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Vice President, Climate Change Practice Leader

Employer
Mathematica
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Aug 22, 2021

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Sector
Consultancy/Private Sector
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Climate Change
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
- Position Description*:
Mathematica is a mission-driven organization that applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with our public and private sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and advance knowledge in the US and globally. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas including health, agriculture, energy, economic mobility, education, family support, nutrition, disability, and workforce development. We seek to inform policy, priorities, and practice by drawing on credible data and evidence, combined with targeted engagement with policymakers, donors, peer organizations, and other leaders. Our domestic-focused health and human services units have been working closely with US government agencies, foundations, and state and local agencies for more than 50 years, and our international development work has grown over the past 15 years to make an impact in more than 50 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
- The opportunity
A key strategic priority for Mathematica is to expand our research and influence on issues related to climate change. Climate change is integrally connected to all of our work. Domestically, climate change is closely linked with our work in health, workforce issues, food security, and the ability of communities to provide residents with access to social services. Globally, climate change is closely linked with our work in a number of sectors including agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, and global health. Climate change is also fundamentally connected with Mathematica's commitment to equity and justice.
Mathematica is seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial Vice President for Climate Change to provide leadership on strategy development, identify our value proposition and grow Mathematica's work in climate change. The Vice President will craft a climate change strategy that leverages Mathematica's wide-ranging capabilities and expertise, and will identify a set of priorities that align with learning needs of our partners such as federal agencies, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations and corporate philanthropies.
The candidate we seek will be a leading climate change expert who brings substantial content knowledge across a range of climate-related issues. The candidate will bring a deep understanding of the climate change landscape, and expert knowledge of the funding priorities and mechanisms of donors. The ideal candidate will have prior experience leading professionals in a dynamic research or consulting environment and bring excellent team leadership skills and a proven capability to manage and grow a successful business stream. With a high degree of initiative, a can-do attitude, flexibility, and teamwork, the candidate will be independent and self-motivated, and show a desire to work in a growth-oriented, start-up environment. Utilizing their strong communication skills and a comfort level engaging with other thought leaders, clients, and decision-makers, the candidate will exemplify Mathematica's mission and commitment to innovation and quality and demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in their priorities and approach.
- Responsibilities of the Vice President, Climate Change Practice Leader include:
Refine strategy and grow Mathematica's business in climate change
- Develop and implement a strategy for advancing Mathematica's position as a leader in the generation and use of data and evidence in climate change
- Deepen relationships with key federal, state, and local government, philanthropy, multilateral, and other relevant agencies
- Pursue opportunities to bid on work and grow the area
Build and manage a team
- Build a team by hiring new staff and drawing on staff from across the company's business units interested in contributing to climate change bids and projects
- Build a global network of consultants to broaden the base of expertise that can be used for marketing, proposal development, and technical assignments
- Ensure the practice is fulfilling its performance goals and metrics
Ensure technical excellence in project implementation and quality assurance
- Work with project leads to ensure climate change projects are delivering high-quality, on-time deliverables
- Oversee and mentor staff with project and technical roles and provide strategic and technical guidance on projects as needed
- Provide support across Mathematica's climate change portfolio to ensure technical excellence and responsiveness to clients' and other stakeholders' learning and decision-making needs
Facilitate thought leadership and outreach
- Set the thought leadership agenda guided by the strategy, and develop and disseminate specific products via multiple avenues including client meetings and workshops
- Share and present knowledge and learning products at key conferences; in expert groups and advisory committees; and through publications, blog posts, social media, and other dissemination channels
- Position Requirements*:
- Visionary leader who is strategic and passionate about Mathematica's mission and delivering the best climate change solutions to our clients
- 20+ years of experience in climate change, with a deep understanding of the climate change landscape including areas such as climate finance, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water, natural resource management, sustainable development, or other areas
- An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization
- Proven capability in successfully developing and leading new areas of work and managing teams to perform that work
- Thought leader with a track record of research excellence
- Strong networks and connections in the field, and strong relationship-building skills
- Commitment to client-centered approaches that prioritize client needs and goals
- Powerful communicator and careful listener who effectively engages and inspires clients and colleagues
- Established research record and presentations at conferences and other expert forums
- Stellar written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to (1) convey complex technical issues to non-expert audiences and (2) present and share research results in a way that resonates with clients, practitioners, and policymakers
- PhD or master's degree in social science, climate change, environment, or relevant discipline
- Ability to travel internationally
Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company's growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance.
We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work. As a winner of the "Excellence in Diversity Award," we know that building an inclusive culture based on the diverse strengths of employees from different backgrounds is key to our success.
This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $225,000-$285,000. This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.
Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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