Ceres

Senior Director,  Sustainable Capital Markets   Organization Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and equitable workplaces.  For more information about Ceres, please visit our website ( www.ceres.org ).   Description and Responsibilities Ceres is seeking a highly qualified Senior Director of Sustainable Capital Markets to oversee a new center that seeks to transform the outdated practices and policies that govern capital markets to accelerate action on global sustainability threats.  This new position will directly oversee the launch of a portfolio of capital markets-focused projects and ensure integration with other Ceres program teams to build off the organization’s long history of work, experience and thought leadership in this space.  The Senior Director will help to strengthen and support capital markets-focused projects managed out of those programs. In addition, s/he will play a lead role in representing Ceres and its intellectual capital externally, including building and managing new, high-level partnerships with key capital markets players and influencers. The position will also be central to increasing the financial resources of the center, in partnership with Ceres Development program, through conducting targeted outreach and cultivation of key funding partners, including individual donors and foundations.   This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional with capital markets expertise to advance private sector leadership on a wide range of sustainability issues. This role is for someone with strong internal management capabilities, who can be extremely effective at representing Ceres externally in a wide range of settings with capital markets partners and members, funders, and donors. For the first year, while the center is being built and initial projects are gaining traction, the Senior Director will report to the Vice President of Innovation and Evaluation and work closely with the CEO. The position will also be closely aligned with Ceres Network programs, enabling the new team to tap into the collective power and impact of Ceres’ relationships with influential investors and companies. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: Lead and coordinate the development, launch and/or implementation of the major strategies and campaigns in partnership with key program directors across the organization. Develop and manage a set of critical organizational projects and partnerships to elevate Ceres influence and impact within the capital markets, including new partnership models aimed at increasing collaboration on key issues with other NGOs.  Directly oversee the establishment of new projects associated with the new center, such as an advisory board, a fellowship program and/or prize. Identify and foster a pipeline of potential new projects and initiatives to advance the center's goals, in partnership with the VP of Innovation & Evaluation and other program leads across the organization. Participate in high-level external relationship building and public speaking events in order to enhance Ceres influence, thought leadership, visibility and partnerships in this space. Contribute to fundraising goals for the center, including cultivating and managing relationships with current and prospective individual donors and foundation funders. Hire, guide and mentor an initial team of two to three staff members. Serve as external spokesperson for the center and represent its work to a range of external audiences, from the media, investor, business and NGO partners, to critical sustainability audiences and capital markets actors, funders and donors. Other duties as they arise.  Qualifications 15 years of relevant work experience in roles of progressive responsibility.  Experience in private sector, particularly working with and/or in the investment and finance communities. Prior role focused on addressing environmental, social, and governance issues within a company. Experience as a senior leader and manager in a fast-paced and growing enterprise.  Demonstrated record of supervising senior staff to achieve programmatic and fundraising goals. Proven track record of results-driven strategic program management is required,  Experience cultivating effective supervisory relationships (across gender identity, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background) with direct reports and managing senior level staff and teams, supporting an inclusive workplace, where everyone has an opportunity for advancement. Broad understanding of how to build effective collaborations across other program areas, departments, and different levels of staff both internal and external to the organization. Experience and appreciation for a matrix management environment. Strong relationship management skills with external partners and funders is necessary for success in this position. Entrepreneurial attitude Ability to both build strong, stable programs and to innovate and take advantage of strategic opportunities. Demonstrated success in both halves of the resource equation—cultivating and closing income prospects, and managing and deploying staff and budgets Superior communication skills, both oral and written is critical to the success in this role Ability to travel to support programmatic and fundraising goals. How to Apply   We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying:  www.ceres.org .  If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.  Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.  

