Senior Director, Global Toxics & Critical Minerals

Overview NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi. Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Position Summary In alignment with NRDC’s strategic focus on healthy and thriving communities both in the US and internationally, the International Program’s Global Toxics Division works to reduce the use and exposure to toxic chemicals around the world. The team is also working to promote responsible mining of critical minerals and reduce plastics pollution globally. This limited‑term (5‑year) position will set strategy for and lead the execution of the planetGOLD global project, manage its budget, and oversee financial and administrative management. The role will also serve as a senior external representative for NRDC with funders, governments, and multilateral partners. Responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership for NRDC’s planetGOLD global project, accountable for outcomes, risk management, and delivery, including: Oversee all activities to ensure the project meets the needs of participants and stakeholders, share information, capture knowledge, and mobilize resources. Set direction and oversee knowledge management, assessment, and communications activities, such as: Working with the Knowledge Management Coordinator/Impact Assessment Specialist to develop the website and design knowledge exchange events. Collaborating with the Communications Manager to develop and execute the program communications strategy. Overseeing cross‑country data collection, comparative analysis, and program‑wide reporting. Support the community of practice, identify and respond to knowledge and communication needs through regular calls, regional exchanges, and annual meetings. Set priorities, allocate resources, and ensure delivery against funder requirements. Overall project management responsibilities, including: Developing annual workplan and monitoring progress. Managing personnel, subcontractors, and consultants. Overseeing financial management of approximately $6 million project budget, including budgeting, financial reporting, tracking, adjustments, and annual audit. Managing final project closeout. Develop and carry out strategies on responsible critical minerals production in artisanal and small‑scale mining, especially in Africa, focusing on: Developing capacity of miners and their communities to benefit from production while protecting health and the environment. Advocating for inclusion of artisanal and small‑scale mining in regional and international policies and strategies. Work with other NRDC departments to advocate for reducing plastics pollution globally, including: Assisting with developing and carrying out a long‑term plan for international progress on plastics. Building coalitions and networks based on a partnership model, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Qualifications Minimum Education & Experience: Advanced degree (Masters or above) in a relevant discipline (e.g., public health, environmental health policy). At least 10 years of experience working on artisanal and small‑scale mining (ASM) issues. At least 10 years of experience on international chemicals management policy and advocacy. Skills, Abilities, Competencies: Career‑level knowledge of ASM. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, able to translate complex information and develop persuasive materials for diverse audiences. Proven people‑management skills, including coaching, goal setting, delegation, feedback, performance management, and fostering an inclusive team culture. Extensive experience and network of contacts within the global ASM community. Familiarity with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and its ASGM requirements. Understanding of the Minamata Convention and other global chemicals conventions. Experience coordinating multi‑stakeholder initiatives and projects. Strong project management and financial stewardship skills, including budgeting, tracking, internal controls, donor compliance, and audit readiness. Professional fluency in French or Spanish preferred. Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles. Direct or indirect supervision of a consultant focused on critical minerals and collaboration with the U.S. Toxics team on plastics work. Physical Demands Frequently: Perform desk‑based computer tasks Frequently: Interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary Frequently: Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers Frequently: Hand‑draw illustrations for advocacy materials Occasionally: Attend events and activities in the office or offsite Work is sometimes performed primarily in office. The noise level is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations. Hours may require flexible or longer hours, including nights and weekends as needed for project demands. Benefits Competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Salary range for this position is $185,000 to $200,000. The role is subject to a nonprofit pay scale and internal equity review. Hybrid work model: employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month. COVID‑19 vaccination policy: employees must be vaccinated unless a medical or religious accommodation is approved. Equal Opportunity NRDC is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr Natural Resources Defense