Officer, Climate

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Officer, Climate

Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and our community of supporters to scale their impact and drive lasting change.

The Global Challenges team implements open innovation Challenges for both Solve and select clients. This role is responsible for executing the various processes, communications, events and workshops involved in Solve’s programming, working with applicants, judges, and selected innovators, with a focus on climate and sustainability challenges.

This is a full-time position that reports to the Lead, Climate and supports on internal or ad-hoc projects as needed, and may also manage interns.

Solve has a flexible workplace policy where staff are encouraged to be on campus, but may work from elsewhere in the US on a regular basis. Staff will be asked to be in person for select events, and are required to be in Cambridge for four weeks a year plus one week during onboarding.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management

Implement Solve Challenges throughout the year, working across Solve’s content areas with a focus on Climate:

Coordinate Challenge Design process (including research, input from stakeholders, workshops, facilitator recruitment and training) and draft challenge description, guidelines, and FAQs with guidance from Climate Lead

Draft Challenge promotion plans for implementation by Marketing team, targeting appropriate geographic, topical, and identity diversity along with appropriate stage of development in applicants.

Review Challenge submissions, ensuring that quality and diversity standards are met

Lead finalist preparation and support, including drafting preparatory materials, coaching them through pitch recordings and preparing them for interviews and pitch events

Support the development of judging panels, including recruitment, communications, and preparation

Support the planning, programming, and delivery of Challenge-related sessions at Solve’s flagship events, including logistics and preparation for selected innovators to attend.

Oversee funding disbursement process for selected Innovators, liaising with Finance team as needed

Assist with the support programming for selected innovators, particularly Climate Solver teams, including cohort meetups, bespoke introductions, sector-specific advice, and speaking opportunities.

Data Management

Maintain and update Salesforce database records

Assist Lead with tracking, monitoring and program evaluation for Challenges in the Climate portfolio

Analyze impact data and make recommendations for program improvement

Collaborate with other teams across Solve to design and execute internal cross-team operations, systems, and processes

Strategic Input

Contribute to the strategic vision of Solve to build the premier marketplace for social impact innovation through open innovation and transformational partnerships

Recommend changes to Global and Custom promotion, selection, and innovator support programs to create a first-in-class program for Climate innovators.

Work with the Officer of Results Measurements to take a data-driven approach to innovator support programming, measuring needs, satisfaction and results.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 3 years’ experience, with at least one year of experience in program implementation

Able to plan work efficiently to meet deadlines across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

Flexible, able to work independently and take initiative

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Familiarity with current topics in climate and sustainability, including potential roles for technology and innovation

Experience in a social and/or environmental impact organization

Experience working as or with entrepreneurs and innovators

Project management training or experience

BENEFITS:

The minimum salary for this position is $61,850, with a final offer based on experience and equity considerations.

This is a full-time position. Solve team members are expected to spend four weeks a year in Solve’s Cambridge offices, plus a week during the first month for onboarding.

As an MIT Solve employee, you are eligible for a number of benefits, perks, and discounts, including:

$50/month cell phone bill reimbursement

Transportation: Free, unlimited subway and local bus use, and subsidies for MBTA station parking and the commuter rail; Subsidized annual BlueBikes membership ($40, regularly $99); MIT Bicycle Commuter Reimbursement Program (up to $300/year)

Free access: Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and more

Tuition assistance: Up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible employees

Time Off: 12 paid holidays and special Institute holidays (including Juneteeth and Patriots’ Day). 3 weeks of paid vacation your first year; 4 weeks after your first year

Retirement: MIT Pension Plan with full vesting after 3 years; MIT will match up to 5% of your pay in contributions to the 401(k) Plan

Healthcare: comprehensive healthcare coverage, including fitness reimbursements through enrollment in an MIT medical plan, free counseling sessions through MIT MyLife Services, and hormone therapy/gender-affirming surgery

MIT Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Backup Child Care benefit

MIT Solve is committed to inclusion and diversity to build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more diverse our team is, the better we can achieve our mission of solving world challenges. Meet our team.

Interested candidates may apply online at https://hr.mit.edu/careers.  Please reference job number 23815.  No phone calls or recruiters, please.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin.  See MIT’s full policy on nondiscrimination at https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/90-relations-and-responsibilities-within-mit-community/93-nondiscrimination.