US Program Director

The Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) is a new nonprofit organization working to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector, which currently accounts for 35-40% of global primary energy consumption. Taking advantage of this significant opportunity for low-cost mitigation, the GBPN will inform key decision makers in the US, Europe, China, and India, offering a best practice exchange network on building energy performance, including energy code adoption, implementation, compliance, and complementary policies. The GBPN is uniquely structured to work both globally and regionally through affiliates to address the information gap between the designers and implementers of building energy efficiency policies.

As the US regional affiliate of GBPN, the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) has been a leader in increasing the recognition between energy performance, energy costs, and property value. IMT is dedicated to the promotion of energy efficiency, green building, and environmental protection in the United States and abroad. In the United States and other nations, market transformation has a growing track record of successful synergy with energy codes and standards. IMT advocates for better building codes through code design, development, training, research, outreach, advocacy, and collaboration with organizations worldwide.

The GBPN is a member of the ClimateWorks Foundation Network, a global family of organizations whose goal is to prevent dangerous climate change by working in the nations and economic sectors with the highest potential for low-carbon economic growth. The GBPN will provide technical expertise in the buildings sector, partnering with the Network's Regional Climate Foundations and Best Practice Network partners, such as the Regulatory Assistance Project, the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program, and the recently formed Institute for Industrial Productivity.

Position Overview:

GBPN seeks an experienced buildings-sector leader to serve as the US Program Director. Working collaboratively with colleagues at GBPN and IMT, the US Director will develop and implement the GBPN US strategy through coordination of key partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders; creation and expansion of systems for best-practice sharing; and management of research and analysis on buildings energy efficiency policy development. The US program will draw on past successes in a number of jurisdictions to compile best practices in improving building performance.

In partnership with leading experts in the national and international building efficiency world (e.g., Department of Energy, national laboratories, leading state and local government agencies, related NGOs and advocacy groups, trade associations, and others), the US Program will also provide relevant tools and support on code design, implementation, and compliance that are responsive to local needs. Housed within the US regional affiliate, IMT, the US Director will be a member of the GBPN Executive Team; s/he will manage and oversee additional GBPN and IMT staff working on related projects.

GBPN is a results-focused organization that measures its effectiveness in tons of CO2 -e GHG emissions avoided as a result of its programs. The US Director will participate in determining regional abatement potentials, setting abatement targets and monitoring and reporting of impacts of the regional program.

Responsibilities:

The US Program Director will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Develop the work plan and strategy for the US Program with the GBPN Executive Director and IMT executive team.
• Develop and manage GBPN US Program initiatives to facilitate best-practice sharing; assess, evaluate, and suggest modifications to program strategy over time.
• Collaborate and coordinate work with GBPN affiliates (including IMT), The Energy Foundation, government entities, and other national/international partner organizations.
• Conduct research and analysis to determine best practices for residential and commercial building energy efficiency policy development, adoption, implementation, training, enforcement, and compliance. This will include innovative practices, policies, incentives and technologies.
• Oversee development of analytical models to estimate quantitatively the potential impact of policy recommendations and the abatement potential of the US building sector.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Committee of GBPN.
• Represent GBPN in national and international fora, serving as a spokesperson to key stakeholders in policy, the building industry, and the real estate sector.
• Report quarterly on US Program activity and progress.
• Support development work, including the preparation of annual funding applications for US regional activity.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

Desired Professional Experience & Qualifications:

• 12+ years work experience with 5+ years experience managing regional, national, and/or international teams
• Established relationships with key players in the US building sector, including the US Department of Energy, regional energy efficiency organizations, energy laboratories, and state and local officials
• Experience in public policy analysis and research, as well as in providing oversight in the creation of analytical tools/models
• Experience with building codes, ANSI standards, and with the terminology of energy use and energy conservation in buildings, as well as experience developing, enforcing, or complying with codes
• Postgraduate degree in engineering, architecture, science, economics, business, law, policy, or fields relevant to energy efficiency, construction, buildings or real estate

Management Attributes:

• Strong facilitation and negotiation skills with experience creating collaboration and consensus among internal and external stakeholders, as well as desire for and comfort with working in a collaborative environment
• A successful track-record of managing regional networks and/or collaborative ventures to drive  policy change at the highest levels
• A strong network among building performance and/or policy research, government, and private sector stakeholders
• Proven ability to apply sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations
• Self-direction and strong attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage projects independently in a fast-paced, start up environment
• Professionalism, empathy, and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain a sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people

Communications and Personal Attributes:

• A thought-leader in low-energy and carbon building policy with an effective regional network of sector stakeholders
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English and preferably one additional language
• Proven ability to present technical information to a non-technical audience, and demonstrated skill as an editor of technical and public research reports
• Strong intellect, resourcefulness, creativity, flexibility, and entrepreneurial capabilities
• Comfort with frequent domestic and international travel

Compensation: The US Program Director will be employed directly by IMT. IMT and GBPN offer an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. This position will be based in Washington, DC, at the IMT offices, with regular domestic and international travel, including travel to the GBPN Global Centre in Paris, France.

To Apply:

This position will remain open until filled, with a desired start date in fall 2011. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. CEA Recruiting is assisting IMT and the GBPN with this search. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting.  

IMT is an equal opportunity employer.

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit CEA.