Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We're Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people's ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful workplace. Every job here makes a difference. Won't you join us?

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Director, Climate & Clean Energy will provide leadership, management, and strategic direction for EDF’s climate and energy policy initiatives in North Carolina and other key southern states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. These duties will be executed in close coordination with the North Carolina State Director, as well senior EDF climate and energy experts in the U.S. Region. This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Regional Affairs, working closely with the North Carolina State Director.

LOCATION

This role can be performed either remotely within the state of North Carolina or on a flexible/hybrid arrangement out of the EDF office in Raleigh, NC.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In cooperation with relevant EDF staff, develop and execute strategies with clear metrics for success to advance state-level policies to reduce carbon pollution in the electric power and transportation sectors.
• Supervise program operations, including development and oversight of strategies, budgets and workplans for key programmatic initiatives.
• Manage teams of consultants/lobbyists.
• Build program visibility among key stakeholder groups and impact through leveraged partnerships and network expansion.
• Integrate equity and environmental justice into programmatic work, processes, and priorities; deepen relationships with local justice and equity leaders and impacted communities; provide recommendations and act on opportunities for EDF to provide meaningful allyship to equity and justice peers and frontline communities.
• Engage with regulatory agencies and commissions on discrete rulemakings and dockets related to energy and transportation priorities.
• Provide subject matter expertise and thought leadership internally and externally, and engage academics, scientists, policy experts, and others to solve complex climate challenges.
• Ensure programmatic strategies and priorities are integrated with EDF federal programs and priorities.
• Engage with media to advance project objectives and communicate project results to a broad array of audiences.
• Work with EDF leadership and development officers to identify potential funding sources to secure the long-term success of the program. Review, craft and/or manage the programmatic contribution to funding proposals and reports.
• Serve as a mentor for staff and identify opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 8-10 years direct policy experience; advanced degree in law, science, public policy or other related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage teams toward the delivery of strong outcomes.
• Ability to use science, law, economics, and advocacy to initiate and win positive environmental change.
• Experience achieving results in policy.
• Knowledge of state and local energy and environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience and relationships in the region with state and federal energy and environmental agencies, state and local regulatory bodies, state legislatures and governor’s offices.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with nonprofit colleagues and partners, scientists, economists, industry, utilities, regulators and public policy decision makers.
• Ability to travel regionally, as permitted by COVID-19 travel guidelines.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.