Board Director - Board on Environmental Change and Society

Job Description Summary:

*COVER LETTER REQUIRED*

Are you ready for job that can make a difference? We invite you to bring your expertise and passion to the nation’s most trusted voice on complex issues in science and technology. The work we do not only advances scientific research and understanding, but also informs actions taken by Congress, government agencies, industry, and other decision-makers to advance environmental policies; energy choices; land use and agricultural practices; public health policies; manufacturing decisions; and many other important matters.

We are seeking a proven, visionary leader with strong scientific and research credentials who also excels in management and administration and in building relationships with potential sponsors to help shape our work in meeting challenges facing leaders across the globe. You’ll work closely with a group of top scientific and other technical experts who volunteer their time to advise on the work of the Board. You will also lead and build a team of smart, talented, mission-driven staff who care deeply about the work they do.

The Director will lead the Board on Environmental Change and Society (BECS), housed within the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE). BECS is the National Academies’ primary voice for advancing research on the interactions between human activities and the environment, providing a vital forum for linking the social and natural sciences in research, planning, and decision-making. Recent work, which includes convening experts, holding workshops, and delivering peer-reviewed studies, has advanced understanding and guided future actions on topics that include: 
•    Community-driven relocation
•    Social-ecological consequences of wildfires
•    Climate mitigation and adaptation
•    Strategies to accelerate decarbonization

The Director will pursue new lines of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, such as: 
•    Social and behavioral science contributions to energy systems transitions 
•    Community climate resilience and adaptation
•    Greater coordination and integration across climate solution areas
•    Advancing social justice and equity across all aspects of the field of scientific endeavor and the board’s work

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the behavioral and social sciences and their applications to public policy specifically focused on the dynamics of human-environment interactions; strong leadership, administration, and management skills; proven experience in stewarding and growing relationships with federal, state, and private sponsors; experience supervising staff and fostering their growth; and established networks within the scientific community. The successful candidate will be dedicated to advancing a culture of respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among the staff and in all activities conducted under the auspices of the board. The position reports to the Executive Director of DBASSE.

Job Description:

The BECS Director leads all aspects of the board, in collaboration with division and volunteer board leadership:

1. In consultation with division leadership, board staff, and volunteer board chair and members, develops and maintains an impactful, interdisciplinary portfolio of projects/programs. Establishes a vision and working strategy for studies and activities conducted within the program/board.

2. Plans, conducts, and directs work on projects/programs. Oversees the management of numerous complex projects, assembles or oversees the boards, volunteer committees, and/or study panels and their staff and provides oversight and guidance to the conduct of their work.

3. Provides leadership to and management of staff; mentors staff. Leveraging available institution and division resources, trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and excellence. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies. Initiates and participates in personnel actions, including performance and compensation reviews and disciplinary actions.

4. Maintains communication and productive working relationships with program volunteers. Sets agenda and oversees meeting arrangements. Oversees quality assurance efforts.

5. Oversees financial management of the unit. Participates in business planning, conducts status meetings, coordinates logistical issues, and implements planning, scheduling, and procedural changes.

6. Responsible for program/project development. Maintains current and develops new relationships with prospective sponsors and other