MPN Diversity Recruiters
Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL
Our Fortune 500 Company client is seeking to DIRECTLY HIRE a talented Senior Infrastructure Architect.
CANDIDATE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: (Please read carefully before applying)
In order to receive consideration for an interview referral submission to our client's Hiring Manager for this role, each candidate must be reasonably qualified and comply with the following requirements:
1) Our client doesn't provide any sponsorships, so you must PRESENTLY be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. WITHOUT requiring any current or future sponsorship (i.e., U.S. citizen or permanent resident cardholder).
2) You must be within commutable distance to either Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL .
3) You must apply with both your current resume AND also your full responses to the Hiring Manager's Screening Questions shown BELOW .
Your resume must clearly show your personal email address and direct phone number.
You must fully and accurately respond to ALL of the screening questions.
Your resume and your responses to the screening questions should preferably be included in a SINGLE (Word or PDF) document, if possible .
Send the requested information to MPN Diversity Recruiters by either clicking on the APPLY button or via email to support@mpndiversityrecruiters.com .
JOB SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for:
Strategy, planning, roadmaps, and working with Network Services and Infrastructure Solutions on lifecycle planning
Strategic relationships with key infrastructure vendors, primarily Cisco
Research industry guidance, frameworks, and best practices
Lead efforts in conjunction with Network Services around:
Setting and revising standards
Creating reference architectures, engineering templates, and pre-engineered solutions
Design/engineering of extremely complex infrastructure using Cisco technologies
Partner with Network Engineers & Infrastructure Consultants on the design/engineering of new infrastructure for which standards do not yet exist
Lead infrastructure design teams relevant to Network Services technologies
Contribute to best practices sharing such as capacity planning and Cisco network technology design
Participate in the Cloud Center of Excellence developing standards and best practices for cloud network connectivity in Azure and Oracle Cloud infrastructure
Collaborate with architects in other TO organizations (e.g., Application Services, TO Security, Infrastructure Solutions, Telecom Engineering)
Serve in on-call rotation as Escalation Manager for Critical Situation Process
Communications, awareness, and high-level education about technology strategy to Network Services
The technology areas in scope for this position include all technologies owned by Network Services.
Network Services owns all data network technologies, which includes network routing protocols, quality of service, MPLS network transport, SD-WAN, Cisco Nexus data center and wide area data network routing and switching, integration of our network with an internet service provider, cloud network service, establishment of VPNs (virtual private networks), voice call management, VOIP (voice over IP), voice contact center, video infrastructure technology, remote wireless routers, wireless LAN, and firewalls.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
Job Requirements
Extremely strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience with all technologies owned by Network Services, and basic understanding of the technologies owned by other infrastructure services groups
Understanding of rules and regulations that govern the use of technology, such as NERC CIP, Sarbanes-Oxley and FCC licensing, as well as internal policies
Ability to define and articulate the “big picture” long-term vision for the infrastructure, and develop short term plans to achieve it.
Ability to analyze information from multiple sources for complex problem resolution.
Ability to design / engineer infrastructure solutions to maximize availability while minimizing cost.
Ability to create and evaluate reference technical architectures and ensure enterprise-wide buy-in, adoption, adherence and implementation
Ability to organize tasks and coordinate various employees, vendor / contractors, and customers / partners to meet project goals.
Ability to work independently, prioritizing major tasks by overall impact to the company.
Ability to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups.
Ability to effectively to lead committees and teams, train personnel, and make presentations.
Education/Experience
Bachelors in Computer Science or an Engineering field strongly preferred
CCIE certification or equivalent experience preferred
A minimum of eight (8) years of service (depending on job level), providing architect, engineering, and support for infrastructure technologies. When relevant technical experience is substituted for a degree, the minimum experience requirement increases by four (4) years.
Competencies
Comprehensive leadership skills recognizable by others inside and outside the team
Strategic thinker that can embrace, influence, and lead change.
Effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities, meet schedules, and deliver on commitments
Ability to negotiate with and influence others – internally as well as vendors
Ability to establish and nurture relationships at all levels of the organization
Takes ownership of work assignments and personal development
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) as well as technical writing
Excellent presentation skills and ability to relate and connect with a variety of audiences
Ability to articulate business drivers and how information technology can be applied to meet the requirements in business terms.
