Midwest Regional Director

~ CALSTART ‘s mission is to support and grow the clean transportation industry, and by doing so make the air healthy to breathe, prevent climate change, strengthen the nation, and create jobs by growing the clean transportation technology industry. With more than 25 years of experience, CALSTART is recognized nationally and internationally as an effective industry catalyst organization. ~

CALSTART’s member companies are diverse and include Eaton, Tesla Motors, UPS, Ford, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Kenworth, General Motors, Meritor and AxleTech. CALSTART focuses its work in four major initiatives: cars, buses, trucks (and non-road vehicles), and fuels. CALSTART advances each of these sectors by supporting technology development, assessing and validating new technologies and products, accelerating market growth by supporting clean vehicle incentive programs, providing policy guidance and implementation, and giving valued-added services to its member organizations.

CALSTART is a national organization with multiple offices in several states. We believe now is our time and we are planning for growth. If you want a career where you are making a real impact and benefiting both society and the environment, you should consider coming to work for CALSTART.

Position Overview

CALSTART has an immediate opening for a highly-motivated person to join our team to manage complex technology projects, develop business opportunities, support member companies and represent CALSTART in the Midwest region.

This is an exciting time for building the clean transportation technology industry and in doing so creating new jobs, improving air quality, and preventing climate change.  The Midwest Regional Director will play a leading role in working with established automotive and truck makers, suppliers and start-ups in the Midwest, in supporting the High-Efficiency Truck Users Forum (HTUF) and in expanding CALSTART’s presence in the region.

Note: The full-time position is in a new office Southeastern Michigan - thus the successful candidate would ideally be in Southeastern Michigan and be willing to travel in support of projects in the Midwest region.

In the Midwest region, CALSTART is currently managing programs to develop dual-use high-efficiency vehicle technologies of value to commercial and military users, working to advance connected and automated vehicle technologies and address cybersecurity concerns, providing clean vehicle purchase incentives to fleets, helping grow the supply chain for advanced vehicle components and working to demonstrate zero- and near-zero emission buses. The organization sees significant opportunities to work with its member companies and partners in the Midwest to expand the production and use of cleaner and lower carbon cars, trucks, buses, and fuels.

One of the main activities the successful candidate will undertake is managing specific technical and project activities related to the HTUF program. This program is funded by the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) located at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan.  Current HTUF activities are focused on vehicle electrification, connected and automated vehicle technology development and demonstration, and raising the awareness of vehicle cybersecurity issues.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have excellent written communication skills, and significant experience in technical analysis, research, grant writing, program management and coordination, client relations, and outreach. Knowledge of key policy and political leaders in the Midwest would be extremely valuable, as would strong familiarity with the automotive industry and advanced technologies for trucks, buses and cars. Successful candidates must have a positive “can do” attitude and think quickly on his or her feet. We want someone with a passion for CALSTART’s mission and for making a difference, who can anticipate and fulfill project partner needs, and supports an environment that promotes inclusiveness and team-building.

Responsibilities

We seek a Midwest Regional Director who can proactively lead company activities in the Midwest, manage existing projects, and create new ones. He or she will have the necessary technical skills to play a direct and active role in supporting and ideally managing a variety of advanced transportation projects and should be able to perform the following tasks with strong competency:

• Managing programs and establishing relationships;
• Investigating and pursuing new business opportunities in the Midwest area that leverage CALSTART experience and expertise;
• Conducting research and technical analysis;
• Producing high quality reports;
• Developing and writing proposals;
• Organizing and leading meetings that engage stakeholders; and
• Making presentation before small and large groups.

Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree with ten (10) or more years of work experience, preferably with strong transportation and/or military vehicle technology industries.
• The candidate will have a strong technical, analytical or engineering background and can demonstrate a high competency level with technologies and technical issues.
• A high degree of proficiency in writing and communications are essential.
• Candidates must have the capability of presenting to and working with diverse stakeholder groups.
• The candidate must display personal initiative and be driven by a passion for the clean transportation industry.
• It is essential that the candidate be well organized and have impressive program management capabilities.
• The candidate should be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of applications, with a high degree of competence in using spreadsheets.
• The candidate will be able to work on their own for significant periods and potentially supervise staff as when new opportunities arise.
• The successful applicant would assist in establishing a new CALSTART office in the Southeastern Michigan area and will have a willingness and ability to travel in and around the Midwest area (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana) to manage, pursue, and develop projects.

The following Additional Skills and Experience are highly preferred, will be viewed favorably & provide an advantage:

• A strong network of relevant industry and government contacts in the Midwest.
• Specific knowledge of and expertise with advanced transportation technologies and fuels.
• Knowledge and experience working with commercial and/or military vehicle technology development and demonstration programs.
• Knowledge of Life-Cycle Cost Analysis, Financial Analysis, or Economic Modeling.
• An advanced degree.
• Experience managing government contracts and programs.
• Certificate or training in program management.

Compensation and Benefits

CALSTART offers a strong compensation package. In addition to a competitive salary, CALSTART currently offers employees a company-paid health plan including dental and vision care. The compensation plan also includes a retirement plan equivalent to 8 percent of the annual salary. CALSTART allows for flexible work hours as appropriate, and provides funding for transit. The organization also has a strong interest in employee growth and skills development.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this position along with their resume. A salary history is also requested. Applicants should send their information to Margaret DeGuzman.

Note: Applicant should send their responses in email form only.

~ CALSTART, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. As such, CALSTART offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. ~