With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, 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.
EDF's Natural Gas Project
Natural gas is an important and growing part of our nation’s energy portfolio. It could be a win-win, if--and this is a big "if"--we do it the right way. The "right way" entails putting tough rules in place that lock in mandatory environmental safeguards to protect communities and reduce methane pollution, which undermines natural gas’ role as a lower carbon alternative to coal and oil. EDF is taking a leading role to ensure that natural gas provides real and sustained greenhouse gas benefits without harming the environment or health of the communities where gas development and delivery occurs.
EDF has a long history of fighting for clean air to protect public health and the environment, at the state level and nationally. Within our Natural Gas Program, a key strategic priority is to reduce methane emissions below 1% across the natural gas supply chain in order to maximize the climate benefits of natural gas, reinforcing the environmental and public health argument for closing coal plants and the desirability of using natural gas to heat our homes and businesses.
Overall Function
Under the direction of the Air Policy Director, US Climate and Energy Program, the Manager, Natural Gas Distribution Projects will implement a new initiative to reduce methane pollution from local gas distribution systems. This individual will manage a portfolio of pilot projects and/or advocacy objectives in up to 10 utility service territories around the country, with active involvement of senior EDF legal, policy, scientific and technical staff and external experts and company partners.
The Manager will play a critical role in this project’s success, engaging government, utility company, academic and technology partners to carry out scientific, technical and policy projects to quantify methane leakage from natural gas distribution systems and advance policy solutions to accelerate reduction of these emissions. He/she will be responsible for managing day-to-day relationships with partners; managing project schedules, budgets and deliverables; implementing state advocacy strategies; identifying and solving problems and removing obstacles; and maintaining strong internal and external communication.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and manage relationships among external partners, including state government officials (particularly public utility/public service commissions and their staff), utility companies, technology providers, and scientists, with the goal ensuring that project results are scientifically and technically rigorous, solution-oriented, actionable, and timely.
Manage projects by overseeing budgets and schedules for work being carried out externally and internally, developing work plans, negotiating project agreements and scopes of work, identifying and procuring necessary resources, project work and deliverables.
Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders (including EDF’s in-house policy and legal teams) to develop and pursue policy and regulatory solutions for minimizing methane leaks.
Partner with other EDF project leads, particularly the Office of the Chief Scientist and our state leads, to align objectives and priorities and maintain productive internal communication. Note that the Manager will collaborate closely with the internal team managing the EDF-Google Mapping Project.
Host and facilitate frequent conference calls and meetings with internal and external partners.
Work with team to create and maintain key indices and measures of project success.
In addition to these responsibilities, play an integral role in supporting activities including collaborating with fundraising and communications teams, evaluating and recommending new project ideas; disseminating and communicating project results, and being a team player within a vibrant and entrepreneurial organization.
Qualifications
We are seeking an experienced manager with a background in the energy or utility business, government and/or research/academia sectors. Qualifications for this position include:
Approximately, five years’ experience in the corporate, public, consulting, academic or non-profit sectors, including demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and external partnerships to achieve program goals. Previous experience working for or with a utility company or public utility commission – or other regulated industry -- is strongly desired.
Master’s degree in environmental studies/science or other science or technical field is a plus. Law degrees and degrees in public policy/administration, business or economics will also be considered, as will candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant professional work experience, as described above.
Previous experience managing research, technical projects, or gas utility advocacy desired.
Previous experience managing budgets and complex, multi-sectorial teams is a plus.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to translate highly technical/scientific information for non-experts. A writing sample and/or sample work product will be required as part of the interview process.
Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience.
Strong analytical skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
An ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.
Location This position will be located in New York, NY.
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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