Senior Managing Director, Energy and Environment

The Senior Managing Director for Energy and Environment will assist the Senior Vice President in leading a dynamic team building a climate and conservation agenda that benefits people in the United States and around the world. This position is ideal for a candidate with a successful track record of managing and overseeing organizational operations, policy development, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the deputy head of the department internally and externally when the Senior Vice President is absent. Provide executive mentorship to the department’s team leads, reinforcing effective and consistent management practices across the department; and oversee any of the climate, conservation, or campaigns teams if needed.
• Develop and translate the department’s strategic vision into actionable annual work plans, ensuring all departmental outputs align with organizational priorities and remain coordinated with other departments. With the Senior Vice President, provide oversight of the team’s policy research, written products, and event planning.
• Design and oversee departmental workflows, including for the accuracy of policy analysis, the rigor of policy development, the effectiveness and timeliness of publications, effective stakeholder consultation and advocacy, grant compliance, and rapid-response communications to ensure high impact.
• Directly oversee the department’s multimillion-dollar annual budget, ensuring fiscal integrity and strategic alignment between budgets and policy initiatives. In concert with supporting teams of American Progress, oversee the department’s general operations and administration.
• Support fundraising strategy and maintain strong fundraising relationships in partnership with the Senior Vice President.
• Represent the department to media, policymakers, academics, and other outside stakeholders as appropriate. Serve as a liaison with congressional staff, policymakers, nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners, and other stakeholders to advocate for progressive, pro-climate policies.
• Support the department’s staff and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• At least 10 years of policy or communications experience in the fields of climate, conservation, environment, or energy, including senior roles in government, academia, the private sector, or the nonprofit sector.
• At least five years of experience managing high-output teams, with a proven track record of developing staff, managing complex projects, and overseeing departmental budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate technical analysis into clear policy recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to prioritize and work well on a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent judgment in navigating complex issues, making difficult decisions, and prioritizing appropriately to ensure timely and professional execution of team objectives.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals, particularly improving the lives of working people, tackling the climate crisis, and expanding people’s access to nature.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; master’s degree in public policy, economics, engineering, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong relationships and networks with congressional staff, NGO and industry stakeholders, and federal agency staff is preferred.
• Comfort with spreadsheet and project management software programs is encouraged.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter with their application.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preference for candidates who apply by June 30.