Managing Director, Regional Programs

Managing Director, Regional Programs
Oceans Program
Washington, D.C.

For full job description see: http://cearecruiting.com/current_searches/current_searches.html

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, founded in 1967, 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 and where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, EDF is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Overall Function: The Managing Director, Regional Programs (Regional Programs Director) is responsible for providing oversight and support for EDF's regional oceans programs including those in the Gulf of Mexico, New England, South Atlantic, and Pacific. Specifically, the Regional Programs Director will supervise Regional Directors, establish and implement appropriate planning, accountability and adaptive management systems, maintain effectiveness, and ensure program focus. The Regional Programs Director will convene and participate actively in broad program planning to achieve effective follow-through on program objectives.

The Regional Programs Director will report to the Oceans Program Director and will work closely with other Oceans senior staff including the Vice-President for Oceans, the National Policy Director, the Director of Oceans Enterprise, the Communications Director, and the Operations Director. The Regional Programs Director will also work closely with other program, administrative, and development staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help ensure that program goals and milestones are achieved, fundraising responsibilities are addressed, and assist regional program directors in providing management and support to staff. To accomplish this, the Regional Programs Director's key responsibilities include:

o Participation in annual development of program goal setting, work plans, and areas of staff development.
o Determination of how best to track progress towards overall goals in cooperation with regional program directors. Contribution to performance evaluation process by providing feedback to program managers.
o Regular review of overall regional progress and identification and implementation (with assistance from others) of needed changes in strategy, resource allocation, tactics and staff development.
o Regular review of budget and expenses with program staff to ensure timely and appropriate use of approved resources.
o Assurance that a plan is in place to provide on-going development and mentoring for all staff and that all senior staff support and assist in this effort. This effort should help staff feel they are a valued part of the organization, understand how they can grow and develop within the organization and feel that their opinions are heard.

• Coordinate work across programs. The purpose of this responsibility is to facilitate better communication and coordination between programs, to flag and help regional program directors resolve potential conflicting objectives among programs and to identify and develop inter-program synergies. To accomplish this, the Regional Programs Director's key responsibilities include:

o Participation in the planning and implementation of appropriate program-wide knowledge sharing strategies.
o Identification of specific issues requiring cross-program coordination, especially with respect to external, ongoing, actions (e.g. positions on legislation or policy decisions, meetings or communications with high-ranking officials, communications with key external partners).
o Identification and development of inter-office synergies in response to funding opportunities or other external triggers.

• Fundraising opportunities. The Regional Programs Director will partner with the Oceans Program Director and the Vice President for Development in advancing fundraising opportunities. The goal is to build and sustain a strong regional development team. To accomplish this, the Regional Programs Director's key responsibilities include:

o Facilitation of regularly scheduled meetings with the development staff to identify ways for the program staff to better participate in the fundraising process.
o Coordination of contacts with regional donors and foundations in collaboration with the regional development staff.
o Development of effective protocols for transparent and increased access to foundations and donors in the regions and elsewhere with national Vice President of Development and staff..
o Assurance of timely completion of deliverables to funders, including proposals and reports.
o Assisting program staff, as necessary, in advancing fundraising opportunities.

• Communications. The Regional Programs Director will work with the senior Oceans Team to develop and implement an overall communications strategy for Oceans. To accomplish this, the Regional Programs Director's key responsibilities include:

o Development and maintenance of relationships with key influential actors in the oceans policy arena, key partners and stakeholders.
o Communication of EDF Oceans' views with academic, media, governmental and partner audiences.
o Participation in the development of key communications products, including articles and other publications.

• Strategic Planning and Vision. In conjunction with the senior Oceans team, the Regional Programs Director will work to refine and expand the Oceans program strategic plans.
Desired Qualifications and Experience: This is an outstanding opportunity for an innovative and politically savvy leader with strong marine, scientific, legal or other professional credentials to help shape a distinctive program in an internationally prominent organization. The position requires vision, excellent managerial skills, and a commitment to Environmental Defense Fund's mission and approach.

Environmental Defense Fund anticipates that the Regional Programs Director will be an individual who has significant exposure to and interest in policy making and public education and a track record that demonstrates their credibility and capacity to earn respect within the marine conservation community. The individual will also need to be unusually strong and experienced in the policy arena. It is preferred that all candidates have experience working on conservation issues and have experience in interdisciplinary research and the interface of science and public policy.

An ideal candidate will bring the following professional experience and personal characteristics:

• Ph.D., JD, or other graduate degree and professional standing in a discipline related to environmental science, law or policy is strongly preferred.
• At least seven years of relevant experience.
• Strong political skills with a track record of building non-partisan alliances. A sophisticated understanding of public policy.
• Strategic ability and big-picture problem-solving capacity. Experience with strategies that involve economic and market-based solutions to environmental challenges will be a distinct advantage.
• Managerial experience. The ability to lead professionals in a collegial and team-centered manner. An outgoing operating style.
• Public presence. Strong communications skills and the experience and inclination to be an effective, outgoing spokesperson for Environmental Defense. A wide network of contacts.
• Fund raising experience. Current contacts with funders would be an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal skills, particularly in communicating scientific matters to lay audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills including flexibility and the ability to listen, negotiate, and collaborate. The ability to operate in the spotlight without insisting on it.
• Intelligence, creativity, energy, patience, and a sense of humor.

Location: There is a strong preference that this position be based in Washington, DC

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and salary requirements in confidence to

Melissa Clack
Search Coordinator
Environmental Defense Fund
Email: EDFManagingDirector@cearecruiting.com
Web: www.environmentaldefense.org

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.

(August 22, 2008)