The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a global, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., working to improve environmental sustainability, human health, and resilience in the built environment through its programs and rating systems including LEED. Today, people in over 180 countries and territories live, work, and learn in LEED certified buildings, communities, and cities that protect health, climate, and natural resources, and enhance quality of life.
USGBC is currently seeking an Associate Director, Process Optimization to join our Technical Development Team. The Technical Development Team is responsible for executing the ongoing maintenance and evolutionary development of the of the rating systems and technical products managed by USGBC in a manner that hastens market transformation towards a more sustainable future. The body of work associated with this ongoing effort is achieved through collaborative engagement with internal and external subject matter experts, thoughtful research, and dynamic responses to market drivers.
This role will ensure effective teamwide work planning, time management, resource allocation, financial management, and cross-departmental coordination. This role will also contribute to governance and volunteer management, policy/process establishment and enforcement, and ongoing team optimization. This position is critical to ensuring clear access to information, tools, resources, and feedback loops across the growing team.
The successful candidate will demonstrate (a) excellent project management skills; (b) exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; (c) ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in collaboration with other departments; and (d) innovative and creative thinking to bring products from concept to market.
Specific Responsibilities:
Responsibilities Overview:
- Operational Leadership and Project Management:
- Develop and manage project plans and timelines to ensure efficient workflows and on-time delivery.
- Drive resource allocation and execution strategies to meet departmental priorities and goals.
- Track and report project progress to senior staff, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and metrics.
- Implement and refine operational policies, procedures, and business practices, ensuring staff training and continuous process improvement.
- Facilitate change management and the adoption of emerging processes and technologies.
- Support the team-wide hiring process.
- Support data and technology needs for tracking key metrics and achieving departmental and organizational objectives.
- Governance, Compliance, and Standardization:
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures related to meeting notes, file naming conventions, document management, addenda processing and release, new staff onboarding etc.
- Manage external consultant contracts, including coordination with legal, ensuring alignment with budgetary and project goals.
- Assist in annual budgeting process and oversee ongoing tracking and balancing of budgets.
- Contribute to oversight and management of committee operations to ensure the consensus-based process for rating system development is met by following all governance requirements for various advisory and steering groups.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Ensure effective cross-departmental communication and coordination to keep stakeholders informed and aligned on project expectations and deliverables.
- Prepare and organize materials for leadership communications.
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent credentials, Masters preferred.
- 7-10 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Track record of successfully managing complex projects, budgets and workplans from initiation to completion, utilizing project management methods and tools to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Experience creating and guiding the adoption of standard operating procedures.
- Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills and experience establishing expectations and timelines for others.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to predict challenges and seek to proactively head-off obstacles through creative problem solving.
- Experience working in the areas of the built environment and/or sustainability including architecture, engineering, environmental science and related fields.
- Proven ability to build consensus through collaboration and influence and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.
- Demonstrated skills one or more project management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, JIRA, Trello, MS Project, etc.).
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Innovative spirit and ability to deliver unique solutions to complex problems.
Employee Supervision:
- May manage one or more staff members and will engage with internal team members, external stakeholders, and supervise contractors.
Details:
- Full Time, permanent, salaried, benefits-eligible, exempt status
- Location: Remote or hybrid position in Washington, DC headquarters
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm EST, 40 hours per week, occasional evening and weekends
- Travel – upon request and approval.
- USGBC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to advancing social equity in our work and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Benefits:
Employees work for an established mission-based and member-driven nonprofit organization with a compelling vision, nonprofit competitive compensation that includes 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health insurance, employer sponsored Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA), generous paid leave, in addition to a renewal leave of six weeks for employees celebrating monumental employment anniversary.
The headquarters office is a LEED Platinum commercial interior space in a LEED certified building in the LEED Platinum certified central business district in the first LEED Platinum certified city, Washington, DC. The office serves as an example for green design and construction products and practices. It is close to public transportation and incorporates many healthy and environmentally friendly features, including an on-site gym, rooftop lounge and healthy snacks for staff.
