Vice President, Technical Expertise

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 a Vice President, Technical Expertise to join our Technical Development Team. The Technical Development Team is responsible for executing the ongoing maintenance and evolutionary development of the rating systems and technical products managed by USGBC in a manner that hastens global 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. 

USGBC is seeking an innovative and visionary leader who can manage and mentor a team of technical subject matter experts focused on technical excellence and leading the market in green building. The skills of this team are used to develop the rating systems and technical products USGBC supports. This role ensures the team maintains fluency in all areas of expertise related to green building. This includes staying abreast of market and research developments, consistently and efficiently applying subject matter expertise to products and outputs. This role provides strategy and management acumen to ensure the successful execution of technical projects and the alignment of technical strategies with USGBC's overall goals.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent management skills; exceptional ability to manage details, multitask in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines; demonstrated ability for operational management and financial oversight; proven decision-making skills; ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in collaboration with other departments; and innovative and creative thinking to bring products from concept to market.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Strategic Team Management for Technical & Product Development:
  • Lead a team of subject experts to provide a center of technical excellence for USGBC that ensures the organization is on the cutting edge of critical technical areas impacting green buildings, cities and communities. 
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for team management. 
  • Ensure technical subject matter support for the development of all rating systems and technical products. 
  • Drive resource allocation and execution strategies to meet departmental priorities and goals.
  • Collaborate with leadership to define technical goals, priorities, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate the impact of this work.
  • Identify emerging trends and assess their potential impact on strategic direction.
• Leadership and Team Development:
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of technical subject matter experts.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth within the technical development team.
  • Provide guidance and support to team members, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Actively support technical staff in their professional development goals to maximize their contributions to USGBC’s mission and the green building field, as well as their professional satisfaction and retention. 
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Communicate technical strategies, project progress, and outcomes to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  • Represent USGBC at industry conferences, seminars, and events to stay informed about industry developments and trends.
• Resource Management:
  • Ensure efficient allocation of resources, to maximize project outcomes.
  • Contribute to the development and management of the technical development budget.

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Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent credentials, Masters or PhD preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience including at least 5 years of experience in management with a proven track record of strategic leadership and successful project delivery. 

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership and team-building capabilities. Global management experience preferred. 
• Proven track record of developing and retaining pipelines of highly skilled technical experts. 
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to think strategically and translate organizational goals into technical strategies.
• 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.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and mentor staff in doing the same.

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Employee Supervision:

• Manage a team of 15+ staff members and engage with internal team members, external stakeholders, and supervise contractors.

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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.

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 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.