The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a global, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., working to improve environmental sustainability, human health, and resilience in the built environment through its programs and rating systems including LEED. Today, people in over 150 countries and territories live, work, and learn in LEED certified buildings, communities, and cities that protect health, climate, and natural resources, and enhance quality of life.
The Center for Green Schools is a global leader in advancing green schools and providing schools and school districts with what they need to create sustainable, healthy, resilient, and equitable learning environments. We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and wellness, prepare them for green careers, and support a thriving planet.
The Program Director, Air Quality and Climate Action is accountable for the success of a five-year, EPA-funded effort to improve indoor air quality and reduce carbon emissions in U.S. school systems. The funded effort seeks to build capacity among school district staff in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities to establish and put into practice indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions plans by connecting school district peers regionally, providing focused coaching and professional development, providing mini-grant funding to overcome initial barriers to action, making training and education widely accessible to staff, and ensuring that more members of the workforce have experience with successful IAQ and GHG planning within school systems. The individual will manage all program staff, set strategy for meeting the stated outputs and outcomes of the grant, ensure proper project controls, and report on progress. Over time, the individual will grow, strengthen, and continually evaluate and improve the program to achieve the most successful outcomes.
Specific Responsibilities:
- With the Center for Green Schools director, set overall strategy for school district engagement and outreach.
- Manage reporting to the EPA about program outputs/outcomes, contracts, and finances.
- Coordinate regular meetings of the Program Advisory Group and the Technical Advisory Group to provide input on the program’s direction and create buy-in from the non-profit and research communities.
- Hire, train, onboard, and manage five regional coordinators to execute program objectives.
- Ensure regional coordinators meet goals for regional school district network participation, fellowship program support, local training events, and school district staff actions to improve IAQ and GHG emissions.
- Oversee regional coordinators’ hiring and management of Climate Corps Fellows and year-long interns.
- With the Center for Green Schools director, set strategy for national events (online and in-person) and publications to benefit school district staff and meet program objectives. Manage execution of events and publications by team members and/or contractors.
- Administer and analyze feedback surveys, focus groups, and other feedback tools to program participants and fellows/interns to ensure the program is achieving its aims.
- In coordination with other members of the Center for Green Schools team, fundraise to support and expand programs.
- Collect, organize, and communicate stories and data from the field, with assistance from the Center’s communications and marketing staff/contractors.
- Communicate the benefits of green schools to school decision-makers, including speaking at conferences and other public events.
- Manage relationships with program partners and consultants to fulfill scope of work and deliverables of the grant.
Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Extensive experience with and in-depth knowledge of day-to-day operational needs of K12 schools or school districts and knowledge of the sustainable built environment
- Minimum 10 years of work experience; experience in business development, organizational sustainability, organizational change management, or a related field
- Experience managing employees, preferably remote employees
- Willingness to become a LEED Green Associate within first 3 months
- Attention to detail and ability to organize workflow to achieve progress on many fronts
- Very strong organizational and project management skills
- An entrepreneurial, creative self-starter
- Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills
- Ability to connect with people and build relationships with organizations interested and invested in the mission of the Center for Green Schools
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Software skills including Microsoft Office products
Other Required Skills:
- Experience with federal grant management and reporting strongly preferred
- Experience leading or guiding efforts to improve indoor air quality and/or reduce carbon emissions at an organization is preferred
- Masters’ degree preferred
- LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Credential preferred
- Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated interest, through coursework and/or workplace experience, in K12 education and/or the design of educational environments
Details:
- Full Time, salaried, benefits-eligible, exempt status
- Grant-funded position currently funded until 9/30/2029
- Location: 2101 L Street NW, Washington, DC (remote position is acceptable)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in relevant time zone, 40 hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends
- Travel – upon request and approval
- USGBC is an equal opportunity employer
Benefits
Employees work for an established mission-based and member-driven nonprofit organization with a compelling vision, non-profit competitive compensation commensurate with experience and skill level, generous benefits package, 401k matching and comprehensive health insurance.
The headquarters office is a LEED Platinum commercial interior space in a LEED certified building in the LEED Platinum certified central business district in the first LEED Platinum certified city, Washington, DC. The office serves as an example for green design and construction products and practices. It is close to public transportation and incorporates many healthy and environmentally friendly features.
