Overview:

The Deputy Policy Impact Officer manages and helps drive the strategic vision for the centers of excellence that support NRDC’s programmatic work. This includes developing integrated work plans in coordination with the leaders from the Science Office, Environment and Equity Justice Center, Center for Policy Advocacy, Action Fund, and Communications. This also means strategizing the day-to-day operations and leading project management for the teams responsible for delivering the organization’s overall mission. The position is part of the Policy Impact management team and assists the Chief Policy Impact Officer (CPIO) in driving the Policy Impact and Capacities’ operational strategy. This position assists with reporting and tracking of a budget of $75 million and helps to lead administrative efforts, including acting as the primary liaison with NRDC’s Finance, Workplace Strategy, IT and HR Department, for a staff of over 200. The Policy Impact and Capacities Deputy Director should be able to serve as a proxy for the CPIO in various internal settings, leading team meetings and representing Policy Impact and Capacities with Finance, HR, and other internal counterparts.

The Deputy Policy Impact Officer will bring a high level of organization and initiative to supporting the CPIO as well as their interactions with program staff and the greater NRDC staff, including but not limited to the NRDC Executive, HR, Finance, Workplace Strategy, and Institutional Management Team.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

• Act as first point of contact for CPIO and primary executor for Capacities with counterparts throughout the organization.
• Collaborate and build relationships across institutional verticals to set strategic priorities in alignment with NRDC’s strategic plan, mission and goals.
• Drive project management for Capacities in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Align team functions in accordance with key organizational goals that support the current and future scale of NRDC, including optimizing workflows for efficiency; designing processes and systems that scale effectively; mitigating organizational risk; and adapting to the changing needs of the organization.
• Partner with NRDC leadership to develop, define and monitor key metrics and evaluation methods.
• Work in close partnership with the Development team to foster new fundraising opportunities
• Lead income and grant management for Policy Impact and Capacities—tracking, reporting, and managing all Policy Impact and Capacities income, in close partnership with the Finance Department.
• Conduct budget-related analysis, make recommendations, and implement changes to better prioritize and strategize resource use.
• Serve as primary point person for HR and outside search partners as we substantially expand the impact of NRDC’s Capacities teams.
• Work with HR and external partners to design and execute a tiered program for employee training and development.
• Create and manage methods of internal communication for Policy Impact and Capacities to improve overall functioning of Policy Impact and Capacities team.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Minimum two years professional experience supervising support staff or others.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Budget management skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to and competency in racial equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, including contributing to an inclusive working environment and advancing DEI.
• Ability to build relationships, effectively collaborate and engender trust from peers and colleagues.
• Ability to handle complex and sensitive discussions and processes with diplomacy.
• Aptitude for developing talent and supporting a positive and diverse team culture.
• Team player who can handle multiple conflicting priorities and ambiguity.
• A motivated self-starter.
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, up to 20% annually
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles