Director of Climate Policy

Overview

Brief Job Description:

 

As Boston rapidly moves to large-scale implementation of climate action, the City requires a senior expert in policy, regulation, and law to implement the next generation of Boston’s climate agenda. The Director of Climate Policy serves as the Senior member of the Environment Department, charged with driving the climate agenda through regulatory strategy, legislative and legal action, and intergovernmental coordination.  

 

Serving as the Environment Department’s lead on climate policy, the Director will carry out and/or oversee four key functions: climate policy development and engagement with state and Federal policymakers and regulators;; delivery of a portfolio of high-priority climate and sustainability special projects; oversight of energy utility collaboration on policy matters; and Department-wide guidance and support on legislative and policy strategy. Working closely with the Environment Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer, the Director will lead the development of Boston’s legislative and policy agenda in support of the City’s long-term carbon neutrality goals, as well as near-term targets that will be completed in the 2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update, and lead engagement with state and Federal agencies to achieve these goals and targets.  In order to advance policy goals, the Director will also be responsible for a portfolio of strategic initiatives and programs to accelerate emissions reduction and ensure the City of Boston becomes carbon neutral with a focus on climate justice. The Director is a leader in energy, GHG mitigation, and environmental policy for the City and advises the Department, Chief Climate Officer, Climate Council, all agencies in the City, and stakeholders on legislation, policy, and regulation that affect and advance City goals.  

 

The Director of Climate Policy and Planning reports to the Commissioner of the Environment Department and supervises two staff: the Deputy Director for Energy Transformation and the Climate Policy Program Manager. The Director will work closely with the City’s Intergovernmental Relations on legislative affairs and policy. The Director interacts with all segments of Boston’s municipal government and the Boston community. The Director will be part of the Environment Department Senior Staff, who will work closely with other members of the management team and have important administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development of Boston's climate policies in support of the Mayor's goals of a Green New Deal for Boston and a healthy environment.
• Tracks and stays current with important policy and regulatory developments and conveys them in practical terms to Boston stakeholders; develops and oversees the Environment Department's policy and legislation tracking and commenting system.
• Partners with the Intergovernmental Relations to grow and manage Boston’s activities and partnerships at the local, state, and Federal policy levels; serves as the City’s external point person on climate and environmental policy.  
• Advises the Commissioner of the Environment, the Chief Climate Officer, and the Director of Intergovernmental Relations on environmental, climate, and sustainability policy and legislation; leads development of the City’s legislative agenda on these topics.
• Serves as the Environment Department’s in-house expert and resource on legislative and policy strategy, supporting all aspects of the Department’s programs as needed.
• Engages other municipal offices and external stakeholders in all areas of responsibility.
• Builds relationships and partnerships with non-profit organizations, local academic and cultural institutions, and international institutions.
• Engages with neighboring municipalities and state and federal partners on key legislative priorities.
• Manages the work of the Climate Policy Project Manager; aligns project portfolio and workload of the Manager to advance planning and policy responsibilities as needed.
• Oversees contracts and grants. 
• Establishes and manages partnerships and strategic alliances with key local and regional government stakeholders across diverse sectors, professional disciplines, and communities.
• Advises City departments and staff on initiatives to make the City of Boston a sustainable workplace.
• Inspire, influence, and enable the community's contribution to the development and implementation of Boston’s climate strategies.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience with climate, environmental, or sustainability law or policy, with at least three (3) years of management experience required. Additional experience preferred.
• A bachelor's degree is