Principal Sustainability Advisor, Sustainable Business - Forum for the Future US

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

We are looking for a talented person to join our growing US team. The position we have available would be responsible for delivering strategic sustainability advice to leading US and international businesses as well as managing consortia funded projects.

The role is externally facing and highly visible – the expectation is that approximately 60% - 65% 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 successful candidate 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
• 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.
• Experienced facilitator – able to lead and facilitate workshops and deliver training sessions & seminars
• Project management– experience of project management, including large complex projects with a variety of stakeholders.
• 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

Desirable but not required competencies:

Please note: we are interested in any one or combination of the below competencies but do not require candidates to have all to apply:

• Systems knowledge: a working knowledge of the sustainability issues in the Food system
• Futures: skills and experience in futures techniques, including foresight
• techniques such as scenario-building, creating visions and trends analysis
• Sustainable business strategy and implementation knowledge: practical experience of strategy planning techniques such as roadmapping, action planning, business planning etc.
• 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

Compensation

Salary in range of $63,420 - $73,036 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 Sophie Kennedy at recruitment@forumforthefuture.org.