Head of Programs

We are on a mission to help solve humanity’s biggest challenges through the adoption of biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) in education, culture, and industry.

For eons, nature has solved its problems with well-adapted designs, life-friendly chemistry, and smart material and energy use. We exist to shine a light on nature’s genius, and bridge pressing design challenges with proven biological strategies for a better future.

Our initiatives across education, innovation, inspiration, and systems change have empowered thousands with the tools and training necessary to create a healthier world, and to improve their lives in the process. To amplify our impact, we unite a global network of educators, innovators, changemakers, scientists, and others passionate about solving environmental and social challenges through nature-inspired design.

Note: The Biomimicry Institute is a fully remote organization.  However, preferred candidates would reside in California, New York or Washington.  Other locations, including global may be considered.  As part of the application process, please submit a letter of interest.  Applications missing this information will not be considered. 

Job Purpose

The Head of Programs is an exciting new role for the Institute and develops, oversees, scales, and evaluates the Biomimicry Institute's programs (currently Ray of Hope Accelerator, AskNature, AskNature Hive including co-labs, events and learning, D4T and other emerging programs). They are responsible for ensuring that the programs achieve our strategic plan goals, impact and outcomes as well as any grant commitments. They lead and empower a diverse program team to work collaboratively with clear performance management processes, and as a senior leader in the Institute can represent the programs externally with confidence and enthusiasm. Their enthusiasm for the reconnection of people and nature through innovation and inspiration is contagious.

Essential Functions

• Lead the Institute’s programs and program team to deliver on the outcomes identified in the strategic plan.
• Work with the CEO to initiate, ideate and launch new programs.
• Lead partner relationships that relate to program initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships.
• Ensure programs are responsive to participant and community needs and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.
• Support the Development team in writing grants and reports and initiating and connecting to new leads.  
• Work with the Communications team to amplify program achievements and thought leadership.
• Speak on behalf of the Institute to represent the programs at key external events with global and national travel expected.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Finance and Administration to develop and manage the program budget and evaluate program spending and financial forecasting.

Management:

• Be a key part of the Institute’s leadership team and help to create and maintain an inclusive, transparent and collaborative culture. 
• Ensure the program team has the processes, resources and communication needed to be successful in managing and coordinating all programs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related science or design field, such as environmental science, biology, architecture and urban planning, engineering or general science. A Master’s degree in a related field such as design/architecture, sustainability, biomimicry, entrepreneurship, policy or non-profit leadership is also desirable.
• 10-15 years of success in leading strategic impact programs that relate to the Institute’s programs, at least partly within a non-profit setting, with a preference for start-up and investor/accelerator and innovation experience:
• Self-starter, who has experience in growing, starting and scaling programs.
• Entrepreneurial and innovation experience is a plus.                                              
• Experience in managing high performing, culturally rich remote teams of 10+ people across multiple program initiatives
• Developing and managing budgets of $1million+ and creating and operationalizing strategic program plans. 
• Demonstrated experience in scaling platforms such as AskNature through AI, incubating innovative start-ups and building communities of practice.

Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

• Ability to actively cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with coworkers, management, board members and clients.
• Employs anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Incorporates an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens into TBI programs.
• Teaches using equitable and inclusive pedagogy.

Skills/Abilities:

• 10-15 years of experience that is directly related to our three program areas: AskNature, Ray of Hope and the AskNature Hive community together with demonstrated knowledge of Biomimicry and nature-inspired design and innovation.
• Confident, energetic, and dedicated to the mission of the Biomimicry Institute.
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Keeps track of responsibilities and meets deadlines and goals.
• Adaptable—manages a constantly changing remote work environment; learns to collaborate with geographically dispersed new team members, etc.
• Clear, direct, and succinct writer and verbal presenter.
• Self-sufficient—takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision
• Strong communication and relationship building skills. Ensures every team member is given a chance to speak. Demonstrates the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings (social sensitivity). Respectfully engages in disagreements. Keeps team members informed/updated. Is a good active listener who understands what’s being asked of them and the priorities of various tasks.
• Comfortable learning and using the digital tools the Biomimicry Institute uses—with little to no assistance, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools. QuickBooks, G-Suite, Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with Excel required. Virtual meeting software, Asana, Box, Slack, and Zoom are helpful.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Activities that occur constantly are communicating effectively with others to exchange information; assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds in all directions.

Work Environment (Remote)

• The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Duties are performed in a home workspace. Employees are expected to maintain their home workspace in a safe manner, free from safety hazards.
• May require up to 20% national and/or international travel.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The Biomimicry Institute may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. 

Compensation

Applicants from states with salary band posting requirements:  Salary is determined based on internal equity; internal salary ranges; market data/ranges; applicant’s skills; prior relevant experience; degrees or certifications, etc. The salary for this position ranges from $100,000 - $115,000.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and a cover letter.

**We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Even if you don’t think you are a perfect fit, apply anyway - you might have qualifications we haven’t even thought of yet.**

The Biomimicry Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and consideration of all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or any other legally protected category.