Climate Action Reserve | President - ThinkingAhead

ABOUT THE CLIMATE ACTION RESERVE
The Climate Action Reserve (Reserve) is the most trusted, efficient and experienced carbon credit registry for global carbon markets.
A pioneer in carbon accounting, the Reserve promotes and fosters the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through credible market-based policies and solutions. As a high-quality carbon credit registry for voluntary carbon markets, it establishes rigorous standards involving multi-sector stakeholder workgroup development and local engagement and issues carbon credits in a transparent and publicly available system. Because of its high levels of integrity and transparency, it has earned approval for its program and protocols from the voluntary carbon market’s most influential standards body, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM). The organization also supports compliance carbon markets in California, Washington and internationally.
Additionally, the Reserve supports GHG reductions at the scale and urgency necessary to meet the climate challenge with its Climate Forward program, which fosters proactive investment in future GHG reduction projects through ex ante crediting as a means to address emissions that are forecasted to occur. The Reserve also hosts the annual North American Carbon World conference, North America’s premier event to learn, collaborate and network on carbon markets and climate policy.
Mission
To develop, promote and support innovative, credible market-based climate change solutions that benefit economies, ecosystems and society.
Vision
A global economy that accelerates climate actions through full and accurate accounting of their costs and benefits.
Diversity Mission Statement
The Climate Action Reserve respects and celebrates all forms of diversity in its personnel, programs and procedures. The Reserve believes it is critical to foster a welcoming and inclusive space for staff, to support diversity and equitable opportunities in the environmental field and to operate programs that are culturally responsive and benefit all communities.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Climate Action Reserve President role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic organization at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. The successful candidate will have the privilege of working alongside a talented and passionate team as well as a Board of Directors all dedicated to creating significant environmental impact.
With a well-earned and respected reputation and decades of consequential, collaborative work, the Reserve is viewed as a key actor in its field. This role presents a chance to shape the future of global carbon markets and demonstrate the power of market-based solutions at a time when the organization is seeking to scale its efforts in addressing one of the world's most pressing challenges.
In this highly visible and influential position, the incoming President will have the opportunity to build upon the retiring President’s legacy to expand the organization’s influence and work. The new leader will play a pivotal role in guiding the Reserve’s strategic direction and will have the opportunity to foster innovation and contribute to the development of impactful climate solutions. This role offers a blend of leadership responsibilities and policy work, making it an exceptional opportunity for a skilled and motivated individual, with a trailblazing spirit, to make a lasting difference in the world.

EXECUTIVE POSITION DESCRIPTION
Global carbon markets are entering a new era of tremendous growth and opportunity. They are a critical tool for reducing global emissions, directing finance to sustainability projects in the Global South and bridging climate action today to climate action in a future when other climate solutions and financing support the emissions reductions the global community needs to achieve.
The Climate Action Reserve is one of the four major carbon registries for global carbon markets, and it has a well-respected reputation for its high standards and integrity. The organization seeks a mission-focused, dynamic, and innovative President to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission and vision, guide its growth, and build upon its successes. The President will ensure the organization and its programs are run effectively and efficiently and contribute to the dialogue and direction of climate change policy in the US and beyond. This is a high-profile opportunity for a proven leader with deep knowledge of climate change science and policy, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for advancing market-based solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The President will work to achieve the Reserve’s goals in collaboration with the Board, staff, and external partners. The President will report to the Board of Directors.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The President will perform the following and other duties as assigned:
Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Work with the Board and staff to define the organization’s mission, vision, and goals; communicate them effectively; and ensure that they continuously serve as a guide for the organization, with special emphasis on the very inclusive, public, transparent process used to engage all stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the Board and staff, refine and implement the Reserve’s strategic business plan.
• Guide and support the continued success of existing programs and the development of new programs, including development of business plans and models to ensure the financial stability of the organization.
• Ensure adoption of and adherence to appropriate ethical values and standards in all Reserve activities; maintain and continue to develop the Reserve’s culture of collaboration and transparency, and reputation for integrity.
• Ensure that the Board has the necessary qualifications, expertise, and experience to provide effective oversight and governance of the Reserve; cultivate and sustain a productive and mutually supportive relationship with the Board and assist in the identification and recruitment of new Board members when needed.
• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to staff, ensure organizational strategy and priorities are aligned with the Reserve’s objectives, and establish effective decision-making processes that will enable staff to achieve the organization’s long- and short-term goals and objectives.

