director of environmental projects

Environmental Initiative is a nonprofit organization that works with business, nonprofit, and government leaders to develop collaborative solutions to Minnesota’s environmental problems.

position summary

The director of environmental projects is a senior-level management position with primary responsibility for Environmental Initiative’s air quality and emission reduction work. The director will:

• Provide strategic leadership and integration for the organization’s air quality work, including: development of long-term and overarching strategy; integration of multiple air-related projects such as Clean Air Minnesota and Project Green Fleet; and coordination of the staff team working on air projects.
• Manage Clean Air Minnesota, the state’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and partnership on air quality. More information on Clean Air Minnesota’s history and the current Clean Air Dialogue is available on our website.
• Lead in the development, design and funding of new projects designed to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
• Supervise project staff including regular assistance and guidance to ensure needs and goals are met; evaluate staff performance on an annual basis.

The director of environmental projects will work closely with Environmental Initiative’s staff, facilitator for Clean Air Minnesota, board, funders, and other partners. The position reports to Environmental Initiative’s executive director.

essential duties and responsibilities

Project Development, Design, and Fundraising

• Develop and maintain a diverse network of strong relationships between individuals from the environmental nonprofit, government, and business communities.
• Track emerging air quality issues and engage staff, board members, and external stakeholders to identify and develop new Environmental Initiative projects to reduce emissions.
• Work with the chief financial officer and other project staff to develop viable business models and budgets for projects.
• Cultivate new and existing relationships with potential corporate, foundation and government funders, and collaborate with the executive director, development director, and grantwriter to secure funding for air quality projects.

Project Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage projects including design, workplan, budget, environmental outcomes, team members, and evaluation.
• Work in partnership with the facilitator for Clean Air Minnesota’s working group on dialogue strategy, meeting planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve as primary liaison to external partners on major air quality projects.
• Work with communications manager, executive director and other staff to plan and execute project communications.
• Provide project reports and updates to the executive director and the Environmental Initiative Board of Directors, as needed.
• Coordinate with other Environmental Initiative staff to integrate air projects with long-term air quality strategy and within the organization’s larger work.
• Regularly convene staff members working on air-related projects to coordinate activities, to find opportunities for synergy and to further strategic goals.

Supervision, Organizational Strategy, and Support

• Directly supervise project managers and project associates at Environmental Initiative.
• Serve as a member of the management team; collaborating with executive director and other senior staff to develop and implement organizational strategy.
• Support other projects managed by other Environmental Initiative staff, including working at events.
• Support Environmental Initiative general operating activities, including communications and fundraising.

experience and education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• At least six years managing complex environmental projects, including budgets and project teams
• Direct experience in developing new projects or programs and in fundraising from foundation, corporate, or government sources
• Experience working in collaborative, cross sector environments to facilitate conversations or solve problems among individuals with diverse perspectives
• Experience building and directing projects with diverse funding sources and cross sector partnerships
• Highly skilled and effective communicator comfortable with meeting facilitation, public speaking, and written communications
• Creative problem solver and entrepreneurial spirit
• Supervisory experience and preference for working in teams
• Proficient with Mac computer systems and Microsoft Office

to apply

Send or email your cover letter and resume to:

Mike Harley
Executive Director
Environmental Initiative
211 North First Street, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55401
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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be open until filled.