"Climate justice is racial and economic justice. For too long, we have been told there is no viable alternative to the current social and environmental injustices facing our communities. Yet the pandemic has also illuminated the scale of mobilization possible when we choose to confront a crisis. A local Green New Deal and Just Recovery must direct this scale of collective action to take aim at the root causes of systemic injustices. Above all, we must recognize this moment in time as a call to action.”

The City of Boston seeks to hire a Cabinet-Level Senior Advisor to help implement a Boston Green New Deal  and lead our city towards a more equitable, sustainable green future. The Senior Advisor, working in close partnership with the Mayor, the Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space (EEO), the Chief of Operations, Chief of Streets, Chief of Planning, School Superintendent, and other senior city officials will have primary responsibility for driving the initiatives of the Boston Green New Deal and Just Recovery plan laid out by Mayor Wu. The Senior Advisor will have the opportunity to shape an all-of-government approach to climate and equity-led governance and help make Boston a groundbreaking model of city leadership.

Brief Job Description:

Qualities of the ideal candidate

The candidate will be responsible for shaping and driving implementation of the Green New Deal agenda, working closely with city Cabinets leaders and Departments on issues including planning, housing, transit, jobs, energy use, and electrification. This role will require outstanding leadership qualities, a commitment to centering equity and justice, ther ability to manage cross-governmental policy initiatives, and a readiness and enthusiasm for partnership with city, state and federal leaders, and non-governmental entities. The ideal candidate will be bold, creative, strongly purpose-driven, and ready to act with urgency and in collaboration to advance a Boston Green New Deal. They will have a demonstrated track record of successfully leading and implementing mission-critical climate initiatives and being an excellent team leader with strong internal and external relationships. This is a role for someone who is passionate about what the City of Boston can achieve as a climate and resilience leader.

The Senior Advisor:

• Reports to and advises the Mayor as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet.
• Leads the planning and implementation of Mayor Wu’s Boston’s GND and Just Recovery plan, working in conjunction with other city Cabinets and Departments. This includes developing, directing and implementing Boston’s comprehensive, interdepartmental and citywide climate adaptation and carbon neutrality plans. 

• Co-chair a Green New Deal Cabinet with the Chief of EEO, a task force of Cabinet Chiefs with shared responsibility to implement climate action policy for the City of Boston.

• Institute a performance and outcomes measurement system for these efforts and share updates on progress with the public.
• Provides leadership and expertise on climate aspects of the city’s other key cross-functional initiatives, including but not limited to: building and renovating schools and public facilities to meet climate goals, building affordable housing and climate resilient infrastructure, and shaping zoning and planning, transit and environmental justice initiatives.
• Engages with environmental justice and other external stakeholders to shape a climate agenda that is deeply participatory and centered in community.
• Performs related work as required.

• At least ten (10) years of full time, or equivalent part-time, experience leading and implementing environmental, climate and sustainability policy and programs, with at least five (5) years of management experience on an organization’s executive or senior team, required. Additional experience preferred;
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local climate-related laws and regulations, state and local transportation, building, climate and energy policies;
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to public leadership on environmental justice and commitment to city leadership on climate and equity;  
• Experience and success driving major agendas internally and externally;
• Demonstrated experience tackling complex problems with creative, effective solutions in a fast-paced work environment;
• Highly organized, with the ability to simultaneously handle many tasks, organize complex projects, and meet multiple deadlines;

• Strong communication skills, with ability to write about and present complex policies, research, and ideas in a clear and concise manner;

• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team and share credit for high-impact work;
• Willingness to practice accessible, responsive, community-engaged leadership for residents of City of Boston;

• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong commitment to integrity and inclusivity in the workplace.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on detail as required by the job. 

Boston residency required.

Subject to background check.

Terms: 
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union

Hours per Week: 40

Salary: Based on Experience