Program Manager

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A., a non-profit membership association of local governments working to achieve climate protection and other sustainable development goals, seeks a dynamic and talented Project Manager to work on contract in New York, New York.

In collaboration with ICLEI, over 300 local governments across the United States and hundreds more around the world have made commitments and taken action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Participating local governments agree to conduct baseline analyses of greenhouse gas emissions and to develop and implement plans to meet their GHG emission reduction targets. ICLEI staff works closely with these local governments, providing technical assistance, training, software, and other tools to help them achieve their emissions reduction goals.

Position Overview:

ICLEI seeks a Project Manager to coordinate and manage a new collaborative project with the City of New York on developing a framework to be utilized by local governments for successful long-term sustainability planning, using PlaNYC, New York’s comprehensive sustainability plan, as the primary model.

This position will develop an online guidebook for local governments to design and implement an effective long-term sustainability planning process drawing upon PlanNYC and best practices from other local government planning processes.

This position will be a member of ICLEI’s Northeast Regional Team and will be jointly supervised by ICLEI’s Northeast Regional Director, based in Boston, MA, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability (OLTPS). This position will be responsible for assisting OLTPS fulfill requests received from cities across the U.S. seeking guidance on the development of long-term sustainability plans.

Qualified applicants will possess a solid understanding of the link between energy use and climate change, a strong background in elements of planning, significant experience and knowledge of local government processes, and expertise developing and implementing municipal plans.

Responsibilities Include: 

* Extract key components of the PlaNYC development to create a scaleable model to allow for applicability to smaller communities
* Develop an online guidebook for local governments to design and implement an effective long-term sustainability planning process
* Research the planning process utilized to develop PlaNYC, through interviews, meetings and regular communication with OLTPS staff
* Conduct onsite educational and training visits with New York City staff to key municipalities in the US that have demonstrated an interest and a commitment to replicating the PlaNYC model
* Identify potential barriers to successful implementation of PlaNYC
* Research other local government planning processes as a means of comparison
* In coordination with NYC staff, respond to incoming requests from other local governments related to the PlaNYC process and development
* Actively educate municipalities across the nation how to create effective, long-term sustainability plans, drawing upon the PlaNYC model and similar processes in other cities.

Qualifications:

Eligible applicants will possess advanced knowledge of or experience working with local governments on the topics of climate, energy, and/or other sustainability initiatives. ICLEI prefers candidates who hold an advanced degree in a planning or policy-related field and have at least two years of work experience in energy/climate, planning, transportation, urban environmental issues, or related fields OR who hold a BA/BS degree and possess five years of relevant experience.

Applicant must possess excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, communications, and writing skills; and be able to work independently as well as collaboratively; and be willing to travel, as necessary (less than 40 percent). Ideal applicants will possess extensive knowledge of local and regional planning and solid relationships within the City of New York as well as experience working directly for or with local governments on climate protection issues.

Other desirable qualifications include:

• Familiarity with the topics of global warming and climate change
• Understanding of environmental, economic, and social issues related to energy use, transportation, and waste management
• Expertise in urban environmental planning
• Excellent interpersonal, phone, written communication, and public presentation skills
• Strong computer background in the PC environment, with experience in quantitative software programs, including database programs

For information on PlaNYC, please visit www.nyc.gov/planyc2030.

Compensation: The hiring salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. This position is funded for one year with the potential to extend. It is a full-time position with benefits. Though the potential exists for transition to a permanent role at the completion of the project, continuation beyond the specified one year is not guaranteed. This position will be based in OLTPS offices in New York.

To Apply:

Please e-mail (preferred), fax, or mail a cover letter and resume that details and demonstrates your experience, qualifications, and why you feel you would be the right choice for this position.

To ensure full consideration, completed applications should be received no later than 5 p.m. PT on Friday, January 25, 2008. No phone calls please. All materials submitted become the property of ICLEI U.S.A. and will not be returned.

ICLEI U.S.A.
Attn: Human Resources – NYPM
436 14th Street, Suite 1520
Oakland, CA 94612 

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A., Inc. and the City of New York are Equal Opportunity Employers.
Women, people of color, veterans, and members of other underrepresented groups are encouraged strongly to apply.