Ability to simplify complex subjects in a way that can be easily understood by less technical audiences
High degree of focus on quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness
Recognition of cyber security threats and risks, and importance of protecting the infrastructure
Capacity to learn and apply new technologies and concepts
Superb diagnostic, troubleshooting, analysis and problem-solving skills
Self-motivated, takes initiative, is proactive, and habitually removes obstacles for success
Curious and creative, always questioning, and never satisfied by the status quo
Assess impact and quantify risk to ensure appropriate business decisions are made
Demonstrate Fortune 500 Company values reflected in how we lead, engage, collaborate and perform as One team. Safety first, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity and Superior Performance.
__________________________________________________________________
HIRING MANAGER'S SCREENING QUESTIONS:
Please answer ALL of the questions BELOW as accurately as possible. If you're determined to be reasonably qualified, you will be submitted to our client for a potential interview and direct hiring consideration for this great opportunity.
Do you have 8 or more years of Cisco route/switch architecture, engineering and support experience?
Describe in detail, your experience working with Cisco Networking technologies?
Describe your most complex networking project or implementation?
We provide a competitive compensation package to include a base salary, incentive pay (bonus), and comprehensive benefits. What are your base salary requirements? (Do not state negotiable or N/A; if necessary, list a range)
Are you permanently authorized to work in the U.S. WITHOUT requiring any current or future sponsorship (e.g., U.S. citizen, permanent resident)? Please reply with one of the following options:
(a) I am a U.S. citizen, or
(b) I am a permanent resident card (i.e., green card) holder, or
(c) None of the above.
Full Time
Our Fortune 500 Company client is seeking to DIRECTLY HIRE a talented Senior Infrastructure Architect.
CANDIDATE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: (Please read carefully before applying)
In order to receive consideration for an interview referral submission to our client's Hiring Manager for this role, each candidate must be reasonably qualified and comply with the following requirements:
1) Our client doesn't provide any sponsorships, so you must PRESENTLY be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. WITHOUT requiring any current or future sponsorship (i.e., U.S. citizen or permanent resident cardholder).
2) You must be within commutable distance to either Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL .
3) You must apply with both your current resume AND also your full responses to the Hiring Manager's Screening Questions shown BELOW .
Your resume must clearly show your personal email address and direct phone number.
You must fully and accurately respond to ALL of the screening questions.
Your resume and your responses to the screening questions should preferably be included in a SINGLE (Word or PDF) document, if possible .
Send the requested information to MPN Diversity Recruiters by either clicking on the APPLY button or via email to support@mpndiversityrecruiters.com .
JOB SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for:
Strategy, planning, roadmaps, and working with Network Services and Infrastructure Solutions on lifecycle planning
Strategic relationships with key infrastructure vendors, primarily Cisco
Research industry guidance, frameworks, and best practices
Lead efforts in conjunction with Network Services around:
Setting and revising standards
Creating reference architectures, engineering templates, and pre-engineered solutions
Design/engineering of extremely complex infrastructure using Cisco technologies
Partner with Network Engineers & Infrastructure Consultants on the design/engineering of new infrastructure for which standards do not yet exist
Lead infrastructure design teams relevant to Network Services technologies
Contribute to best practices sharing such as capacity planning and Cisco network technology design
Participate in the Cloud Center of Excellence developing standards and best practices for cloud network connectivity in Azure and Oracle Cloud infrastructure
Collaborate with architects in other TO organizations (e.g., Application Services, TO Security, Infrastructure Solutions, Telecom Engineering)
Serve in on-call rotation as Escalation Manager for Critical Situation Process
Communications, awareness, and high-level education about technology strategy to Network Services
The technology areas in scope for this position include all technologies owned by Network Services.
Network Services owns all data network technologies, which includes network routing protocols, quality of service, MPLS network transport, SD-WAN, Cisco Nexus data center and wide area data network routing and switching, integration of our network with an internet service provider, cloud network service, establishment of VPNs (virtual private networks), voice call management, VOIP (voice over IP), voice contact center, video infrastructure technology, remote wireless routers, wireless LAN, and firewalls.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
Job Requirements
Extremely strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience with all technologies owned by Network Services, and basic understanding of the technologies owned by other infrastructure services groups
Understanding of rules and regulations that govern the use of technology, such as NERC CIP, Sarbanes-Oxley and FCC licensing, as well as internal policies
Ability to define and articulate the “big picture” long-term vision for the infrastructure, and develop short term plans to achieve it.
