Director, Carbon Accounting

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

CA FWD is a multi-partisan, multi-issue nonprofit organization committed to promoting a more

sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic growth model within and across every region of

California. Our staff reflects the diversity of California’s population and works from a variety of

locations throughout the state. CA FWD team members are passionate about the mission of the

organization and are knowledgeable, articulate, thorough, and responsive. Individuals enjoy working

as part of a group, have excellent time-management and communication skills, the ability to multitask

and meet deadlines, and in general help the organization “punch above its weight.”

Location: Remote, CA residency required.

Start date: Ideally, the successful candidate will start March 15, 2026.

Salary Range: $115,000 to $125,000 depending on experience. This is an exempt position and includes

a generous benefit package. This is a two-year grant-funded position; extension is possible depending

on additional funding but not guaranteed.

Directors at California Forward (CA FWD) support the CEO and organizational leadership advance CA

FWD’s strategic priorities by guiding programs, initiatives, special projects, and events. Directors

report to and work generally under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (though individual

initiatives may have other leaders), and in coordination with other CA FWD staff, consultants, and

partners, to effectively plan and implement program and project activities. This position will primarily

direct CA FWD’s Carbon Accounting Initiative. This role will also support additional programs and

initiatives, including the California Economic Summit, and other core assets toward achieving regional

and statewide goals.

Specifically, the Director, Carbon Accounting will:

• Launch, manage, and expand a Carbon Accounting Working Group as a part of CA FWD's larger Industry Advisory Group
• In consultation/coordination with Working Group leaders, develop and implement a broader Carbon Accounting Coalition (with a focus on California-based carbon-intensive industries)
• Provide communications, research, and thought leadership on carbon accounting frameworks and best practices, both in California and nationally or internationally, where appropriate
• Network with and learn from experts on carbon accounting, disclosure, finance, and other relevant topics through webinars, conferences, convenings, etc.
• Represent CA FWD on carbon accounting matters publicly
• Manage Carbon Accounting Fellows, capstone students, and/or interns when available
• Support advancement of CA FWD priorities across other program areas, including:
  • Developing and refining an individual work plan that complements other staff work plans and is aligned with the mission and goals of the organization
  • Supporting and managing activities in the lead up to and implementation of the organization’s annual conference (the California Economic Summit) and other events
  • Responding to grant opportunities and written requests for proposals
  • Assistance or management of special projects, as assigned
• Contribute to the development of CA FWD papers, briefs, annual reports, blog posts, and other written pieces, as needed
• Support and collaborate across CA FWD on special projects, as needed
• Participate in other organizational meetings and activities, as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Honor yourself while honoring your work and the work of CA FWD

Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree strongly preferred (MBA, JD, advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field)
• At least 10 years' experience in corporate sustainability, carbon accounting, carbon disclosure, management consulting, or related field

Qualifications:

• Accounting, finance, or corporate sustainability background with demonstrated understanding of emissions accounting and/or carbon management
• Private sector experience essential – credibility working with corporate executives, sustainability officers, and financial leaders
• Understanding of California's regulatory environment and climate policy landscape
• Direct experience with carbon accounting, GHG inventory development, or corporate climate disclosure (GHG Protocol, CDP, TCFD, ISSB, etc.), preferred
• Existing relationships with California-based companies in heavy industrial sectors (oil and gas, utilities, cement, steel, other manufacturing), preferred
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience building and facilitating coalitions, working groups, or multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including working in a fully remote team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented, including the ability to manage multiple deliverables simultaneously
• Proficient in Google and Microsoft Workspaces, other project management software (e.g. Asana)
• Knowledge of program budget management and experience reporting to program funders
• Ability to work flexible hours as required
• Ability to work in a remote environment
• Ability to travel when necessary (primarily but not exclusively within California), including to quarterly in-person staff retreats and the California Economic Summit, as well as to meetings, conferences, and convenings as necessary

Benefits at CA FWD:

• Health, dental, and vision; life, and long-term disability insurance
• Employer matched retirement plan
• Flexible spending plans for medical, transportation, parking, and childcare
• Generous paid time off
• Cell phone and home internet stipend