Forum for the Future is a project of Tides Center
The mission of Forum for the Future
Forum for the Future is a non-profit organization working globally with business and government to create a sustainable future. We aim to transform the critical systems that we all depend on, such as food, energy and finance, to make them fit for the challenges of the 21st century. We have over 17 years’ experience inspiring new thinking, building creative partnerships and developing practical innovations to change our world. We opened our New York office in late 2010.
Overview of the position
Reporting to the Director, Forum for the Future US, the Principal Sustainability Advisor will deliver strategic sustainability advice to leading US and international businesses as well as managing consortia funded projects. This position has a particular focus on futures work.
The role is externally facing and highly visible – the expectation is that over 60% of time is spent on delivery of sustainability advice, with the remaining time divided between business development (with an annual target of $160k), communications and contributing to internal discussions and processes at Forum.
The person holding this role will be expected to play a key role in the development of new business and should have a track record in winning funded work.
Travel both nationally and internationally will be required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US.
Required Competencies
- Commitment - understanding of, and a commitment to, the mission and values of Forum for the Future
- Business development - able to scope out new projects based on partners needs and sustainability outcomes and secure funding
- Project management– 5+ years’ experience of project management, including large complex projects with a variety of stakeholders.
- Experienced facilitator – able to design, lead and facilitate workshops and deliver training sessions & seminars
- General sustainability knowledge – broad understanding of sustainability issues and sustainability as a strategic driver for business. A good working knowledge of the current policy, regulatory and commercial drivers and development processes affecting the uptake of sustainable development in the US and beyond. Well read on sustainability.
- Communications - able to produce and contribute to a wide range of outputs (for example business plans, consultancy reports, letters, articles, memos, briefs and presentations) to tight deadlines and to consistently high standard
- Enthusiasm – be a passionate advocate for change and communicate enthusiasm for change across a variety of audiences
- Organization and planning – able to plan, organize, schedule and budget in an efficient, productive manner. Focus on key priorities.
- Proactive – able to act without being told what to do, and bring in new ideas.
SPECIALITIES
- Detailed knowledge of futures techniques - with a proven track record in delivering projects using scenario-building, horizon-scanning and back-casting techniques to develop sustainable strategy.
- Practical experience of strategy planning techniques such as roadmapping, action planning, business planning etc.
Additionally:
- Systems thinking & systems mapping skills: A working knowledge of the theory and practice of creating change at the systems level is desirable, with a working knowledge of systems mapping techniques and tools for mapping advantageous, and would be considered as an alternative to experience of futures techniques.
Compensation
Salary in range of $60,565 - $65,487 commensurate with experience. Full-time employees receive an excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, and 18 days’ vacation in year 1, rising to 23 days from year 2 onwards (with 11 days public holidays).
Equal opportunities
Forum for the Future, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities.
Click to download the job description.
To apply: please send your resume and a covering letter detailing how you meet the qualifications and experience to Helen Saunders at recruitment@forumforthefuture.org.
Closing date: Weds 15th Jan
First interviews: tbc
Second interviews: tbc
Final interviews: tbc