AVP, Sustainable Finance and Investor Relations

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Program Overview

EDF+Business is a cross-cutting solutions team that develops and deploys business and investor engagement strategies that accelerate environmental leadership, innovation, and results across industries and supply chains. We are working to create a more sustainable and resilient world where companies, communities and the environment thrive - and we’re making it happen by leveraging the power of the marketplace. We’ve been at the forefront of this change for 30 years, bringing cutting edge science, policy, and economic expertise to high-impact companies to transform business as usual in their products, operations, and advocacy.  

For more information on our work, visit business.edf.org.

Overall Function

Investors represent a powerful force in accelerating the shift to a more sustainable and resilient economy.  They influence the flow of trillions of dollars and are under increasing pressure to use their influence to drive change at carbon-intensive companies and to align investment portfolios with a more resilient future. Our vision is that by 2025, leading investors will be competing for climate leadership and using their influence and capital to drive change across carbon-intensive industries and scale investment in low carbon solutions.

Reporting to the Vice President, EDF+Business, the Associate Vice President, Sustainable Finance and Investor Relations (internally titled AVP, Investor Strategy, EDF+Business) provides the overall vision, strategy, and leadership for the EDF+Business Investor Strategy efforts to accelerate climate leadership in the finance sector. The AVP collaborates with senior leaders and staff across EDF to identify opportunities, develop and implement projects, and advance the organization’s goals through effective and impactful private sector engagement. They are responsible for ensuring that the Investor Engagement initiative is structured, staffed, funded, and managed to support EDF-wide goals, deliver on current projects, and launch new, high-impact projects and collaborations.

To be successful, the AVP will demonstrate a strong spirit of collaboration, communicate with trust and transparency, and have a laser focus on achieving results, while building and maintaining durable partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Defines investor engagement program vision and goals, creating short- and long-term strategies for achieving the organization’s goals.
• Actively engages with peers across EDF mission areas to create strong collaboration and optimal management of outcomes. 
• Assists EDF leaders in countries outside the U.S to assess private sector engagement opportunities and develop strategies to achieve programmatic goals.
• Recruits, develops, and supervises senior staff and consultants as appropriate.
• Supports and builds a culture that fosters communication, collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and trust.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with high-impact companies and investors, NGOs, business organizations, investor networks, and media.
• Manages communication with internal and external stakeholders to keep them apprised of progress and generate credibility for EDF work and enthusiasm for program goals and accomplishments.
• Raises awareness and amplification of EDF’s work with business and investors, through thought leadership, earned media, public speaking, presentations, and brand-level success stories.
• Engages in program and EDF-wide fundraising, coordinating with Development on trustee and donor stewardship, and participating in donor events.
• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values. 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with at least 12 years of relevant work experience with demonstrated success.
• Deep understanding of the fundamentals of investment management.
• Experience with climate change and corporate sustainability and their intersection with the financial services industry and capital markets.  Including familiarity with carbon accounting and reporting, as well as the related methodologies and initiatives/orgs (TCFD, SASB, PCAF, GHGP, NZBA/GFANZ).
• Understanding of climate and financial regulatory bodies, both in the U.S. and abroad.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective relationships with relevant outside stakeholders, including but not limited to media, elected officials, and academic institutions.
• A strong understanding of public policy and the financial regulatory landscape.
• Experience as a senior level manager of large teams, preferably in an organization or institution with national, regional, and/or international components.
• A collaborative leadership style, with demonstrated ability to empower and inspire staff and encourage professional development.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective strategies that achieve results.
• Strong entrepreneurial capabilities and ability to foster innovation.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills, experience with public speaking and working with the media.
• Proven ability in fundraising and nurturing donor relationships.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• International experience a plus.

Hiring Range

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization.

The pay range for this role is 184,000 - 195,000 USD which takes into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

How to Apply

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter on our careers site at: https://www.edf.org/jobs/avp-sustainable-finance-and-investor-relations

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.