Ability to analyze information from multiple sources for complex problem resolution.
Ability to design / engineer infrastructure solutions to maximize availability while minimizing cost.
Ability to create and evaluate reference technical architectures and ensure enterprise-wide buy-in, adoption, adherence and implementation
Ability to organize tasks and coordinate various employees, vendor / contractors, and customers / partners to meet project goals.
Ability to work independently, prioritizing major tasks by overall impact to the company.
Ability to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups.
Ability to effectively to lead committees and teams, train personnel, and make presentations.
Education/Experience
Bachelors in Computer Science or an Engineering field strongly preferred
CCIE certification or equivalent experience preferred
A minimum of eight (8) years of service (depending on job level), providing architect, engineering, and support for infrastructure technologies. When relevant technical experience is substituted for a degree, the minimum experience requirement increases by four (4) years.
Competencies
Comprehensive leadership skills recognizable by others inside and outside the team
Strategic thinker that can embrace, influence, and lead change.
Effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities, meet schedules, and deliver on commitments
Ability to negotiate with and influence others – internally as well as vendors
Ability to establish and nurture relationships at all levels of the organization
Takes ownership of work assignments and personal development
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) as well as technical writing
Excellent presentation skills and ability to relate and connect with a variety of audiences
Ability to articulate business drivers and how information technology can be applied to meet the requirements in business terms.
Ability to simplify complex subjects in a way that can be easily understood by less technical audiences
High degree of focus on quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness
Recognition of cyber security threats and risks, and importance of protecting the infrastructure
Capacity to learn and apply new technologies and concepts
Superb diagnostic, troubleshooting, analysis and problem-solving skills
Self-motivated, takes initiative, is proactive, and habitually removes obstacles for success
Curious and creative, always questioning, and never satisfied by the status quo
Assess impact and quantify risk to ensure appropriate business decisions are made
Demonstrate Fortune 500 Company values reflected in how we lead, engage, collaborate and perform as One team. Safety first, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity and Superior Performance.
__________________________________________________________________
HIRING MANAGER'S SCREENING QUESTIONS:
Please answer ALL of the questions BELOW as accurately as possible. If you're determined to be reasonably qualified, you will be submitted to our client for a potential interview and direct hiring consideration for this great opportunity.
Do you have 8 or more years of Cisco route/switch architecture, engineering and support experience?
Describe in detail, your experience working with Cisco Networking technologies?
Describe your most complex networking project or implementation?
We provide a competitive compensation package to include a base salary, incentive pay (bonus), and comprehensive benefits. What are your base salary requirements? (Do not state negotiable or N/A; if necessary, list a range)
Are you permanently authorized to work in the U.S. WITHOUT requiring any current or future sponsorship (e.g., U.S. citizen, permanent resident)? Please reply with one of the following options:
(a) I am a U.S. citizen, or
(b) I am a permanent resident card (i.e., green card) holder, or
(c) None of the above.
NPAG
Remote (preference for Washington, DC or Los Angeles, CA)
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund (Equity Fund) is a philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting a multi-state infrastructure of community-based organizations building power to advance an equitable clean energy future. With a proven approach to driving impact and a highly effective set of stakeholders and investors, the Equity Fund is facing a number of exciting opportunities. With the field that the Equity Fund supports growing quickly and public investments in clean energy transition accelerating, the Fund is spinning out of its fiscal sponsorship and establishing a new, independent institution that can meet the needs of the growing and dynamic ecosystem of grassroots organizations and expand their collective impact. Poised for significant growth, the Equity Fund has evolved and is growing its executive leadership structure and operating model to lead effective strategy, systems, and culture for the team. To that end, the Equity Fund invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President of Programs , who will provide important, executive leadership to both its 501(c)(3), and the Climate Equity Action Fund, 501(c)(4), and the field of climate philanthropy during this dynamic time.
