Walking Mountains Overview:
Founded in 1998 Walking Mountains mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As an employee of our organization you are a member of an inclusive and dynamic team that values community professionalism collaboration diversity equity a positive work environment and a passion for the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact its making in the community.
Position Overview:
The Director of Climate Strategy is a senior-level position responsible for advancing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies throughout Eagle County in alignment with the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community. This role serves as a strategic leader convener and community partner supporting over 30 local governments businesses schools and nonprofits to collaboratively implement meaningful measurable climate action. Housed within the Sustainability Department at Walking Mountains this position manages the CAC Board working groups and countywide outreach efforts. The ideal candidate will be a systems-thinker skilled facilitator and results-oriented climate leader who excels in community partnerships and project execution. Independent consultants with strong regional ties and GHG reduction expertise may also be considered.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Oversight
- Provide overall strategic coordination and leadership for the CAC with a goal of achieving 100% emissions reduction by 2050 as outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
- Facilitate high-level engagement with elected officials senior staff and organizational leaders across sectors to drive progress toward shared GHG goals.
- Lead implementation and oversight of the CACs annual work plan including GHG mitigation strategies and key collaborative projects.
Governance & Stakeholder Management
- Support and manage the CAC Board: organize meetings develop agendas facilitate discussion and serve as the primary staff liaison.
- Convene and guide the four sector-based working groups (buildings & energy transportation & mobility materials management and resiliency) co-developing goals and strategies.
- Foster cross-sector partnerships and recruit new collaborative members as needed to expand the CACs impact.
Program Implementation & Community Engagement
- Support collaborative members (e.g. local governments businesses schools) in the development and execution of local GHG reduction initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted resource and technical advisor helping stakeholders navigate clean energy and climate action opportunities.
- Lead or support major initiatives including: Break Up with Your Car a behavior change campaign focused on sustainable mobility and The EV Charging Cohort Program supporting multifamily housing sites in adopting EV infrastructure.
- Ensure inclusive and equitable engagement through multilingual outreach and culturally relevant community education in partnership with bilingual staff.
Measurement Reporting & Communications
- Maintain and improve CACs data tracking systems for community-wide GHG reductions.
- Produce an Annual Impact Report summarizing CAC outcomes and deliver presentations to member organizations government boards and public audiences.
- Collaborate with Walking Mountains marketing team to maintain a transparent and updated CAC web presence.
Budget Fundraising & Administration
- Manage the CACs annual budget and collaborate with CAC Board members on fundraising strategies.
- Coordinate grant reporting and invoices in partnership with Walking Mountains finance team.
- Provide high-quality reports and financial updates to collaborative members.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties activities and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required
- Bachelors degree in sustainability environmental science public administration or related field (Masters preferred).
- 5 years of professional experience in climate action sustainability or clean energy with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated success in program management and cross-sector collaboration.
- Working knowledge of community-based GHG reduction strategies and accounting systems.
- Strong facilitation communication and interpersonal skillsespecially across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Deep understanding of local and county-level policy-making processes.
- Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in environmental and community work.
- Valid drivers license and ability to travel for meetings.
Preferred
- Experience providing education and outreach in public-facing programs.
- Familiarity with rural or mountain communities and the unique climate challenges they face.
- Fluency or working proficiency in Spanish.
- Experience with GHG accounting platforms or tools.
Work Environment:
This position is based primarily at the Borgen Precourt Center for Sustainability in Avon CO with frequent travel throughout Eagle County for stakeholder engagement. Walking Mountains supports a flexible work culture that allows for remote work when appropriate. The role requires both in-person and virtual collaboration.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Starting salary of $80000 DOE.
- Benefits are competitive and include medical and dental insurance and a 401K retirement program. Also included are 12 paid holidays 15 days paid vacation 12 sick days professional development opportunities pro deals and discounted ski pass. Benefits are reviewed annually.
Application Process and Deadlines:
- Complete the online application and upload resume and cover letter.
- Applicants are encouraged to include and describe any pertinent personal and professional experience in a cover letter when applying
- For more information and details on the application and interview process please contact: Melissa Kirr Senior Programs Director of Sustainability x133
- Please submit your resume and cover letter by midnight on August 20 2025 to be considered in the first round. Posting will remain open until filled.