Program Director - Upper Midwest

UndauntedK12; Minnesota; Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization seeks a Program Director to develop and lead strategies for creating resilient, decarbonized schools in the Upper Midwest. The role involves advocacy, building partnerships, and influencing state policies to drive climate action in K-12 education. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in education and climate strategies, demonstrating strong collaborative skills and leadership capabilities. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, with a preference for remote work in the Upper Midwest.

Benefits

Health coverage

Life insurance

Disability

401(k)

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years working with stakeholders on education or climate change strategies.
• Minimum 3 years leading a team (preferred).
• Subject matter expertise in climate change, decarbonization, environmental justice, or public health.

Responsibilities

• Develop collaborative, impactful relationships to drive K-12 climate action.
• Lead UndauntedK12's policy advocacy, programs, & engagement in the Upper Midwest.
• Build capacity and movement infrastructure to drive K-12 climate action.

Skills

Collaboration

Advocacy

Policymaking

Education

College degree or equivalent experience

Job description

1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About UndauntedK12

UndauntedK12 is a national nonprofit working to support America's K-12 public schools to make an equitable transition to zero carbon emissions while preparing our youth to build a sustainable future in a rapidly changing climate. We are united by a desire to activate the potential of America's K-12 public school sector to respond to the challenge of climate change and are undaunted by the scale of the challenge. We believe the current moment offers opportunities to address longstanding inequities, stimulate the economy, enhance critical public infrastructure, and position America to lead the world in the transition to clean energy-driven commerce and community. We envision a day when every dollar spent on K-12 infrastructure is aligned with building an equitable, zero-carbon future; when every education leader recognizes that rapidly changing climate threatens their core mission; and when every student is prepared to build a sustainable future.

Role Overview

UndauntedK12 seeks a Program Director to develop and lead state and local strategies to create healthy, resilient, decarbonized schools in the Upper Midwest. The Director will play a key role in devising and leading our activities and partnerships in the region, including our advocacy priorities, programs, operations, and support for fundraising. The Director will serve as the "face" of Undaunted in state and local engagements and represent Undaunted's work with the media. The Director will work to understand the current landscape and opportunities and build alliances around K-12 climate action. The Director will develop targeted strategies to influence state-level policy, budgets, and implementation to realize change in priority states, and lead the execution of that strategy. Additionally, the Director will support state and local leaders by developing and connecting them with tools and resources to raise awareness and drive change within their ecosystems.

As part of a growing start-up organization, a successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, collaborative, and skilled at building relationships across diverse networks. They will have experience in policymaking, advocacy, or program administration at the state level, with school district or federal experience being beneficial. They should demonstrate an ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve tangible change.

Responsibilities

• Develop collaborative, impactful relationships to drive K-12 climate action (30%)
• Build relationships and lead meetings with state elected officials, staff, and relevant agencies
• Develop partnerships with leaders in youth, education, environmental justice, health, climate, civil rights, labor, and private sectors
• Work with allies and the Undaunted team to establish regional policy and program priorities

• Lead UndauntedK12's policy advocacy, programs, & engagement in the Upper Midwest (40%)
• Develop campaign strategies and advocacy plans
• Lead team members and partners working on initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader strategy
• Coordinate responses to engagement requests from schools, districts, and agencies
• Serve as a spokesperson with media, in public testimony, and through reports
• Represent Undaunted at conferences and events to promote its work
• Develop and maintain regional data supporting activities

• Build capacity and movement infrastructure to drive K-12 climate action (20%)
• Lead initiatives to promote collaboration, develop leaders, and advance policy goals
• Coordinate campaigns including student and education leader voices
• Plan and deliver virtual and in-person convenings
• Contribute to resources for decarbonization and resilience in school infrastructure, focusing on climate justice and funding maximization

• Contribute to shaping a healthy, thriving organization (10%)
• Prepare updates and communication materials for supporters
• Evolve regional strategies and local implementation efforts
• Lead and contribute to organization-wide projects
• Manage staff and contracted partners as applicable

Requirements

• College degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7 years working with stakeholders on education or climate change strategies
• Minimum 3 years leading a team (preferred)
• Subject matter expertise in climate change, decarbonization, environmental justice, or public health

Benefits

• Salary between $100,000 - $140,000, with comprehensive benefits including health coverage, life insurance, disability, and 401(k)
• Remote work preferred in the Upper Midwest (IL, MI, MN, WI); travel 2-3 times/month within the region
• Reports to the CEO

Diversity Statement

UndauntedK12 values diverse backgrounds and experiences, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected factors.

Application Guidance

Priority review for applications received by March 14, 2025. We will review applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis. We may not respond to all applicants. Thank you for your interest in UndauntedK12.