Executive Director, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management

Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM)

Executive Director

Boston, Massachusetts

Executive Transition

The current Executive Director, Paul Miller, has held the position for seven years, and served as Deputy Director for 13 years prior. Dr. Miller will be retiring effective March 31, 2026.

About NESCAUM

Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association of state air quality agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The directors of these eight air agencies serve as its Board of Directors. NESCAUM’s purpose is to provide scientific, technical, analytical, and policy support to the air quality and climate programs of the northeast states. Founded in 1967, NESCAUM helps its members develop effective strategies to attain and maintain national ambient air quality standards, mitigate the impact of climate change, and pursue emerging issues.

Since 2020, NESCAUM also manages the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) and the NESCAUM Executive Director also runs this separate organization. The OTC is responsible for coordinating interstate approaches to specifically address ground-level ozone pollution. Management of the OTC requires a separate but complementary set of committees, board meetings, and grant reporting. Other NESCAUM staff, in addition to the Executive Director, support the work of the OTC.

NESCAUM leverages the diverse technical, policy, and financial contributions from its member agencies to attract additional funding from a wide range of public and private sources. NESCAUM also competes for state and federal grants related to air quality, climate, and energy, and frequently contracts with its member states to conduct analysis and research in support of their programs. Over the last three years, NESCAUM’s annual operating budget has been approximately $3.5 million. The organization currently employs around 20 staff members, about half of whom work from the Boston headquarters, and half remotely.

Opportunity Going Forward

The organization is approaching a significant transition, given that the current Executive Director has had a long period of leadership with the organization. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead this ground-breaking, forward-looking nonprofit dedicated to addressing air quality and climate issues and to influence the policy agenda nationally through the collective efforts of NESCAUM’s staff, its member states, and other air agencies and states across the country with whom NESCAUM collaborates. High priorities for the next Executive Director include:

• Managing the daily operations of a mission-driven, $3.5 million nonprofit, directing and empowering a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals committed to air quality, climate and energy issues.
• Ensuring that existing external relationships are transitioned to the new Executive Director, so the leader is well-positioned to interact with and influence a broad range of constituencies.
• Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and articulate a vision for NESCAUM that capitalizes on NESCAUM’s reputation and credibility, considers new ideas and approaches, and sustains NESCAUM’s reputation as a forward-thinking convener and facilitator.
• Creating a funding and development strategy to sustain NESCAUM’s work on air quality and climate issues, recognizing the work and involvement of other nonprofits as well as budget uncertainties at the federal and state levels.
• Developing and implementing human resource and management approaches that create and sustain a cohesive and supportive work culture.
• Supporting the Board of Directors and sustaining strong connections between board and staff.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Credentials:

• Demonstrated expertise and experience in air, climate, energy and/or environmental policy required.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ senior leadership experience at an organization of comparable size, scope, and financial complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or other advanced degree preferred.

Skills and Qualities:

Experienced Administrator

• Able to oversee the organization’s operations, finances, facilities and staff, while efficiently aligning and maximizing resources to achieve strategic goals.
• Multi-tasker who can set priorities and manage self and others to project completion, while engaging Board members in effective governance.

Consummate Relationship Builder and Collaborator

• Able to work collaboratively with board members and their states to collectively achieve a mutually agreed upon vision for the region.
• Possess an understanding of how state and federal government policy works, while being realistic about its limitations.
• Forge, build and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with many constituencies including partners, stakeholders, funders, and the federal government, such as EPA, DOE, NOAA, etc.
• Exercise influence (rather than authority) to move policy, processes and people forward to accomplish shared goals.

Visionary and Innovative Leader

• Possess a flexible and adaptable mindset, in order to develop and influence policy at the state, federal, and regional levels.
• Able to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, as well as mitigate challenges as they arise.
• Bring an enterprising spirit to the role – able to lead staff and board to innovate, develop a vision, and implement a strategy.

Air Quality and Climate Champion and Advocate

• Possess a drive to work towards NESCAUM’s mission “to reduce the adverse public health and environmental impacts of air pollution and climate change.”
• Able to understand, discuss and advocate for regional environmental, air quality, climate, and energy policy.
• Capable of influencing policy outcomes through strong, clear, concise, and persuasive written and verbal communications.

Empowering Team Builder and Manager

• An experienced personnel manager, able to develop, empower and support a highly qualified, committed and independent group of professional experts and administrative staff.
• Lead by example and with a positive and inspirational attitude.
• Create and sustain a collaborative and mutually supportive work culture and climate.

Effective Fundraiser

• Capable of effectively engaging self and others in fundraising, with the ability to create a vision and strategy that anticipates funding opportunities.
• Able to work collaboratively with NESCAUM’s policy, technical and support staff to craft high-quality grant proposals designed to secure and sustain substantial private and government funds.
• Ensure that complex grants and contracts (from both government and private sources) are managed efficiently and effectively.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $160,000 to $190,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. NESCAUM offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package. NESCAUM’s Boston office is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule with three days in-office (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) and staff working from home Thursday and Friday.

Application Process and Additional Information

NESCAUM is an equal opportunity employer and views diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence as vital guiding principles in its work. NESCAUM welcomes and encourages applications from visible minority group members, Indigenous persons, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the diversity of the organization and reflect the diversity of the communities served.

Candidate must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describe how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of NESCAUM. A background check will be required for finalists. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/1244066

This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant, John Tarvin. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to John at: jtarvin@eostransitions.com.