Under the direction of the Deputy Director/Chief Sustainability Officer in the Sustainability and Mobility Department, the Decarbonization Program Manager is responsible for driving the implementation, policy development, research, and reporting of Strategy 1: Decarbonization and Strategy 2: Access to Clean and Renewable Energy of the City’s landmark Climate Action Plan (CAP). This will involve coordinating across multiple city departments, developing policy, researching new innovations, conducting outreach, leading annual reporting, driving new initiatives and integrating climate equity initiatives. The work to be done also includes expansion of or improvement upon qualitative analyses, including a key focus area of equity. This position will include coordination with Sustainability and Mobility Department staff, Department of Race and Equity staff, other city departments, the Office of the Mayor, and members of Council, and other public and private partners. This position will also be expected to seek, apply for, and manage grant funding in support of citywide program goals and actions.

While this position is partially teleworking eligible, significant in-office presence is required as this position will be expected to contribute to effective operations of the City's day-to-day sustainability programs including: directing, managing, participating, and coordinating the activities and operations relating to the stakeholders responsible for implementation, monitoring, and measurement of the City's comprehensive Climate Action Plan. This position will also be expected to present on efforts of their team and the department to City management, City Council, and public audiences.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Lead the implementation of Strategy 1: Decarbonization of the Built Environment Plan, including the development of an existing building decarbonization roadmap, policy assessment, outreach and engagement, and communications strategy development.
• Support staffing coordination for the Climate Advisory Board.
• Seek innovative and cutting-edge opportunities in decarbonization policy and programs.
• Provide regional, state, and national thought leadership in decarbonization and clean energy access.
• Track statewide regulatory or legislative actions and propose options for engagement.
• Provide support to other staff/departments implementing components of the Plan.
• Serve as a City spokesperson on decarbonization planning and projects as well as department efforts.
• Develop/expand relationships with key partner agencies and organizations in the community to improve implementation of the Climate Action Plan or seek opportunities for collaboration.
• Coordinate grant writing and budgeting of resources to support the City's sustainability initiatives.
• Carry out additional duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Public or Business Administration, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience involved in sustainability, renewable energy, energy efficiency or other government services management is highly desirable.
• Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these qualifications may be qualifying.

Desirable Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A master’s degree in public administration, Public Policy, Sustainability, Energy, Built Environment, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Green building accreditation or equivalent experience.
• A commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility, and innovation in government.
• Excellence in clear, well-documented, and transparent reporting of all aspects of climate action from budget and performance metrics to communication of outcomes.
• Demonstrated thought leadership and expertise on climate action planning ranging from renewable energy to mobility planning, opportunities, and financing.
• Knowledge of the nexus of social equity and sustainability and opportunities for improvement.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of qualitative analysis, key messaging, and communications strategies for engaging the public.
• High competence in modern communication and marketing tools or tactics applicable to support the mission.
• Collaborative skills in working with other city departments, businesses, elected officials, the public, and other government agencies.
• The ability to foster and nurture productive employees.
• Proven skill in overseeing project and program management.
• Ability to balance competing interests and build consensus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Active and genuine commitment to diversity in the workplace.
• Progressively responsible experience, including budget and managerial expertise.
• Strong interpersonal leadership skills, with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• The ability to communicate in another language proficiently is highly desirable, particularly in Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese, or Vietnamese.

Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
• City-paid life insurance.

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.

The Department:
The Sustainability and Mobility Department leads the implementation of the City's Climate Action Plan. Focused on interdepartmental coordination, regional alignment and new policies and ordinances, the Department furthers the City's goals for equitable, efficient, and effective mobility choices that support residents of all ages and abilities and facilitates innovative efforts across multiple City departments to enhance equitable, economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The Department is also the custodian of the City’s transition to 100% renewable energy through San Diego Community Power and the administrative oversight of the SDG&E franchise. Additional information on the department can be found here: https://www.sandiego.gov/sustainability

The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 11,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.

Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: HumanResources@sandiego.gov
1) Resume;
2) Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
3) List of three professional references.

NOTE(S):

1. Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.
2. Reference Recruitment Number U2369 in the Subject Line.
3. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at HumanResources@sandiego.gov.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.