The Vice President of Programs will be responsible for driving the Equity Fund/Action Fund’s grantmaking and programmatic strategies to achieve its mission of building the power of racially diverse communities to advance equitable climate policies. Immediate opportunities for impact include:
Programmatic Leadership
Lead staff on the Grants and PowerBuilding team to develop grantmaking goals and strategies to win equitable climate policies and campaigns by prioritizing grassroots organizing and building power in the Equity Fund’s 13 portfolio states.
Lead staff on the Policy Accelerator and Communications Accelerator teams to support grantee partners to build key policy and communications capacities and campaigns that leverage and maximize the power of community-led solutions.
Lead the Program team to sharpen, integrate, and refine its strategies to accelerate success across the Fund’s portfolio through continual analysis, learning, and innovation.
Field Leadership
Advance grantmaking approaches and models that prioritize organizing, equity, building power, and building deep partnerships and trust with grantee organizations.
Drive philanthropy to support and accelerate social change impact through innovation, creativity, and bold action.
Staff Leadership and Management
Inspire, mentor, and manage staff by guiding the Program Team through change and continued growth while maintaining high standards of professionalism and impact.
Foster a culture that promotes trust, respect, equity, integrity, and operates with a movement-building orientation.
The ideal candidate for VP of Programs will be a seasoned, mature manager and skilled communicator who thrives in a complex, diverse, and multi-stakeholder environment within a start-up culture; and has demonstrated success developing and deploying philanthropic resources to implement a multipronged strategy for successful outcomes in a campaign or public policy environment. They will have executive experience managing high-performing teams and driving collaborative decision-making, and will be able to shift appropriately between the roles of skilled tactician, team coach, manager, and visionary leader. They will ideally bring experience in community-driven processes of passing and implementing climate policy, organizing and power building experience, grantmaking or re-granting experience, and additional lived and professional experience relevant to the Equity Fund’s work. They will be an entrepreneurial, results-driven, relationship builder who is committed to the Equity Fund’s mission and values of power building to accelerate the transition to an equitable clean energy future.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund (the Equity Fund) is supporting a multi-state infrastructure of community-based organizations building power needed to advance an equitable clean energy future. The Equity Fund is strategically building power by:
Investing in the leadership and organizing of diverse communities (Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous people, and communities bearing the brunt of climate change);
Engaging voters in these communities through nonpartisan civic engagement campaigns; and
Winning climate and clean energy policy solutions that reflect the priorities of communities and advance racial, economic, and environmental justice.
Founded in 2016, the Equity Fund partners with organizations in 13 states (Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and will expand its reach to additional states in the coming years.
Grassroots groups advocating for and organizing communities of color, Indigenous, working class and rural communities – often people hardest hit by climate change – are accomplishing critical work to build the collective power of communities. These communities are often the strongest supporters of climate policy and are a key political force to advance community demands and win durable policy change. The Equity Fund serves as a conduit for foundations and donors to partner with and support these grassroots organizations across the country. Because of Equity Fund’s expertise and deep relationships with community-led groups working at the intersection of climate change and economic, racial, and environmental justice, the Equity Fund can identify and nurture local grantee partners that have large-scale bases of members and track records of winning policy victories in their cities and states. The team then works to synthesize and share lessons learned from their grantee partners so that foundations and donors can better understand how grassroots groups can more effectively build power to advance climate solutions and then develop and coordinate funding strategies that will have the greatest results.
OPPORTUNITIES & EXPECTATIONS FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
The Vice President of Programs will serve as a critical member of the Executive Team and advance the Equity Fund’s mission by leading the Equity Fund and Action Fund’s programmatic priorities. Reporting to the President, and in collaboration with the President and program leads, the VP of Programs will drive the planning and execution of the Equity Fund’s Grants and Power Building, Communications Accelerator, and Policy Accelerator program strategies and goals.
As an experienced and decisive leader who knows how to foster relationship building and collaboration across teams to drive progress, the VP of Programs will advance a strategy for climate equity that is centered around building the power of diverse communities to advance equitable climate policies. This role is internal-strategy oriented, driving the big picture strategy and prioritization of the Funds’ programmatic work alongside external relationship building with funders, allied organizations, and grantee partners. The successful candidate will refine and clarify process for each programmatic function, ensuring that the Program Team understands the details of a sharpening theory of change, the process through which their input is received and considered, and how their work connects to the organization's mission and impact.
