Principal Director, Strategy

The Vice President for Strategy oversees Elevate’s engagement and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund initiative coming out of the Federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They are responsible for developing partnerships and projects that advance Elevate’s implementation of technical implementation assistance of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund including working with eligible applicants to center technical implementation, including coordination with community based organizations, in their program design, assisting applicants with standards and technical assistance processes, coordinating with the Relay Network of partners, and generally supporting Elevate’s engagement with applicants, housing organizations, and state agencies. The Principal Director, Strategy collaborates across the organization with all departments as well as with key partner organizations.

This position works across all of Elevate’s markets and workstreams and reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer. This position is located in Chicago, IL and is fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Support team to develop Elevate’s engagement with applicants and other decision makers related to implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).
• Build and support strategic partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to expand Elevate’s engagement with eligible applicants.
• Cultivate relationships with agencies, municipalities, organizations and community-led initiatives that support Elevate’s mission and focus and engagement with GGRF.
• Lead implementation of GGRF related activities for Elevate including national standards development, market specific program design and engagement, building pipeline development, and building-level upgrade projects.
• Support Elevate’s engagement and implementation of GGRF that support solutions for centering equity in climate, improving and preserving affordable housing, building community wealth, and creating sustainable communities.
• Stay current on trends in equity and climate, including affordable housing, utilities, green design trends, community-based approaches to climate action and affordability, as well as available financial and program offerings for building owners and communities.
• Represent Elevate with external clients to promote recruitment of clients in existing program participation or new contracts.
• Connect partner organizations and clients with expertise and resources from across Elevate, such as multifamily, nonprofit, solar, and other programs.
• Develop Elevate’s internal strategy, staffing plan and budget for GGRF Implementation.
• Enhance and Manage Elevate’s strategy for partnership with the Relay Network, including contracting, referral systems, and network learnings.
• Coordinate across teams and with partner organizations on projects, and support delivery of programs.
• Communicate regular project/program updates and results to internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Represent Elevate with local, state, and national equity and climate stakeholders at meetings, conferences, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in related field or additional relevant education preferred
• Fifteen or more years of relevant experience in equity and climate related work, with an emphasis on affordable housing
• Experience in and knowledge of affordable housing and climate action
• Experience engaging and managing client relationships
• Experience successfully managing projects on time and on budget 
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage with clients, partner organizations, stakeholders, and industry partners
• Strong focus on quality and customer service
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as facilitate collaboration and motivate others
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with high degree of accuracy
• Willingness to travel as required

Organization Description

We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.

At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there’s no better place to grow your career than Elevate.

Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an exempt individual contributor position with a salary range of $120,000 - $140),000, based on experience.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ADA Accommodation

Elevate will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elevate. Contact the People Team with any questions or requests for accommodations.