Strategic Energy Projects Manager

~ The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is a peer-to-peer network of local government professionals from communities across the United States and Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment, economic prosperity, and increased social equity. ~

Our dynamic network enables sustainability directors and staff to share best practices and accelerate the application of good ideas across North America. USDN's work is member led and member driven. Members collectively determine what priorities they will focus on each year and lead the work to carry them out. 

USDN Mission: Connecting local government practitioners to accelerate urban sustainability in U.S. and Canadian communities.

USDN Vision: USDN governments are leading the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future by developing, adopting, and sharing practices that create equitable and prosperous communities and a healthy environment.

Position Overview

USDN, a project of Global Philanthropy Partnership, is seeking to hire a Strategic Projects Manager. This new position will help USDN members to advance their work and achieve impact through the unique member-driven approach of USDN. Strategic Projects Managers serve as thought partners with USDN members and partners in developing strategic priorities, identifying opportunities, cultivating collaborations, securing resources, and managing key projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an expert thought partner with USDN members and partners on designated issues, with an anticipated focus on building energy efficiency and renewable energy issues.
• Engage USDN members, partners, and funders as appropriate to strategically identify and cultivate new project, training, and support opportunities to help USDN members advance their work on a range of prioritized issues.
• Maintain relationships with USDN members and external partners to track and participate in key advancements and thinking in the field. Represent USDN member perspectives in strategic conversations.
• Provide project management and coordination as appropriate on various projects. USDN often collaborates with external partners to support the learning and work of USDN members. The role of USDN in each collaboration is determined on a custom basis.
• Collaborate with USDN members and staff to develop enhanced understanding of member interests, challenges, opportunities, and priorities on particular issues.
• Support USDN in identifying and curating examples of success stories and resources to share with the network to advance member learning. Collaborate in the process of identifying potential content and partners for USDN meetings, peer learning groups, and collaborative projects.
• Develop and contribute to internal and external communication tools to support member learning, and share information with external stakeholders to cultivate further support for the work and goals of USDN members.
• Support USDN members in establishing goals and mechanisms for measuring progress.
• Other tasks as assigned. USDN employs a lean and flexible organizational model.

Qualifications

• USDN is seeking a person who is well organized, resourceful, collaborative, and cooperative.
• Demonstrated expertise working on topics relevant to local government building energy and renewable energy issues.
• Additional experience working on topics relevant to local government sustainability leaders, including on issues related to: climate resilience, transportation, racial equity, community engagement, and municipal operations also desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years experience working with or for city government.
• Documented success at program management and partnership development.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree, or two additional years of relevant experience, preferred.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to excel in a self-directed work environment.
• Demonstrated experience with any or all of the following:
  • Meeting facilitation.
    Experience working at the intersection of local government, community, technical, policy, communications, and equity issues.
  • Experience with community-building and collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience with applying an equity-centered approach to addressing challenges and identifying and advancing ideas.
  • Management of budgets and contract / sub-contract relationships
  • Needs assessment and policy development.
  • Facilitation of peer knowledge exchange.
  • Training delivery.
  • Philanthropic relationships.
  • Meeting / event preparation.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter addressing the requirements of the position, resume, and three references by Friday, November 16.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.