Manager, Corporate Accountability Program

Ceres is a national coalition of investors, public pension trustees, foundations, labor unions, and environmental, religious and public interest groups, dedicated to advancing more sustainable business practices and corporate accountability. Ceres' mission is to move businesses, capital, and markets to advance lasting prosperity by valuing the health of the planet and its people.

Ceres plays a unique role in the national environmental and sustainability movement by bringing the perspective and power of investors to environmental and sustainability issues and specifically to the performance, practices and policies of corporations. Today Ceres is a growing organization with expanding influence in the investment, environmental, and corporate arenas. Our program activities seek to foster greater public disclosure of environmental and social impacts by corporations, encourage engagement between companies and their stakeholders, and create opportunities for collaborative dialogue leading to positive change on key sustainability issues. 

Position Overview:

Ceres is looking to hire a Program Manager, Corporate Accountability Program. This is a full-time position that will report to the Senior Director, Corporate Programs.  

Responsibilities include:

•    Manage relationships and projects involving the 70+ Ceres companies and 100 + coalition organizations, as well as some prospective Ceres companies. The Ceres company network includes companies from a variety of sectors including utilities, financial services, oil and gas, apparel and footwear, consumer products companies etc. Specific expertise in relevant sectors is a positive attribute.
•    Coordinate and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues including companies, investors, environmental groups and other public interest groups to discuss corporate sustainability performance and disclosure.
•    Sustain and enhance Ceres’ expertise in transparency and disclosure, including the Global Reporting Initiative as an accountability and engagement tool for companies and other organizations in North America.  
•    Develop and implement new tools for engaging Ceres companies on their sustainability performance and governance.
•    Design and implement workshops, conference calls, newsletters and other multi-media communications to reach companies and stakeholder groups with timely information on Ceres’ programs and sustainability issues.  This will be web-based as well as through print media.
•    Research, write briefings and develop entrepreneurial initiatives to improve corporate sustainability performance.
•    Assist with planning for the Ceres annual conference program and other events.
•    Support other program teams (such as Investor Programs, Communications, Development) as needed to accomplish organizational objectives.
•    Speak at conferences and events.

Qualifications

•    Master’s degree in business, environment, law or public policy or related field preferred.  
•    Three years or more of direct experience working on sustainability and corporate responsibility issues in the corporate, investor and/or non-profit sectors, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years relevant experience.
•    In-depth knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues and an understanding of corporations (including corporate reporting and business strategy tools), the socially responsible investment community, and the environmental and sustainability movements.
•    Experience in North American context is strongly preferred, with some exposure to international sustainability issues as relevant to multinational corporations.
•    Substantial expertise on environmental and/or social issues.
•    Strong project management skills and attention to detail is required.
•    Effective presentation style and excellent speaking and written communication skills.
•    Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative and motivation
•    Successful record of organizing multiple projects and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•    Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above. 
•    Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and e-mail computer applications.

Compensation: commensurate with experience and is competitive for an NGO position. Ceres provides a generous benefits package which includes medical and dental insurance, matching 403(b) contributions, and annual leave.

How to Apply

In addition to a resume and three references, interested applicants please email a letter describing your qualifications, interests, and potential contribution.  

Ceres Search Committee
99 Chauncy St., 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111    

Ceres is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.