Director of Climate Policy

Overview :

Brief Job Description:

As Boston rapidly moves to large-scale implementation of climate action the City requires a senior expert in policy regulation and law to implement the next generation of Bostons climate agenda. The Director of Climate Policy serves as the Senior member of the Environment Department charged with driving the climate agenda through regulatory strategy legislative and legal action and intergovernmental coordination.

Serving as the Environment Departments lead on climate policy the Director will carry out and/or oversee four key functions: climate policy development and engagement with state and Federal policymakers and regulators;; delivery of a portfolio of high-priority climate and sustainability special projects; oversight of energy utility collaboration on policy matters; and Department-wide guidance and support on legislative and policy strategy. Working closely with the Environment Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer the Director will lead the development of Bostons legislative and policy agenda in support of the Citys long-term carbon neutrality goals as well as near-term targets that will be completed in the 2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update and lead engagement with state and Federal agencies to achieve these goals and order to advance policy goals the Director will also be responsible for a portfolio of strategic initiatives and programs to accelerate emissions reduction and ensure the City of Boston becomes carbon neutral with a focus on climate justice. The Director is a leader in energy GHG mitigation and environmental policy for the City and advises the Department Chief Climate Officer Climate Council all agencies in the City and stakeholders on legislation policy and regulation that affect and advance City goals.

The Director of Climate Policy and Planning reports to the Commissioner of the Environment Department and supervises two staff: the Deputy Director for Energy Transformation and the Climate Policy Program Manager. The Director will work closely with the Citys Intergovernmental Relations on legislative affairs and policy. The Director interacts with all segments of Bostons municipal government and the Boston community. The Director will be part of the Environment Department Senior Staff who will work closely with other members of the management team and have important administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities :

• Leads the development of Bostons climate policies in support of the Mayors goals of a Green New Deal for Boston and a healthy environment.
• Tracks and stays current with important policy and regulatory developments and conveys them in practical terms to Boston stakeholders; develops and oversees the Environment Departments policy and legislation tracking and commenting system.
• Partners with the Intergovernmental Relations to grow and manage Bostons activities and partnerships at the local state and Federal policy levels; serves as the Citys external point person on climate and environmental policy.
• Advises the Commissioner of the Environment the Chief Climate Officer and the Director of Intergovernmental Relations on environmental climate and sustainability policy and legislation; leads development of the Citys legislative agenda on these topics.
• Serves as the Environment Departments in-house expert and resource on legislative and policy strategy supporting all aspects of the Departments programs as needed.
• Engages other municipal offices and external stakeholders in all areas of responsibility.
• Builds relationships and partnerships with non-profit organizations local academic and cultural institutions and international institutions.
• Engages with neighboring municipalities and state and federal partners on key legislative priorities.
• Manages the work of the Climate Policy Project Manager; aligns project portfolio and workload of the Manager to advance planning and policy responsibilities as needed.
• Oversees contracts and grants.
• Establishes and manages partnerships and strategic alliances with key local and regional government stakeholders across diverse sectors professional disciplines and communities.
• Advises City departments and staff on initiatives to make the City of Boston a sustainable workplace.
• Inspire influence and enable the communitys contribution to the development and implementation of Bostons climate strategies.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications :

• Five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience with climate environmental or sustainability law or policy with at least three (3) years of management experience required. Additional experience preferred.
• A bachelors degree is required.
• Substitutions: A J.D. is strongly preferred and may be substituted for four (4) years of experience; a masters degree in environmental law or policy or a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in Federal and Massachusetts State air quality conservation transportation building climate and energy laws and policies.
• Experience in developing ordinances and regulations is strongly preferred.
• Experience in developing or working closely on climate and environmental legislation at the state level is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate understanding of and experience in the Massachusetts legislative policymaking and planning context is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and an understanding of challenges facing immigrant communities communities of color and low-and moderate-income families in the context of global climate change and its local effects.
• Shares the City of Bostons commitment to increasing racial diversity within the Citys workforce integrating racial justice and equity into Bostons climate and environmental plans and programs and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to public leadership on environmental justice and commitment to city leadership on climate and equity.
• Demonstrated experience tackling complex problems with creative effective solutions in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and complex projects with discrete deliverables.
• Highly organized with the ability to simultaneously handle many tasks organize complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to write about and present complex policies research and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team and share credit for high-impact work.
• Willingness to practice accessible responsive community-engaged leadership for residents of the City of Boston.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to integrity and inclusivity in the workplace.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Energy creativity and entrepreneurship.
• Computer skills such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite are preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-11

Hours per week: 35

Required Experience:

Director