Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The newly formed Climate and Wildfire Institute (CWI) is seeking to hire a Deputy Director for Science and Policy (DD) to work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to build a world-class institution focused on identifying and implementing  the best available science, policy, and technology to address the challenges posed by wildfire and climate change.  The DD will lead CWI’s programmatic areas to deliver the core CWI mission and is responsible for helping design and implement CWI research 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 climate and/or wildfire, knowledge of government, administrative experience, empowering staff, working with university researchers and government officials, and implementing action. Reporting to the Executive Director, this will be a remote position with future opportunities to be based at a physical location of CWI as those are developed.  As part of CWI’s leadership team, this DD will contribute to the management of the organization including relationships with the Board. We expect to recruit 4-5 employees initially, with an existing and growing network of affiliated researchers and contractors. 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 worldwide 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 will be headquartered in Tahoe City, with a satellite location in Southern California. It will have close ties with faculty and researchers at the University of California, University of Nevada, Reno, California State University, University of San Francisco, Berkeley Lab, and other institutions.  CWI has received initial funding of $7 million from the State of California and will work closely with state, federal, tribal, and local governments.  CWI is formed as a 501(c)(3) organization and will work with NGOs and private entities as well as universities and governments to avail itself of the most relevant and timely information and technology.   

This full-time permanent position is for immediate hire. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify key areas of focus of research 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 an annual portfolio of program work for CWI.
• 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 state and federal policymakers. Identify how CWI contributes to the state and national policy discussion.
• 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.
• 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 5 years of professional experience in climate or wildfire related science, research, public policy, or other transferable field.
• Experience building and  leading programs in a related field.
• A passion for CWI’s mission.
• Budget or fiscal experience.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work well with staff and the community.

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to work with people from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and policy perspectives.
• Experience with research, writing, and analysis.
• Ability to prioritize and function both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience working with government.
• 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

Reference requirements

• 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. 

JOB LOCATION

• Fully remote with frequent travel in California and Nevada. There will be an option to be located at future CWI locations.

See full position description here.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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