Senior Manager, Corporate Program, Sustainability

~ Ceres is a non-profit organization advocating for sustainability leadership. We mobilize a powerful network of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. ~

Our mission is mobilizing investor and business leadership to build a thriving, sustainable global economy. This year, Ceres is celebrating 25 years of advancing a sustainable economy. 

Position Overview

Ceres' Corporate Program is looking to hire a Senior Manager, with particular content knowledge of companies in consumer-facing sectors, such as Information Communications Technology (ICT), Retail, and Apparel/ Footwear.

This content knowledge should encompass environmental and social sustainability issues, such as those related to company supply chains, products, employees and environmental issues beyond climate and energy. This is a full-time position, based in our Boston office and will report to a Director of the Corporate Program. 

Rersponsibilities 

Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• 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 approximately ten sectors. This position will be working with companies within the ICT sector and other consumer facing sectors.
• Lead company relationships and facilitate stakeholder dialogues. This position will lead ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogues, which include investors, environmental groups and other public interest groups, to discuss corporate sustainability performance and disclosure.
• Assess corporate sustainability performance and disclosure, demonstrating analytical abilities and understanding of key attributes of corporate sustainability leadership. Demonstrated ability to bring an advocacy perspective to both analysis and corporate dialogues will be viewed as beneficial.
• Develop the strategy and objectives for Ceres' work with this group of companies on a one to three year planning cycle and ensure alignment Ceres Roadmap expectations and organizational priorities. Capture and communicate the specific impacts of the engagement process.
• Implement, and possibly design, tools for engaging Ceres companies on their sustainability performance, including initiatives and projects that support the impact and uptake of the 21st Century Corporation Roadmap for Sustainability.
• Design and implement workshops, webinars/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.
• Contribute to meeting team revenue commitments through supporting fundraising initiatives with individual, corporate and/or foundation contacts.
• Support team in training new staff or providing professional development to team members.
• Supervise interns and possibly other team members, including recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluation duties.
• Assist with planning for the Ceres annual conference program and other events.
• Support other program teams (such as Policy program, Communications, Development) as needed to accomplish organizational objectives.
• Speak at conferences and events. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor degree, required.
• Master degree in business, environment, law or public policy or related field preferred.
• Five years or more of direct experience working on sustainability and corporate responsibility issues in the corporate, investor and/or non-profit sectors.
• 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, while understanding the broader international context of sustainability.
• Demonstrated ability to bring an advocacy perspective to both analysis and corporate engagement and to make clear recommendations for actions and next steps.
• Substantial expertise on environmental and/or social issues.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills of multiple, complex projects.
• Planning expertise and delivering projects on deadline and within time and resource budgets. Attention to detail is required.
• Effective presentation style as well as strong speaking and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, proven ability to demonstrate initiative and motivation.
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to take on projects that support the success of the team and Ceres.
• Successful record of organizing multiple projects, coordinating and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take a collaborative approach, and to deliver independent projects.
• Ability to bring a positive outlook and energetic commitment to working at Ceres on a daily basis.
• Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.
• Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and e-mail computer applications.  

To Apply 

• First, we encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying.
• Then, please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email  a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and a list of three references.
• Be sure to indicate "Senior Manager, Corporate Program" in the subject line of your e-mail message. 

~ 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. ~