Deputy Director

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is the world’s first and largest climate organization focused on serving local governments. Partly due to our work over the last 34 years, the United Nations has formally elevated the role of local governments in solving the climate crisis. ICLEI is powerfully positioned to continue this work with a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. We are active in 125+ countries and we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development. Our members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships, and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.

This position is with ICLEI USA, the United States office of ICLEI. Our mission is to build and serve a nationwide alliance of local governments, participating in the ICLEI worldwide association, to achieve measurable progress towards more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable forms of development and management. ICLEI USA serves a network of more than 500 U.S. local and regional governments and Tribal Nations. We are known for our expertise in emissions management and accounting, resilience-building and climate adaptation, nature-based development and more. At ICLEI USA, our actions and inquisitiveness, our personal commitments and collaboration, create an environment in which we share our perspectives and support others to do the same. Our inclusive culture empowers all of us to connect, belong, and grow.

THE OPPORTUNITY

ICLEI USA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Director of Programs to oversee the implementation and success of various climate action projects. This role involves managing multiple pathways — including decarbonization, resilience, circular economy, and nature-based development — while supporting ICLEI’s mission to foster sustainable urban development. The Deputy Director will be responsible for managing cross-functional teams, ensuring project alignment with strategic goals, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Deputy Director will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of ICLEI’s various pathways, ensuring that ICLEI effectively responds to member needs in areas such as decarbonization, resilience, circular economy, climate equity, and nature-based development. The role requires strong subject-matter expertise in at least one of these pathways with a proven track record of effective people and project management, ensuring that all ICLEI products and services maintain high quality and relevance to support local government practices. Key responsibilities include identifying and pursuing opportunities for organizational growth, contributing to strategic planning, and creating funding opportunities to advance ICLEI’s mission. The Deputy Director will manage cross-functional teams, oversee project execution to ensure timely delivery within scope and budget, and monitor financial performance. They will also identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Additionally, the role involves improving project workflows, tracking performance, and communicating progress and challenges to both internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Deputy Director position must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Uban Planning, Environmental Planning or Science, Public Policy, or a related field. Additionally, the candidate should have at least 10 years of experience in advancing climate action and adaptation initiatives. This experience should include working with private firms/consultants, local governments, nonprofit organizations, or similar entities to drive impactful change in climate resilience, decarbonization, and sustainable urban development. Proven leadership, people and project management, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential for success in this role. Incumbent is expected to have:

• Advanced knowledge of, or experience working with, local governments on sustainability, climate adaptation, and climate change mitigation.
• Experience in developing and managing contracts, federal grant applications, and philanthropic proposals.
• Expertise in budget management and financial oversight for projects and proposals.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a remote environment.
• Proven skills in team-building, development, and conflict resolution.
• Strong delegation skills and ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.

LOCATION AND COMPENSATION

This position is fully remote (employee must be based in the United States), with an annual salary range between $110,000 and $130,000. ICLEI offers a comprehensive employee benefits package. As a full-time, exempt employee, you will be eligible for benefits in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions of ICLEI’s plans and programs.

Benefits Include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: ICLEI covers 80% of the monthly premium for employees and their dependents. Insurance is provided through Anthem (medical and vision) and Delta Dental.
• Retirement Savings: Participation in ICLEI USA’s Simple IRA program, with a 2% employer contribution based on your gross salary each pay period.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays:
  • PTO is accrued at the following rates:
    • Up to 3 years of employment: 4 hours per pay period (8 hours per month)
    • 3 to 5 years of employment: 6.33 hours per pay period (12.66 hours per month)
    • Over 5 years of employment: 8 hours per pay period (16 hours per month)
  • Generous holiday schedule, including:
    • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2024
    • Memorial Day: May 27, 2024
    • Juneteenth: June 19, 2024
    • Independence Day: July 4, 2024
    • Labor Day: September 2, 2024
    • Thanksgiving: November 28-29, 2024
    • Winter Break: December 23, 2024, through January 3, 2025 (2 weeks)
  • Additionally, employees can use 16 hours of paid time off to observe other civic or religious holidays as they see fit.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time on Nov 1st, 2024. All applications should be sent in PDF format and only via email to the following address:         iclei-usa@iclei.org

An application should include the following materials:  

• Letter of application
• Full resume
• At least three, but not more than five, references with contact information