• Provide leadership in the public dialogue on climate change, serve as an effective spokesperson for the power of market-based policies, including the significant role of the global voluntary carbon market, and help shape and advance the agenda of governments, thought-leaders, and other decision-makers on the issue of climate change.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, business interests, environmental organizations, foundations, and other similar carbon credit programs to work collaboratively in support of market-based actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• In partnership with the Board and staff, create and execute a diversified fundraising plan to support the growth and long-term financial health of the organization, primarily focused on revenues from fee-based programs, including major donors, foundations, and government entities as opportunities arise.
• Represent and promote the organization externally to appropriate stakeholders to foster fundraising and partnership opportunities and enhance the Reserve’s visibility.

• Recruit, hire, and oversee high-caliber staff and support and guide their professional development.
• Maintain and oversee financial accounting systems to ensure proper administration of the organization’s $5 million annual budget, including managing revenues and expenditures.
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legal requirements and standards and is protected against legal liabilities.
• Uphold accountability standards and systems to monitor and report on the organization’s effectiveness in meeting its goals.

QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of broad-based senior management experience in the nonprofit, government, or business sector
• Advanced degree in environmental science, public policy, economics, nonprofit or business management, or other related field
• Strong executive leadership and management skills, including the ability to inspire and work well with staff and Board
• Experience leading organizations or significant programs through periods of transition and/or growth
• Demonstrated success in securing funding for an organization or program through contracts, earned revenues (i.e., fee-based programs), grants, and/or donors
• Strong experience in hiring, mentoring, leading, managing, and retaining staff
• Demonstrated ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems
• Demonstrated experience in working with Boards or Board committees, including in the area of strategic planning
• Record of articulate and passionate public speaking, including delivering testimony and speeches, making presentations, engaging in print and broadcast media interviews, and publishing written articles
• A clear understanding of legislative and regulatory program development and implementation and a strong relationship with policymakers, regulators, and other government officials
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including those with disparate interests and backgrounds
• Technical expertise in climate change science and policy, GHG accounting, and carbon markets, with specific experience in the global voluntary carbon market
• Analytical expertise in the energy sector, especially in the economics of electricity sector options and attendant environmental impacts of alternative choices
• Knowledge of or experience with financial markets, climate finance, and green bonds a plus

• A genuine passion for and a deep personal commitment to the environment, including for the mission and goals of the Reserve
• Strong personal values of equity, fairness, honesty, and integrity
• A strong belief in the value of broad stakeholder engagement and collaboration and the ability to listen well, be creative, solve problems, and embrace change
• A personable, flexible, tenacious, diplomatic, and respectful demeanor
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and cultural sensitivity
• Respect for coworkers and commitment to the fair and equitable treatment of all staff
• High energy level, entrepreneurial spirit, and a sense of humor

DESIRED START DATE
Winter 2024/2025
TRAVEL
As the organization works on global issues, this role requires the capacity to travel nationally and internationally as required.
COMPENSATION & LOCATION
The salary range for this position is $175,000-$225,000, commensurate with experience. The Climate Action Reserve offers an excellent benefits package.
The location for this position is virtual, with a preference for strong candidates based in the Western Hemisphere.
TO APPLY
The Climate Action Reserve has retained ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Nonprofit Division to serve as our recruiting partner. If you are interested and qualified, please submit your resume and cover letter here or directly to:
Kay Linder
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
klinder@thinkingahead.com
The Reserve is an equal opportunity provider.
The Reserve is an environmental nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, California with staff members located around the world. For more information, please visit www.climateactionreserve.org