The VP of Programs will be responsible for providing leadership and driving success in the following key areas:
Organizational & Strategic Leadership
Work closely with the President and other Executive Team members to develop a clear, long-term vision and strategic direction for all Equity Fund and Action Fund program strategies and priorities.
Serve as an executive manager and decision-maker, providing the organizational leadership required to establish processes for team input to strategy, while driving positive change and ensuring strategic alignment, integration, and execution across programs and departments.
Support fundraising and cultivation of funder relationships to drive the organization’s theory of change, anchor the organization’s role in the climate movement, and to gain visibility and opportunities for the Equity Fund and Action Fund.
Ensure strong cross-organizational collaborative approaches and strong communication, transparency and information sharing are nurtured and deepened.
Partner with the President on the strategic direction and agendas for Board meetings, including the creation of memos, reports, and presentations.
Support a positive organizational culture of collaboration, dedication to equity, values, creativity, and respect for a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Program Management & Execution
In partnership with the directors on the program team, develop, implement, and execute cohesive program-wide and state-specific strategies across programmatic areas to support mission impact by translating strategies into actionable workplans with measurable outcomes.
Oversee grantmaking and creation of docket memos, strategy papers, and reports for the program team.
Drive Equity Fund and Action Fund organizational planning, prioritization, and budgeting processes by working collaboratively with leaders across Equity Fund and Action Fund to ensure priorities are successfully executed and objectives met on time.
Ensure cross-departmental work is cohesive and working groups hold strategic priorities at the core, ensuring program leadership is aligned around bodies of work.
Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture supported by systems and processes that help drive agile executive decision-making and reinforce accountability for those directly carrying out Equity Fund and Action Fund strategies.
Assess progress on strategic objectives and communicate that progress to the Executive Team, the Board, and staff.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Support, coach, supervise, and develop program leadership and team members, and maintain a trusting, inclusive, equitable, high-performing team culture.
Provide mentorship and constructive and timely feedback to foster a collaborative environment that develops strengths, improves weaknesses, and encourages continuous learning.
Directly manage 2-3 employees and indirectly oversee a program department of 13, with the potential for additional team growth.
Oversee the daily workflow of direct program leadership reports.
Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff, including managing discipline and termination of employees in accordance with organization’s policy.
Establish a regular meeting cadence for the program team to support alignment and efficiency in the work.
Shared Organization Responsibilities
Champion the Equity Fund and Action Fund’s theory of change and mission of empowering the communities most disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Develop relationships with and support colleagues across all teams, recognizing that each individual brings a unique background and perspective to the work.
Model and nurture a growth mindset and continuous learning posture when facing new situations by collaborating to find fresh solutions, taking on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks, and externalizing lessons learned from failures and mistakes.
In recognition of the fluidity of the work and ecosystem that the Equity Fund operates in, other duties may be assigned based on organizational needs.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The VP of Programs will be committed to racial, economic, and social justice. While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Strategic Vision and Core Knowledge
Broad knowledge of the climate philanthropy field and an understanding of the historical context, institutions, and systems that combine to compound the effects of climate change on people of color and other disenfranchised groups in the United States.
Ability to apply both a macro and state-level view on relevant trends in climate change organizing, politics, policy, and communications, with a strong curiosity and interest in tracking the needs and developing areas of the field.
A proven thought leader with an understanding of and ability to articulate the value proposition for the emergent role that intermediary funders play in supporting nonprofit infrastructure and capacity building in communities.
Demonstrated passion for and investment in advancing justice and equity. Highly developed critical consciousness and a combination of professional and lived experience aligned with the Equity Fund’s mission and values.
Program Leadership
A background in organizing, power building, and/or community-driven processes of passing and implementing climate policy.
10+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in strategy, programming, and other related fields within the social justice movement and/or philanthropy.
10+ years of deep supervisory and management experience in leadership of large, complex, and multidisciplinary teams.
A track record in managing complex plans, projects, budgets, and deadlines that require coordination across multiple stakeholders and with minimal support.
Experience building relationships and working in partnership with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including funders, elected officials, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and coalition partners.
Experience working within the broader climate movement and in state-level political landscape, including working with state, local, and federal decision makers, partner groups, communities, and/or with 501(c)(4) organizations.
