Director of Environmental Programs

The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) is the regional council of governments serving communities throughout West Michigan. Through planning, technical assistance, regional coordination, and implementation support, GVMC helps member communities address shared challenges and improve quality of life.

The Director of Environmental Programs provides strategic leadership for GVMC’s Environmental Programs Department, ensuring its programs, services, and partnerships deliver meaningful value to member communities and regional partners.

As a member of GVMC’s leadership team, the EP Director leads department staff, secures sustainable resources, administers programs, develop collaborative partnerships, and advances regional environmental initiatives that help communities address shared environmental challenges through regional collaboration.

Success in this role is measured by the department’s ability to administer programs in a fiscally sustainable manner, support member communities, develop staff, strengthen partnerships and deliver collaborative environmental solutions that improve the Environment throughout the region.

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Planning, Natural Resources, Engineering, Public Administration, or closely related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Seven years’ progressively responsible professional experience in environmental programs, watershed management, planning, sustainability, public administration or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience leading professional staff.
• Thorough knowledge of professional public management techniques involved in budgeting, personnel administration, and operations and project management.
• Extensive experience securing, developing and managing grants, contracts, or other externally funded initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs, budgets, and organizational priorities
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws and other regulations governing Environmental issues.
• Skill and experience in the principles and practices of managing Environmental projects and programs.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and making presentations in a public forum.
• Knowledge of municipal stormwater (MS4/NPDES) programs
• Understanding of complex ecological principles, particularly related to water quality, non-point source pollution, and green infrastructure.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with the public, other employees, and governmental units.
• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in public situations.
• Ability to attend meetings and functions as scheduled at times other than regular business hours.
• A State of Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.

Compensation:

Full-time position, $90,000 – $110,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

GVMC Employees enjoy a full array of benefits including insurance, retirement funding, holidays and vacation.

Tagged as: Science/Engineering