreenStar Rater trainings and program-related media events.
10. Develop and conduct technical trainings for builders & remodelors based on the Minnesota GreenStar system.
11. Develop content for Minnesota GreenStar rater training program.
12. Conduct quality assurance activities to verify quality and consistency of home rating results.
13. Work with fellow Green Institute management team and staff on other programs as needed. 

Qualifications

1. In-depth knowledge of green building design and construction strategies, technologies and materials and the ability to articulate the environmental, health, and economic benefits of green homebuilding and remodeling.
2. Proven organizational skills and program management experience.
3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to manage professional relationships across a variety of stakeholder groups.
4. Proven marketing and public relations experience.
5. Proven fundraising skills.
6. Experience in budget management.
7. Proficient writing and communication skills.
8. Proven event coordination and planning skills.
9. Hands-on experience with residential-sector design and construction practices, especially green building design and construction.
10. Self-sufficient office skills: ability to work with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and Windows operating systems.
11. A proven commitment to addressing a variety of environmental and health issues through green building and an appetite to learn more about the rapidly evolving field. 

Education & Background: 

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university degree in related field (e.g., architecture, construction technology, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering) AND at least five years of progressively increasing responsibility performing program management, construction management, architecture and engineering, marketing/public relations and other duties similar to those described for this position. 

Salary & Benefits: The Program Director is a full-time position. Salary based on qualifications and experience. The Green Institute offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, employer matching 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid annual leave. 

To apply for this full-time position, email your application that includes a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample (no longer than three pages). Please put "Green Homes Program Director" in the subject line of your email. 

Position open until filled. Applications will be screened for qualifications and experience AND all required application elements. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be offered an interview. 

No phone calls please.

The Green Institute is an equal opportunity employer. 

For more information on the Green Institute, visit our website at www.greeninstitute.org. Our program partners can be found at www.nari-mn.org and www.batc.org. 

For more information about Minnesota GreenStar, visit our new website www.mngreenstar.org (live on July 15).