Climate Program Manager - U.S.

What does climate change have to do with endangered species? Global warming is the single greatest threat to wildlife today, particularly endangered species that cannot adapt at the pace of our rapidly changing climate. Evidence shows that China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gasses (GHGs). With rapid economic growth and urban development, it is estimated that there will be 1 billion urban dwellers in China by 2030 and approximately 250 million middle class consumers entering the market over the next 10-15 years, driving continued increases in energy consumption and GHG emissions. The United States is the next largest offender, with its 4% of the global population accounting for 25% of global GHG emissions.

Wildaid has created the “5 To Do Today” campaign to influence attitudes, inspire behavioral change and create support for climate action.  WildAid believes that individuals can make a significant, collective impact by modifying their daily routines to reduce their individual environmental footprint.

THE POSITION:

The Climate Program Manager will ensure the successful implementation of the “5 To Do Today” campaign in China and the U.S. Reporting to the Managing Director and based in San Francisco, the Climate Program Manager is responsible for identifying, cultivating and securing sources of funding, developing the overall campaign initiative, conducting research, creating strategies for roll out and measurement of the campaign’s effectiveness. From establishing goals and success factors to developing project plans and growing the budget from $400,000 to $1,000,000 by getting buy-in from key stakeholders and potential donors, the Climate Program Manager will balance overall program management, cost, and scope.

The Climate Program Manager will provide leadership, technical expertise, and guidance to staff, volunteers, potential partners, and donors on all aspects of the program. The role will work extremely collaboratively

KEY PRIORITIES

CHINA CAMPAIGN

The initial focus is to expand WildAid’s “5 To Do Today” campaign in China. Currently WildAid reaches over 1 billion consumers across 35 different platforms through over 50 media partnerships. Leveraging this media strength and the demonstrated strong political will in China, there is a great opportunity to build relationships and partnerships for massive campaign impact in China.  The “5 To Do Today” campaign in China is growing, with significant support from celebrity ambassadors, and our current priority is scaling its impact with additional partnerships.

FUNDRAISING

As the lead on the campaign, the Climate Program Manager will leverage his/her sector knowledge to ensure that all program initiatives are aligned and funded. This will include identifying and soliciting potential partners across the U.S. and potentially internationally, as well as preparing supporting materials, writing reports, and grant–writing.

STRATEGIC CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION

The Climate Program Manager will have significant autonomy to develop and implement a business plan for the campaign and a vision for its growth potential. Skilled program management for successful implementation internationally is key. The Climate Program Manager will rely on his/her technical expertise to introduce evaluation tools that will accurately measure and communicate campaign effectiveness against climate change program goals.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Climate Program Manager will need to quickly grasp WildAid’s approach. Being able to fully embrace the power of the media to create awareness, excitement, partnerships, events, and more ambassadors is a priority for the success of the program.

KEY COMPETENCIES & IDEAL PROFILE

• We seek a passionate, experienced team player committed to WildAid’s mission to end the illegal wildlife trade. Since WildAid is a global organization undergoing rapid growth, this individual must be independent- minded and entrepreneurial, possessing the highest degree of integrity. Self-motivated and driven to get things done, the ideal candidate is an excellent, proactive communicator and successful collaborator with stakeholders internally and externally.
• Ideally, candidates will have spent part of their career working in the area of international conservation. Experience in international program management is an asset. As an effective project manager, the Climate Program Manager is able to remain organized and calm when under pressure.
• The successful candidate will have worked with senior-level stakeholders, such as Board Directors, grant-making organizations, and country directors, to secure commitments and manage execution against campaign objectives.
• The successful candidate should have experience raising funds and/or have knowledge of where to direct media and producing creative content that aligns strategically with campaign goals. This individual will need to succeed in multicultural settings. The successful candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity and welcome the opportunity to work in a dynamic, nimble, start-up-like environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate should have a minimum of 5 years related work experience in a climate change, environmental, or alternative energy organization or company in relevant positions of increasing scope and responsibility. Must possess independence, excellent people skills, and personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to WildAid’s mission. Proven experience working for an international organization in a similar capacity and fundraising is highly desired. A Bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree is a plus. Spoken Mandarin and experience in grant writing and corporate partnerships are desirable. A background in media, communications, public relations, new media, marketing, advertising, orexperience in television/video production is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

WildAid is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For immediate consideration, please address a cover letter and resume in single PDF or Word format to Tessa McMullen at mcmullen@wildaid.org.