Director, Business Affairs

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches.

You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Position Overview: 

The Director of Business Affairs is charged with the business and financial management of EDF's leases, facilities, commercial insurance, office equipment and supplies.

Responsibilities:

Leasing/Construction: 

Responsible for all office lease negotiations, renewals and space searches for 9 locations. Oversee all leasehold improvement construction projects for new offices, office moves and/or office expansions. Create and implement space strategy to maximize short-term capacity utilization in line with long-term needs.  Work on office leases, construction and related efforts require close coordination and cooperation with our 6 Office Managers.  Responsible for review/ approval of vendor invoices, including allocation of costs to relevant departments or projects.

Facilities Management: 

Responsible for the purchase, maintenance and replacement of facilities equipment, such as photocopiers/printers, postage meters, HVAC equipment, etc. Oversee security and controlled access procedures, address legal and building management policies and issues.  Work in conjunction with our 6 Office Managers on equipment and issues in their offices. Responsible for review/ approval of vendor invoices.

Supplies and Other Contracts: 

Primary representative with vendors for the purchase of travel, office supplies, maintenance and building services that have multi-office impact.  Responsible for national vendor selection and review/ approval of vendor invoices.  Perform analysis to ensure there are cost/benefit considerations taken into account for major vendor purchases.  Work with our 6 Office Managers to ensure adherence to policy and best practices.

Risk Management: 

Primary representative for the purchase of insurance --- commercial property, liability, and workers' compensation ---- working closely with insurance broker and VP Finance and Administration.  Interface with program staff and others regarding coverage issues.  Work with affected staff, insurance brokers and carriers to ensure timely resolution of any claims.  Responsible for review/ approval of vendor invoices, including allocation of costs to relevant departments or projects.

Budgeting/Financial Management: 

Build fiscal year budgets and complete monthly forecasts, working closely with the COO, Finance Director, CIO, HR Director, Office Managers and VP Finance and Administration.  Assigned budgets include all of our operational/support areas, including IT, Donor Records, HR, Administration and Finance.  Build and administer an annual capital budget in conjunction with Finance Director and CIO.

Sustainability: 

Ensure appropriate "green" content in facilities and purchases in line with what we are advocating to the public.  Lead the annual carbon footprint inventory and follow-on efforts to reduce our emissions.  Assist the Chief Scientist and VP of Finance and Administration with the formation and operation of the EDF Sustainability Program, using EDF's Diversity Program as a model.

Other Projects: 

Undertake other work as directed by the VP for Finance and Administration, including special financial and operational analyses.  Areas involved in this work could include contracts on an organization-wide basis and corporate Amex cards.

Qualifications:

To include, but are not limited to:

• Masters degree in business, accounting, finance or public administration preferred
• 7+ years experience with leasing and facilities management, including work with LEED standards and sustainability efforts.
• 7+ years experience with risk management.
• 5+ years accounting and financial management experience, preferably in a non-profit environment and including experience in purchasing goods and services.
• 3 years supervisory and office management experience.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Ability to analyze information and present conclusions in a concise, coherent manner to financial and non-financial staff.
• Clear and understandable oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects to completion and ability to juggle tasks, often with conflicting deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to work independently.

To Apply: 

Interested applicants should please submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements.  We regret we are only able to respond to those candidates in whom we are interested.  No phone calls, please.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.