POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Deputy Director for Programs and Partnerships

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, with full benefits package

(Range: $120,000 to $140,000 per year)

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: ASAP

Position duration: Permanent

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: October 2024

Final date: Open until filled

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Climate and Wildfire Institute (CWI) is seeking to hire a Deputy Director for Programs and Partnerships (DD) to work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to build a world-class consortium focused on identifying the best available science and technology and connecting it to the policy and practice that shapes our landscape. This outward facing position requires a strategic mind to identify key areas in need of impact and leverages CWI’s expertise, as well as that of our partners. The DD will oversee research and in-field programs, manage relationships with CWI affiliates, and measure the impact of CWI programs on the ground.

CWI seeks an experienced leader with relevant expertise in integrated wildland fire management (including broad knowledge of interrelationships between local, state, and federal land/fire management agencies; wildland fire suppression, management, and resilience policies and practices; intentional and beneficial fire; and, wildfire data and technology), proven ability in Tribal relations, knowledge of climate change issues and impact, and managerial experience. Familiarity and comfort with working with university researchers and government officials, as well as experience in movement and/or coalition building is also highly desired. The DD reports to the Executive Director. As part of CWI’s leadership team, this DD will contribute to the management of the organization including relationships with the Board. We are a growing organization and, as such, there is ample opportunity to shape this role and the future of our programs. The full vision, direction, and scope of CWI will result from the combined efforts of the Board and the ED.

CWI is committed to working in close partnership with public, private, and academic stakeholders across California, Nevada, and the American West to develop practices that reduce the societal and environmental risks of wildfire in a just, equitable, and inclusive manner. This position requires a leader who can foster growth, function as part of a small leadership team, and help develop and manage CWI programs and staff.

CWI is a 501(c)(3) in California and functions as a consortium model, working to bridge research, practice, and policy for expedient solutions to the wildfire crisis. We currently have and are working to expand relationships with faculty and researchers at the University of California, University of Nevada, Reno, California State University, University of San Francisco, Berkeley Lab, the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, a number of California Tribes, and other agencies and institutions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Identify key areas of strategic focus for CWI by establishing relationships with academia, practitioners, and policy makers, and working as part of the CWI leadership team, including the Board, to design a research program that furthers the goals of CWI.
Create and oversee an annual portfolio of program work for CWI.
Build, manage, and mentor Program and Project staff (this position currently has two direct reports) as our portfolio grows.
Work closely with the Deputy Director of Development and Executive Director to steward funder relationships and bring in new funding sources for programs.
Identify, measure, and track the impact of CWI programs.
Manage existing CWI contracts for project work.
Identify financial resources to support the portfolio and, as appropriate, hire staff to deliver projects within CWI.
Build strategic relationships with research institutions, funders, and other external stakeholders complementary to CWI mission.
Maintain relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers. Identify how CWI contributes to shaping policy.
Track and, where appropriate, contribute to key state and federal planning or policy efforts.

General responsibilities:

Effectively represent the CWI among stakeholders and community members.
Organize, motivate, and mentor internal team leaders to strategically grow the impact of the CWI.
Provide leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the mission.
Demonstrates flexibility and ability to be nimble in taking on new challenges as the organization grows.
Foster a collaborative working environment, encourage professional development, and champion accountability amongst staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Candidate must hold a bachelor's degree, or equivalent international degree at time of application.
At least 8 years of professional experience in climate or wildfire related science, research, public policy, programs, or other transferable field.
Experience building and leading programs in a related field.
Have a highly strategic mind with the ability to identify worthwhile opportunities.
A passion for CWI’s mission.
Budget or fiscal experience.
Outstanding communication skills and ability to work well with staff, community, and a diverse set of partners.
Experience and efficacy in collaborative team management.
Be well-versed and practiced in centering work and strategy on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred qualifications

Ability to work with people from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and policy perspectives.
Experience working with multi-faceted programs and partnerships.
Experience with open data management, data analysis, and translation for public consumption.
Ability to prioritize and function both independently and collaboratively.
Experience working with governmental agencies.
Experience and knowledge of best practices in movement- and/or coalition-building.
Graduate degree and/or experience in directing academic research.
Located in California or Northern Nevada.

Experience tells us that people within historically marginalized communities, including women and people of color, may be less likely to apply to jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. CWI is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this position but are concerned that your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification within the job description, we encourage you to apply or reach out to us to discuss. You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

Resume
Cover Letter
Three required (please provide name, email address, and phone number)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at CWI. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

CWI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

All letters will be treated as confidential per California state law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. CWI will not sponsor applicants for work visas at this time.

JOB LOCATION

Fully remote - California preferred - with some travel in California and Nevada.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit application documents here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/0965101c10d09f1d96aecd5e0d6d1170?r=use1.

Feel free to email recruitment@climateandwildfire.org with any questions.

Climate and Wildfire Institute jobs

Deputy Director for Programs and Partnerships