Senior Associate, State Policy   Organization Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization leading the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses.  For more information about Ceres, please visit our website ( www.ceres.org ).  Description & Responsibilities The Senior Associate, Policy position supports Ceres’ policy work, with a focus on U.S. Northeastern state-level climate and clean energy policy and engagement of business and investor voices in those states. This a full-time position, based in Boston, MA.  This position is designed for a highly motivated, self-starter looking to be an advocate for Ceres’ policy goals.  The position will report to the Manager, State Policy.  Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:  Support the Manager, State Policy in the development of regional strategy for engaging Northeastern states in team’s overall state policy vision. Identify policy priorities in Northeastern states, develop annual plan for policy engagement, and execute plan Track key developments related to Northeastern state energy, climate and transportation policy Continuously improve knowledge of state-level climate, electric power sector and clean transportation policies Use earned media, advocacy days, national meetings, direct engagement with policymakers, and other strategies to impact state policy outcomes Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and in-state allies (local non-profits, communications firms, lobbyists, etc.) such as monthly state coordination calls Identify opportunities to leverage state policy work to recruit new company and investor advocates Support team leadership’s recruitment efforts with companies and investors Represent Ceres at conferences, seminars, and meetings Draft op-eds, sign-on letters, blogs, and tweets about state policy advocacy efforts Prepare materials and prep participants for investor and business engagements with press and state lawmakers Provide administrative, logistical, and writing support to the Manager and Senior Manager in recruitment of investors and businesses to engage in state level policy advocacy opportunities Provide logistical support for policy-related conference calls, webinars, and events with businesses and investors Coordinate with other program teams (such as Investor Network, Communications, Development, Electric Power and Transportation) as needed to accomplish organizational objectives. Support organizing and logistical activities related to Ceres’ Annual Conference. Support special projects of Policy team, as necessary. Qualifications Four to five years or more of direct experience working on climate, clean energy, and/or transportation policy issues, particularly at the state level. Knowledge of climate, clean energy and clean transportation policies and current issues Demonstrated ability to bring an advocacy perspective to both analysis and corporate engagement and to make clear recommendations for actions and next steps. Substantial expertise on environmental and/or energy issues. Demonstrated project management skills of multiple, complex activities or events.  Planning expertise and delivering projects on deadline and within time and resource budgets.  Attention to detail is required. Strong oral and written communication skills as well as effective presentation style. Able to present a professional and confident demeanor with senior level professionals Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, proven ability to demonstrate initiative and motivation. Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on projects that support the success of the team and Ceres. Desire to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work as part of a team and take a collaborative approach, and to deliver independent projects. Ability to bring a positive outlook and energetic commitment to working at Ceres on a daily basis. Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.   Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, social media and e-mail computer applications (Salesforce, Google Suite, MS Office Suite). How to Apply We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying:  www.ceres.org .  Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and a list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.   Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.

  Manager, Company Network (Food & Beverage)      Organization Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization leading the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses. For more information about Ceres, please visit our website ( www.ceres.org ).  Description and Responsibilities The Ceres Company Network is a collaborative team of sustainable business strategists who bring a depth of expertise in environmental, social and governance issues to guide work with our members. Ceres member companies commit to solutions-oriented, long-term engagement with stakeholders and shareholders to improve their sustainability performance.  The Ceres Company Network comprises more than 50 leading U.S. companies that are setting the highest bar for sustainability leadership, committing to robust sustainability goals, and improving resiliency in their operations and supply chains. Ceres enjoys a unique, direct advocacy relationship with Network members, leveraging the  Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability —our strategic vision and practical framework for sustainable corporations in the 21st century—as well as access to investors and other advocacy organizations to move companies to make environmental, social and governance considerations integral to their core business strategies.  We are seeking a Manager for the Company Network to act as the relationship manager for Ceres member companies in the food and beverage and retail sectors. The Manager will support Ceres’ strategy for accelerating sustainability leadership in these key sectors by helping member companies realize the competitive advantage of integrating ESG issues into core business strategies.  The Manager will be part of a fifteen-person team working with companies to integrate sustainability into core business strategies, leveraging the  Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability . This is a full-time position based in our Boston office with line reporting to one of the Directors of the Company Network. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Act as relationship manager for a portfolio of 8-10 companies in the Ceres Company Network—providing expert guidance on the sustainable business strategies of member companies, assessing and tracking their performance against the expectations of the Ceres Roadmap, and customizing annual engagement plans to drive company progress and leadership. Manage and facilitate the ongoing, multi-stakeholder dialogues that bring together Ceres member companies with investors, social and environmental advocates, and other experts to advise the company’s sustainability strategy, disclosure, policy development and programmatic priorities covering topics such as climate and clean energy, water, agriculture, human rights, supply chains, governance for sustainability and disclosure. Manage cross-organizational coordination on Ceres engagement strategy with the food and beverage and retail sectors, representing the Company Network’s priorities and theory of change. Help develop and execute annual programmatic goals for advancing sustainability leadership within the food and beverage and retail sectors, as well as support strategic planning and results-driven performance for the Ceres Company Network. Develop briefings or presentations for members