Superb communication and external relations skills and demonstrated success in building an organization’s profile and reputation in regional, state, national, and professional communities.
Management and Team Leadership
Experience mentoring, developing, and providing leadership to high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams to achieve project/program goals.
Cultivation of a relational work environment that builds trust, collaboration, communication, and seeks to foster a culture of equity, transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Commitment to creating a strong and healthy workplace that centers diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and reflects internally the values the Equity Fund advocates for externally.
Systems and Processes
Experience designing and building systems and processes to support multidisciplinary programs and a willingness to rethink or improve upon established systems and processes.
Ability to assess and identify pain points in a growing organization and devise strategies to ensure that processes and systems are being developed in a strategic manner to guide growth.
An inclusive, collaborative, and agile management style and the ability to bring joy, good humor, and purpose to the work environment.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & LOCATION
The Equity Fund offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package that includes salary and benefits. Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; 3% automatic contribution and a 3% employer match on 401(k) contributions; pre-tax transportation benefits; and paid holiday, vacation, sick, and volunteer time off. The target salary range for this role is $200,000 – $245,000.
This role is remote with a preference for Washington, DC or Los Angeles, CA.
TO APPLY
More information about The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund may be found at: www.theequityfund.org
This search is being conducted with assistance from Katherine Jacobs and Sharon Gerstman of NPAG . Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website .
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
To center the safety and well-being of its employees, New Venture Fund requires that any employee who is required to conduct in-person activities for their job must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within four weeks of their start date. This position may require candidates to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accommodations may be sought and approved in accordance with the law by contacting human resources at HR@newventurefund.org .
Full Time
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund (Equity Fund) is a philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting a multi-state infrastructure of community-based organizations building power to advance an equitable clean energy future. With a proven approach to driving impact and a highly effective set of stakeholders and investors, the Equity Fund is facing a number of exciting opportunities. With the field that the Equity Fund supports growing quickly and public investments in clean energy transition accelerating, the Fund is spinning out of its fiscal sponsorship and establishing a new, independent institution that can meet the needs of the growing and dynamic ecosystem of grassroots organizations and expand their collective impact. Poised for significant growth, the Equity Fund has evolved and is growing its executive leadership structure and operating model to lead effective strategy, systems, and culture for the team. To that end, the Equity Fund invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President of Programs , who will provide important, executive leadership to both its 501(c)(3), and the Climate Equity Action Fund, 501(c)(4), and the field of climate philanthropy during this dynamic time.
The Vice President of Programs will be responsible for driving the Equity Fund/Action Fund’s grantmaking and programmatic strategies to achieve its mission of building the power of racially diverse communities to advance equitable climate policies. Immediate opportunities for impact include:
Programmatic Leadership
Lead staff on the Grants and PowerBuilding team to develop grantmaking goals and strategies to win equitable climate policies and campaigns by prioritizing grassroots organizing and building power in the Equity Fund’s 13 portfolio states.
Lead staff on the Policy Accelerator and Communications Accelerator teams to support grantee partners to build key policy and communications capacities and campaigns that leverage and maximize the power of community-led solutions.
Lead the Program team to sharpen, integrate, and refine its strategies to accelerate success across the Fund’s portfolio through continual analysis, learning, and innovation.
Field Leadership
Advance grantmaking approaches and models that prioritize organizing, equity, building power, and building deep partnerships and trust with grantee organizations.
Drive philanthropy to support and accelerate social change impact through innovation, creativity, and bold action.
Staff Leadership and Management
Inspire, mentor, and manage staff by guiding the Program Team through change and continued growth while maintaining high standards of professionalism and impact.
Foster a culture that promotes trust, respect, equity, integrity, and operates with a movement-building orientation.
