Job Postings
D.C. Office Director listing, May 26, 2009
Position Announcement
The Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University seeks a senior level Director for its Washington, D.C. office, to function in a multi-faceted, results-oriented work environment. The ideal candidate will have the ability to track and analyze issues, identify priorities, develop strategies, and make decisions expeditiously. Because the Institute puts a premium on offering unbiased, cooperative assistance in developing policy options to solve environmental problems, the Director must possess strong negotiating skills and intellectual curiosity.
The Director will be primarily responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance the Institute’s work with Washington, D.C. audiences. The Director will collaborate with Institute and Duke colleagues on substantive issues in the areas of climate, energy, water, ecosystems, and oceans as well as oversee the Institute’s outreach program in Washington, D.C. The ability to manage complex relationships with key constituencies and professional colleagues tactfully and effectively is also required.
This position will report directly to the Institute’s Director in Durham, North Carolina.
Background
Created in 2005, with its Washington, D.C. office launched in 2006, The Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University seeks to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems through scientifically grounded, rigorous, balanced nonpartisan policy analysis and broad-based dissemination of the Institute’s work. The Institute draws on the unparalleled resources of the Duke University community, including close partnerships with the University’s nationally ranked graduate programs in environmental science and policy, business medicine, and law, as well as on the considerable expertise of partners in industry, government, environmental organizations, and other academic institutions.
This combination has enabled the Nicholas Institute to become a leading policy institute with a core staff and resident faculty dedicated to helping frame the environmental agenda by focusing on important problems and helping develop and recommend effective policies.
The Institute works to provide a neutral forum for research and policy analysis by convening individuals with specialized expertise and experience from a range of relevant sectors and by conducting working groups known as “policy labs” to develop workable policy options with stakeholders.
In addition, the Institute may tackle specific environmental issues for its partners in the corporate, non-governmental, and foundation sectors. Working with these partners, the Institute recruits top experts to develop results-driven programs and case studies to assist these organizations in addressing their particular environmental needs.
The Institute main office is currently housed in the Nicholas School for the Environment on Duke University’s campus. For further information see http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/institute/about.html
Director of the Washington, D.C. Office
The Director of this office will be the Institute’s primary representative in Washington, D.C., responsible for creating and maintaining an appropriate profile for the Institute in the Nation’s capital, helping devise strategies to engage policymakers on developing policy solutions, and overseeing dissemination of the Institute’s work to Washington policy makers and opinion leaders.
The Director will be responsible for, among other elements:
- Tracking, informing, and advising the Institute’s staff on legislative and executive branch developments regarding issues of priority for the Institute, including climate and energy, water, habitat, and oceans;
- Work with Durham-based staff to identify particular policy concerns and collaboratively develop strategies to engage offices and other stakeholders on working groups or “policy labs” to help solve those questions, and oversee implementation of these strategies for Washington audiences when needed;
- Oversee the dissemination and promotion of the Institute’s priority research and project findings, both interim and final;
- Develop and maintain networks of relevant policy makers, press, government officials, NGO leaders, consultants, and others to facilitate dissemination of Institute findings and products;
- Acting as liaison to key Members of Congress and their staff, and coordinating Hill visits with other Institute staff;
- Oversee and maintain the Institute’s Washington office facilities and in consultation with the Institute Director plan to meet the Institute’s long-range facility needs in Washington;
- Hiring and supervising Washington staff in consultation with the Institute’s director;
- Preparing a budget for the Washington office during the Institute’s normal budgeting process;
- Maintaining a calendar and ensuring adequate facilities and hospitality in hosting Institute, project, and related briefings, meetings, and other events in Washington, as requested, in coordination with the Institute’s event planner for larger events;
- Taking on other functions assigned by the Institute’s Director to facilitate or promote the Nicholas Institute and its work.
Desired Professional Experience
- A minimum of five years working in Washington in the legislative or executive branches of government.
- Demonstrated ability to work on a bipartisan or nonpartisan basis and in developing strong collaborative relationships with colleagues in other institutions and sectors.
- A track record in working with government agencies at all levels, with NGOs and the private sector.
- Substantive knowledge of one or more issues of priority to the Institute, including, for example, climate change, energy, habitat, water, or oceans policy issues, coupled with an understanding of current legislative concerns.
- Understanding of the legislative process.
- The ability to communicate complex concepts and programs at leadership levels, including excellent written and verbal skills.
- An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
Other Desirable Characteristics
- Outstanding interpersonal skills; an approachable and collegial personal style; an eagerness to learn as well as to teach; respect for the expertise and experience of colleagues.
- A team player, able to work closely in consultation with senior management at the
Nicholas Institute, and Duke University.
-Ability to work and coordinate well when physically separated from colleagues.
- Resourcefulness and initiative, with an orientation to measurable results.
- Strong organizational and managerial skills, including attention to detail and follow-through and the ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
- Resilient, optimistic, flexible, and tenacious with an abundance of energy, common sense, and good judgment.
- Politically astute.
Compensation and Benefits
Duke University offers an excellent salary and benefits package commensurate
with experience and education. Duke is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply
Mail a cover letter and resume detailing your interest in the position to the attention of
Jessica Sheffield, Assistant to Director Tim Profeta, Nicholas Institute for Environmental
Policy Solutions, Duke University, Post Office 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328, Email jessica.sheffield@duke.edu; Fax 919-613-8712. No phone inquiries please.