of the Ceres leadership team in support of their engagement with companies, investors or other external audiences. Participate in the design, development and implementation of tools and resources to drive forward leadership in corporate sustainability practice as laid out in the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability. Partner on developing external communications and engagement opportunities (workshops, webinars, multi-media communications) to bring Ceres expertise to the corporate, investor and advocacy communities. Contribute to the collaborative environment of the Ceres Company Network Team through guidance and mentorship, ongoing training and direct supervision, as necessary, of new and existing team members. Grow team revenue through development of fee for service project opportunities with companies within and beyond the Network. Help build the pipeline of companies joining the Company Network by identifying prospective members and supporting the outreach process. Assist in the planning of the annual Ceres Conference program and other events. Represent Ceres externally by attending and speaking at relevant conferences and events. Qualifications Five years or more of full-time, direct experience beyond Internships working on sustainability and corporate responsibility issues in the corporate, investor or non-profit sectors. Expertise on and understanding of those sustainability issues material to the food and beverage and retail sectors, including climate, water, agriculture, supply chains and human rights, as well as governance and disclosure systems.   Understanding of corporations (including corporate reporting and business strategy tools) and the socially responsible investment community. Experience in North American context is required, coupled with an understanding of the broader international context for sustainability. Proven project management experience, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail. Demonstrated advocacy skills developed working to move change in an organization. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills for both internal and external audiences. Effective facilitation skills with the ability to bring divergent ideas to a productive conclusion.  Experience working with diverse constituents and making everyone feel valued and respected, a plus. Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative and motivation. Proven leadership and people skills, including a demonstrated ability to mentor the skills and effectiveness of other team members, with a special focus on equity. Ability to move seamlessly between collaborative, team-driven activities and independent projects. Ability to bring a positive outlook and energetic commitment to working at Ceres on a daily basis and to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.  Passion for accelerating and expanding the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. How to Apply We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and a list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed when you go to  ceres.org/about-us/career-opportunities  select the “Manager, Company Network (Food & Beverage)” position and then at the bottom of the page click “Apply for this position. ”Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.

Senior Manager, Water and Agriculture Organization Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization leading the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through our powerful networks and advocacy, we tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses. For more information about Ceres, please visit our web site ( www.ceres.org ).  Description & Responsibilities   Ceres’ Water Program seeks to protect freshwater resources by changing the way the world’s largest economic actors value and manage water. Ceres accelerates private sector leadership on water protection through cutting-edge research, investor mobilization, corporate engagement and advocacy. We are hiring a Senior Manager to lead Ceres’ efforts to influence the largest food sector companies to mitigate the water impacts and increase the resiliency of their agricultural supply chains.  In this role, the Senior Manager will lead a team working with investors and food companies to advance the adoption of agricultural practices that protect freshwater. This is a full-time position, based in Boston, MA, that will report to the Water Program Director and partners with a number of program teams at Ceres.  Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: Overall responsibility for success of this initiative, including strategy development, execution and fundraising. Develop and oversee strategies for mobilizing investors to engage companies in high water impact sectors, with an initial focus on the food and agriculture sector. Engage directly with food sector companies, including Ceres Company Network members, on opportunities for improving their management of water risk. Manage the production, release and distribution of research reports and related blog posts and articles. Supervise and mentor staff that contribute to this initiative, including current full-time staff and relevant consultants and interns. Serve as an internal resource and external spokesperson for Ceres’ water and agriculture related work, representing Ceres as a speaker at conferences and events, on webinars and dialogue meetings with companies, investors and stakeholders. Work in partnership with the Water Program Director and the Development team to draft and edit fundraising proposals and reports and to manage relationships with current and prospective funders. Manage the budget for this initiative and oversee all expenditures. Work across Ceres teams, with a particular focus on the Food & Forests, Investor Network, and Company Network programs, as well as non-programmatic teams. Manage planning related to this initiative for the Ceres annual conference program and other events to educate stakeholders on water. Support the implementation and development of program management systems including developing goals, tracking KPIs and evaluating the results and progress of the program. Assure that programmatic strategies maximize the impacts of our work through a lens of social and racial equity.   Qualifications Minimum of seven years of work experience. Substantial experience working with or within private sector institutions on environmental sustainability/sustainable agriculture. Substantial expertise on environmental sustainability issues, with a preference for expertise in freshwater sustainability, soil health and sustainable agriculture. An understanding of the following entities; corporations, large-scale agricultural operations, investment firms, financial institutions, or institutional investors. Strong writing and research skills. Effective presentation style and excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong project management skills and attention to detail. Experience managing within budgets and making trade-off decisions. Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative and motivation. Experience cultivating effective supervisory relationships (across gender identify, race ethnicity, and socio-economic background) with direct reports. Desire to work in a not-for-profit, advocacy-focused organization. Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.  Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and e-mail computer applications. How to Apply  We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying:  www.ceres.org .  If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.  Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.