HR Senior Specialist, Early Career Programming

Overview

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 1,000 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?

Responsibilities

Overall Function

Environmental Defense Fund is seeking a Senior Specialist to lead professional development programming for early career programs. A primary focus will be on planning and implementing EDF’s Science, Technology, Economics, Engineering & Mathematics (ESTEEM) program, as well as developing and executing on Fellow programming with opportunity to expand and develop additional programming.

Our ESTEEM program is designed to provide early career analysts with networking opportunities and training that will set them up for success in their career path and is centered on four tenets: Collaboration, Communication of complex information, Career development, and Context. Our Fellow Program provides early career professionals (recent grads from undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs) a chance to explore their career track through a 1- or 2-year immersive Fellowship working alongside experts in their chosen field and having direct impact on the biggest environmental challenges of our time.

The Senior Specialist will handle all aspects of programming from collaborating with stakeholders and working closely with mission-focused teams, organizing relevant workshops and trainings, enrollment of participants, seeking and reporting on feedback, and communicating about programs to the wider EDF audience. The Senior Specialist will be a core member of our Intern & Fellow Program and Talent Development teams within the larger HR department with direct reporting line to the Intern & Fellow Program Lead.

Location

Any EDF U.S. office or Remote U.S.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance the development of early career professionals through targeted programming with an eye toward continuous program improvement.

• Participate in advancing EDF diversity, equity, and inclusion 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.

• Lead all aspects of the existing ESTEEM program including:

  • Socializing program, convening planning sessions with relevant stakeholders, recruiting and enrolling participants, coordinating workshop sessions working collaboratively with internal presenters and external vendors, identifying and matching mentors, collecting and tracking data, conducting completion surveys, writing reports, and overseeing budget.

• Develop and implement relevant programming for Fellows overall with a balanced focus on subject matter expertise development, overarching professional skills development, and understanding and navigating EDF’s structure and organization.

• Convene and collaborate with a cross functioning advisory teams to keep trainings up to date and aligned with EDF’s ways of working, collaborate closely with HR’s centers of excellence as needed, and work with senior leaders to integrate feedback into programs.

• Gather and disseminate information about the programs to participants, their managers, program alumni, and other key stakeholders, including administering surveys and writing reports.

• Manage program budget and work with internal and external presenters to plan webinars and workshops, execute contracts, and submit invoices in a timely manner; conduct administrative tasks to ensure smooth running of programs.

• Manage communication forums such as program email accounts and Slack workspaces.

• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of relevant experience; strong preference for professional development program experience and experience working with early career professionals plus Bachelor’s degree or related experience.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to cultivate effective relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of science, economics, and analytical career trajectories.
• Strong interest in developing people and creating the space for more impactful knowledge sharing.
• Strong preference for indirect team leadership experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to represent EDF in highly professional manner.
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines in fast-paced environment with high attention to detail.
• An ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of small teams on multiple projects concurrently.
• Proficiency in the use of PCs and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.); familiarity with Smartsheet or similar project management tools is a plus.
• Interest in environmental advocacy and EDF’s mission and vision.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically.

Please include a cover letter with your submission.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $74,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $88,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

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.