Vice President, U.S. Programs

Position description

The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), founded in 1991, is a climate organization that aims to create equitable climate change solutions worldwide. We do this by forming collaborative, people-focused partnerships that support communities disproportionately impacted by the global climate crisis. For over 30 years, ISC has utilized a unique, bottom-up approach to ensure solutions emerge from within communities rather than being imposed from the outside.

Through a deep understanding of and commitment to communities that are the least likely to cause global climate change yet face the highest impacts, ISC develops creative and inclusive solutions, demonstrated in our work in the US and Asia. We actively partner with frontline organizations, subnational governments, and the private sector to co-create programs that support underinvested communities, women, and people experiencing poverty who comprise the global majority. ISC remains aware of communities’ varying needs, and we tailor our approach to support those needs. We believe equity and inclusion are fundamental to building healthy, prosperous, and peaceful communities and are committed to furthering equitable climate action. ISC is implementing programs in the U.S. and Asia. Learn more at sustain.org.

What You’ll Do:

ISC is seeking a passionate and visionary Vice President of U.S. Programs to join our leadership team. This key role will lead the US Programs team and drive the strategic direction and execution of key goals aligned with ISC’s strategic plan. The VP will successfully oversee the development and implementation of all US-based programs and initiatives, including ISC’s national Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking and Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center programs with the US Environmental Protection Agency. This role also involves partnership building to ensure that ISC effectively meets its mission and goals.

We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in climate change, equity programming, business development, and fundraising. If you’re ready to drive impactful programs in support of ISC’s mission, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Team and Program Leadership

• Oversee ISC’s US Program team goals and program implementation aligned with our 2025-2030 strategic plan, including the successful execution of our private foundation, US EPA, and local government awards.
• Supervise department and team leads to ensure the success of ISC’s programmatic portfolio in the United States. This includes performance management, planning, and mentorship, ensuring the team excels and works towards goals and objectives, budget oversight and professional development..
• Champion the organization’s Equity Action Plan, including setting and achieving programmatic and departmental targets and norms.
• Create and oversee a US Program Team annual budget of $10million+, collaborating with the Finance Team to ensure effective budget monitoring and management.

Business Development

• Lead all business development and fundraising activities for the US team in coordination with the Development team, supporting an annual cash-in goal of $3-5 million annually.
• Foster new partnerships and nurture existing ones with philanthropy, government, community representatives, the private sector, and institutional partners to leverage and expand resources, increase program effectiveness and scale, and increase ISC’s visibility as a key and go-to player in advancing equity-focused climate solutions.

Other

• Champion a team culture of active participation and engagement across the organization.

 

Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen years in non-profit program management, including five years of senior leadership experience within a climate, environmental organization, or similar field.
• Experience overseeing and managing US Government Grants.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• A demonstrated commitment to helping address the causes and consequences of climate change and a good understanding of the issues and methods involved.
• Possess a deep understanding of anti-oppressive and anti-racist frameworks and the importance of advancing equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
• Strong leadership and team management skills. With a demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and build capacity.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated experience in project design and management.
• Experience and ability to work and supervise a team in a remote setting.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Passion for ISC’s mission and values.

Details:

• This position will work from a fully virtual/home office which requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on computer and video platforms. Approximately 25% of travel is required.

What We Offer:

• The salary range for this role is $168,000 – 185,000. We identify where the candidate falls within this range, based on many factors including experience and qualifications.
• A friendly, open work environment, excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a difference in communities around the world.
• Benefits for eligible US-based team members include:
  • Platinum level medical plan with 100% coverage for team members and 50% coverage for dependents
  • Dental & Vision plan covered at 99% for team members and 100% for dependents
  • 403b Retirement Plan, with an automatic 2% ISC contribution and up to 4% matching contribution
  • Healthcare Travel HRA
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Unlimited Discretionary Time Off,
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • $300 home office set up allowance
  • Casual and flexible remote work environment
  • Appreciation of work-life balance
  • Employee Assistance Program

ISC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workplace. We encourage all applicants, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, and ability, to apply.

Application instructions

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