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Senior Director, CaliforniaFIRST Pilot

Title: Senior Director, CaliforniaFIRST Pilot
Reports to: CEO/Executive Director
Direct Reports: CaliforniaFIRST Pilot staff
Status: Full-time, Exempt

Position Overview

Provides leadership and supervision for program activities to implement the CaliforniaFIRST Pilot project on behalf of Ecology Action. The project has been funded by the California Energy Commission to generate a significant increase in adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy products, services and practices throughout California, www.californiafirst.org. Under the general direction of the CEO/ED, the position manages a 2-year project budget of $16.5M, approximately $5M of which is allocated to EA expenses. The project team will expand in the next few months to include 10-15 dedicated positions—some at satellite locations—and several lateral and shared positions.

The position is responsible for the successful performance of the project's program requirements. Together with the VP, General Services, the position must also assist with the project's administrative activities and assure compliance with the "unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability" required by the funder. For this project, EA is a subcontractor to the County of Sacramento, and will coordinate implementation activities of 14 counties and over 100 cities. Therefore, the position requires exceptional diplomacy and collaboration skills. To meet the project's ambitious deadlines, a very high degree of operational effectiveness is also essential.

Responsibilities

Project Completion
Responsible for ensuring satisfactory completion of all project requirements on time and on budget, which will require extensive cooperation with local government partners. Conducts group and one on one orientations, updates, and other exchanges with program partners. Responsible for assuring that staffing and materials resources are appropriate for timely and efficient project completion. Assists with contract negotiations, modifications, and administration as necessary. Assures that all project participants comply with applicable policies and protocols.

Staff Management
Works with Human Resources to hire and manage project staff, some of which will work from home or remote office locations. Ensures staff are properly performing their duties and takes prompt corrective action if needed. Partners with Human Resources staff on annual evaluation process for all team members, which includes specifying individual objectives, assigning peer reviews and conducting all management reviews. Responsible for leading team meetings and furthering performance of staff members on team. Responsible for ensuring division staff members follow all HR, accounting, IT, and other EA administrative procedures. Responsible for all other duties as assigned in the Personnel Policies and Procedures as adopted. May assign all or some of these staff management duties to Program Directors or Program Managers.

Budgetary Responsibility
Translates the approved project budget into a more detailed operating budget. Revises the operating budget as needed to reflect approved changes in implementation plans. Seeks approval for proposed changes to the project budget, if allowed by the funder. Tracks spending and proposed spending against the budget to assure that project expenditures accord with budgeted amounts.

Reporting
Provides information needed to satisfy all project reporting requirements. Provides quarterly written reports to CEO/ED that include progress on all project requirements and internal objectives. Provides an annual project report within 30 days of close of fiscal year to the CEO/ED for inclusion in a report submitted to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Previous experience managing a team to achieve challenging goals on a tight schedule, preferably in a nonprofit environment. Demonstrated leadership skills in past positions consistent with organizational mission and project goals. At least 5 years experience in a significant leadership position, preferably working for or with local government during a portion of that time. At least 3 years of experience marketing programs to consumers and/or businesses. Successfully history of working productively in a collaborative environment. Ability to demonstrate and provide examples of continuous personal development and proficiency in each of the responsibilities depicted above.

Knowledge of the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields, as well as debt financing mechanisms, is highly desirable. Bachelors degree required. A reliable personal vehicle, valid California driver’s license, and proof of current automobile insurance are also required.

Position Characteristics

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear, and use a computer keyboard and monitor. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment
Generally, the work environment is an office setting. Occasionally, the work may be performed in a warehouse or factory setting, which may expose an individual to fumes, airborne particles, loud noise levels, and unpleasant odors. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel, primarily in-state, is required. Driving an insured personal vehicle in the course of performing the position responsibilities is required.

Compensation
The anticipated compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $107,000 per year (exempt), 90% of which is paid semi-monthly and 10% of which is paid quarterly provided that the employee does a good solid job. The position is also eligible for an additional annual performance incentive of up to 5%. Ecology Action provides a generous benefits package that includes a cafeteria plan and 401k-retirement plan with employer contribution.

Applicants

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Caroline Hawkins at jobs@ecoact.org. Priority deadline is extended to May 15th.