Manager, Natural Gas Distribution Projects

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 Program

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 Project Director, US Climate and Energy Program, and in close collaboration with EDF’s Office of the Chief Scientist, 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 in up to 5 cities around the country, with active involvement of senior EDF scientific and technical staff and external scientific experts and company partners.  The initial projects will be located in New York and New Jersey.

The Manager will play a critical role in this project’s success, engaging academic, technology, government and utility company partners to carry out scientific studies in order to quantify methane leakage from natural gas distribution systems and design policy solutions to accelerate reduction of these emissions. He/she will be responsible for managing day-to-day contact and relationships with our academic and utility partners, including defining objectives, creating schedules, and overseeing quality and consistency throughout the project, minimizing project risks, and securing and monitoring budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the project 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.
• Develop and manage relationships among external partners, including academic scientists and utility companies, with the goal ensuring that project results meet the highest scientific standards, and are solution-oriented, actionable, and timely.
• Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders (including EDF’s in-house policy and legal teams) to pursue policy and regulatory solutions for minimizing methane leaks.
• Partner with other EDF project leaders to align objectives and priorities and maintain productive internal communication.
• Host and facilitate frequent strategic calls and meetings with internal and external partners.
• Guide and mentor staff, interns, and consultants to achieve project goals, identifying solutions when challenges and roadblocks emerge.
• 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 research/science-focused professional background in the energy or utility business, government and/or research/academia sectors. Qualifications for this position include:

• Master’s/PhD degree in environmental studies/science or other science or technical degree is strongly preferred.  Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with substantial relevant professional work experience, as described below, will also be considered.
• Previous experience conducting scientific research and/or managing science, research or technical projects.
• Approximately, five years’ experience in the corporate, public, academic or non-profit sectors, including demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and partnerships to achieve program goals.  Previous experience working for or with a utility company or public utility commission – or other regulated industry -- is a plus.
• 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-scientists.  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.