NRDC is seeking a City Strategist with the American Cities Climate Challenge (ACCC) in the Healthy People and Thriving Communities program. The ACCC is an unprecedented opportunity for 25 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents. The City Strategist role serves as an internal bridge between climate advisors embedded with cities and the Climate Challenge team, delivering resources from the Climate Challenge team to the cities and raising issues and opportunities that arise from the cities. The position is responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and connecting efforts across multiple cities, identifying opportunities for scalable solutions and efficiencies. This position also serves as the project manager for multiple climate advisors, to ensure their optimal effectiveness and to provide guidance and assistance when needed.
- Advocacy Strategy Development: In coordination with the NRDC Technical Strategists, the Director of Buildings and Energy and/or Director of Transportation, and other NRDC teams, develop building and/or transportation advocacy strategies for up to six cities.
- Execution of Advocacy Strategy: Lead on driving the “outside game” involved with the passage of policies/programs in specific cities, coordinate input and support from tech strategists and core partners, and support Delivery Associates (DA) City Implementation Coach with advocacy expertise as necessary for the “inside game” of policies/programs during implementation
- Stakeholder Engagement and Education: Serve as lead advisor for cities on engaging with local and national partners and stakeholders and on localizing and applying new national resources at the local level, in coordination with the NRDC Network Manager and DA Project Leaders.
- City-Wide Project Management: Serve as the front-line for cities and coordinate resource support with other City Strategists, the Technical Strategists, the Resource Associates, and experts at core partners. Schedule and hold regular coordination calls and meetings with Climate Challenge participants.
- Resource Development & Communications: Develop written resources on behalf of the American Cities Climate Challenge
- At least 2 years of related experience at the city level
- At least 3 years of experience advocating for or implementing clean energy/climate/transportation policy and programs
- Experience overseeing individuals and being part of large, cross-sector, multi-partner initiatives
- Experience in coordinating with coalitions of NGO advocates, private sector allies, and/or government partners
- Relevant network among key stakeholders
- Ability to participate in teams that work collaboratively towards shared outcomes
- Excellent writing skills, strong verbal communication, and confident public speaker
- Willingness to travel to participating Climate Challenge cities throughout the United States, as well as to other NRDC offices and U.S. locations as needed