The ideal candidate for VP of Programs will be a seasoned, mature manager and skilled communicator who thrives in a complex, diverse, and multi-stakeholder environment within a start-up culture; and has demonstrated success developing and deploying philanthropic resources to implement a multipronged strategy for successful outcomes in a campaign or public policy environment. They will have executive experience managing high-performing teams and driving collaborative decision-making, and will be able to shift appropriately between the roles of skilled tactician, team coach, manager, and visionary leader. They will ideally bring experience in community-driven processes of passing and implementing climate policy, organizing and power building experience, grantmaking or re-granting experience, and additional lived and professional experience relevant to the Equity Fund’s work. They will be an entrepreneurial, results-driven, relationship builder who is committed to the Equity Fund’s mission and values of power building to accelerate the transition to an equitable clean energy future.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund (the Equity Fund) is supporting a multi-state infrastructure of community-based organizations building power needed to advance an equitable clean energy future. The Equity Fund is strategically building power by:
Investing in the leadership and organizing of diverse communities (Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous people, and communities bearing the brunt of climate change);
Engaging voters in these communities through nonpartisan civic engagement campaigns; and
Winning climate and clean energy policy solutions that reflect the priorities of communities and advance racial, economic, and environmental justice.
Founded in 2016, the Equity Fund partners with organizations in 13 states (Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and will expand its reach to additional states in the coming years.
Grassroots groups advocating for and organizing communities of color, Indigenous, working class and rural communities – often people hardest hit by climate change – are accomplishing critical work to build the collective power of communities. These communities are often the strongest supporters of climate policy and are a key political force to advance community demands and win durable policy change. The Equity Fund serves as a conduit for foundations and donors to partner with and support these grassroots organizations across the country. Because of Equity Fund’s expertise and deep relationships with community-led groups working at the intersection of climate change and economic, racial, and environmental justice, the Equity Fund can identify and nurture local grantee partners that have large-scale bases of members and track records of winning policy victories in their cities and states. The team then works to synthesize and share lessons learned from their grantee partners so that foundations and donors can better understand how grassroots groups can more effectively build power to advance climate solutions and then develop and coordinate funding strategies that will have the greatest results.
OPPORTUNITIES & EXPECTATIONS FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
The Vice President of Programs will serve as a critical member of the Executive Team and advance the Equity Fund’s mission by leading the Equity Fund and Action Fund’s programmatic priorities. Reporting to the President, and in collaboration with the President and program leads, the VP of Programs will drive the planning and execution of the Equity Fund’s Grants and Power Building, Communications Accelerator, and Policy Accelerator program strategies and goals.
As an experienced and decisive leader who knows how to foster relationship building and collaboration across teams to drive progress, the VP of Programs will advance a strategy for climate equity that is centered around building the power of diverse communities to advance equitable climate policies. This role is internal-strategy oriented, driving the big picture strategy and prioritization of the Funds’ programmatic work alongside external relationship building with funders, allied organizations, and grantee partners. The successful candidate will refine and clarify process for each programmatic function, ensuring that the Program Team understands the details of a sharpening theory of change, the process through which their input is received and considered, and how their work connects to the organization's mission and impact.
The VP of Programs will be responsible for providing leadership and driving success in the following key areas:
Organizational & Strategic Leadership
Work closely with the President and other Executive Team members to develop a clear, long-term vision and strategic direction for all Equity Fund and Action Fund program strategies and priorities.
Serve as an executive manager and decision-maker, providing the organizational leadership required to establish processes for team input to strategy, while driving positive change and ensuring strategic alignment, integration, and execution across programs and departments.
Support fundraising and cultivation of funder relationships to drive the organization’s theory of change, anchor the organization’s role in the climate movement, and to gain visibility and opportunities for the Equity Fund and Action Fund.
Ensure strong cross-organizational collaborative approaches and strong communication, transparency and information sharing are nurtured and deepened.
Partner with the President on the strategic direction and agendas for Board meetings, including the creation of memos, reports, and presentations.
Support a positive organizational culture of collaboration, dedication to equity, values, creativity, and respect for a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Program Management & Execution
In partnership with the directors on the program team, develop, implement, and execute cohesive program-wide and state-specific strategies across programmatic areas to support mission impact by translating strategies into actionable workplans with measurable outcomes.
Oversee grantmaking and creation of docket memos, strategy papers, and reports for the program team.
Drive Equity Fund and Action Fund organizational planning, prioritization, and budgeting processes by working collaboratively with leaders across Equity Fund and Action Fund to ensure priorities are successfully executed and objectives met on time.
Ensure cross-departmental work is cohesive and working groups hold strategic priorities at the core, ensuring program leadership is aligned around bodies of work.
Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture supported by systems and processes that help drive agile executive decision-making and reinforce accountability for those directly carrying out Equity Fund and Action Fund strategies.
Assess progress on strategic objectives and communicate that progress to the Executive Team, the Board, and staff.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Support, coach, supervise, and develop program leadership and team members, and maintain a trusting, inclusive, equitable, high-performing team culture.
Provide mentorship and constructive and timely feedback to foster a collaborative environment that develops strengths, improves weaknesses, and encourages continuous learning.
Directly manage 2-3 employees and indirectly oversee a program department of 13, with the potential for additional team growth.
Oversee the daily workflow of direct program leadership reports.
Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff, including managing discipline and termination of employees in accordance with organization’s policy.
Establish a regular meeting cadence for the program team to support alignment and efficiency in the work.
Shared Organization Responsibilities
Champion the Equity Fund and Action Fund’s theory of change and mission of empowering the communities most disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Develop relationships with and support colleagues across all teams, recognizing that each individual brings a unique background and perspective to the work.
Model and nurture a growth mindset and continuous learning posture when facing new situations by collaborating to find fresh solutions, taking on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks, and externalizing lessons learned from failures and mistakes.
In recognition of the fluidity of the work and ecosystem that the Equity Fund operates in, other duties may be assigned based on organizational needs.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The VP of Programs will be committed to racial, economic, and social justice. While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Strategic Vision and Core Knowledge
Broad knowledge of the climate philanthropy field and an understanding of the historical context, institutions, and systems that combine to compound the effects of climate change on people of color and other disenfranchised groups in the United States.
Ability to apply both a macro and state-level view on relevant trends in climate change organizing, politics, policy, and communications, with a strong curiosity and interest in tracking the needs and developing areas of the field.
A proven thought leader with an understanding of and ability to articulate the value proposition for the emergent role that intermediary funders play in supporting nonprofit infrastructure and capacity building in communities.
Demonstrated passion for and investment in advancing justice and equity. Highly developed critical consciousness and a combination of professional and lived experience aligned with the Equity Fund’s mission and values.
Program Leadership
A background in organizing, power building, and/or community-driven processes of passing and implementing climate policy.
10+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in strategy, programming, and other related fields within the social justice movement and/or philanthropy.
10+ years of deep supervisory and management experience in leadership of large, complex, and multidisciplinary teams.
A track record in managing complex plans, projects, budgets, and deadlines that require coordination across multiple stakeholders and with minimal support.
Experience building relationships and working in partnership with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including funders, elected officials, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and coalition partners.
Experience working within the broader climate movement and in state-level political landscape, including working with state, local, and federal decision makers, partner groups, communities, and/or with 501(c)(4) organizations.
Superb communication and external relations skills and demonstrated success in building an organization’s profile and reputation in regional, state, national, and professional communities.
Management and Team Leadership
Experience mentoring, developing, and providing leadership to high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams to achieve project/program goals.
Cultivation of a relational work environment that builds trust, collaboration, communication, and seeks to foster a culture of equity, transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Commitment to creating a strong and healthy workplace that centers diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and reflects internally the values the Equity Fund advocates for externally.
Systems and Processes
Experience designing and building systems and processes to support multidisciplinary programs and a willingness to rethink or improve upon established systems and processes.
Ability to assess and identify pain points in a growing organization and devise strategies to ensure that processes and systems are being developed in a strategic manner to guide growth.
An inclusive, collaborative, and agile management style and the ability to bring joy, good humor, and purpose to the work environment.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & LOCATION
The Equity Fund offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package that includes salary and benefits. Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; 3% automatic contribution and a 3% employer match on 401(k) contributions; pre-tax transportation benefits; and paid holiday, vacation, sick, and volunteer time off. The target salary range for this role is $200,000 – $245,000.
This role is remote with a preference for Washington, DC or Los Angeles, CA.
TO APPLY
More information about The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund may be found at: www.theequityfund.org
This search is being conducted with assistance from Katherine Jacobs and Sharon Gerstman of NPAG . Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website .
The Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
To center the safety and well-being of its employees, New Venture Fund requires that any employee who is required to conduct in-person activities for their job must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within four weeks of their start date. This position may require candidates to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accommodations may be sought and approved in accordance with the law by contacting human resources at HR@newventurefund.org .