Senior Program Officer

Founded in 1991, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is an independent non-profit organization that gives passionate, committed people the tools, skills, and resources they need to make their communities better places to live.  With our headquarters in Montpelier, Vermont, and offices in China, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Washington, DC, ISC has an international staff of approximately 80 people. 

Our approach ensures that solutions emerge from within the community, rather than being imposed from the outside.  By combining technical expertise and leadership training with strategic investments in local organizations, we spark creative solutions and lasting change.  We have managed more than 70 projects in 18 countries.  For more information on ISC, please visit our website.

Position Overview:

ISC is seeking a Senior Program Officer to support the development and implementation of its Climate & Environmental Program.  In particular, the position will work on development of two new programs: the Community Climate Leadership Academy and the Community Energy Leadership Academy.  Both programs will build the capacity of communities to increase energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution (greenhouse gas emissions), create green jobs and strengthen their resilience to the local impacts of global climate disruption.

The successful candidate will possess strong abilities to design, develop and implement programs.  Exceptional research and communications are required.   Qualified applicants will have experience with community based action to increase energy efficiency and reduce climate pollution.  The person in this position works with ISC staff in the US and abroad, and often in a cross-functional team.  Based in ISC's home office in Montpelier, Vermont, the position affords an excellent quality of life combined with a focus on the international arenas of civil society, governance, and community climate change. 

Responsibilities:  

• Support the development of a new program called the Community Climate Leadership Academy. Help develop key components of the Academy curriculum, including local climate action planning, building energy use efficiency (for new and existing buildings), and climate-friendly transportation (including smart growth management, transportation demand management, and use of clean vehicles and fuels). Help design and deliver training in local climate action to local government officials.
• Support the development of a Community Energy Leadership Academy. Work with partners to develop the training program/curriculum and design and deliver training workshops around the U.S.
• Provide some technical support to ISC's project in China (Guangdong Environmental Partnership), in particular components related to increasing energy efficiency in 3 pilot communities.

Relationships:  

• Reports to Director of Climate & Environmental Programs.
• Works closely with Climate & Environment, Business Development and Communications & Marketing teams.

Qualifications:  

• BA, advanced degree preferred, 5 years of professional experience, or the equivalent, in field related to ISC's work;
• Experience related to community-based action to increase energy efficiency (related to both building and transportation-related energy use) and/or reduce climate pollution (greenhouse gas emissions) a big plus;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Project design and implementation experience;
• Research and analysis, and budgeting skills;
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and sensitivity to people from different countries/cultures;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines;
• Above average skills in Microsoft Office suite, data processing (SAGE), email, Internet browsers, and other software; and
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Working Conditions:  

• Position requires working in an office setting and some travel.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2009

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and salary history by March 31, 2009.  Please specify last name, first initial and Program Officer in the subject Line of your email.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer.