Conservation International’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business (CELB) is seeking a Manager to lead the Business and Biodiversity Council, a networking group of companies dedicated to ensuring business is a force for conservation. Within Conservation International, CELB’s purpose is to engage the private sector worldwide in creating solutions to critical global environmental problems in which industry plays a defining role. CELB connects with the private sector to develop and implement tools, methodologies, policies, and practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation. The Manager, Business and Biodiversity Council will cultivate, maintain and grow the 20+ member networking Council, which provides signfiicant revenue for business engagement activity at CI.  Council members require high-touch engagement with excellent customer service and we are continually looking for new ways to enhance Council membership and to keep the experience fresh and revitalized. The Manager, Business and Biodiversity Council will evaluate opportunities to invite new members to the Council, either by adding membership to the portfolio of existing partnerships or seeking new relationships where Council membership can be the gateway to a broader relationship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spearhead the goals and objectives of two meetings per year that provide value for Council participants in a way that meets CI's conservation mission (includes close coordination with CI staff).   This includes activities such as:
• Working with CELB staff and a small design team of Council members to develop a robust agenda for the meetings
• Negotiating commitments from member companies to host Council meetings, and develop long range meeting calendar
• Overseeing work of CELB Associate in handling hotel reservations, printed materials, audio-visual equipment, transportation and other meeting logistics for the two Council meetings per year.
• Recruite and Retain Council participants / members by strategically working with CI's select group of current and prospective corporate partners.  Some activities include:
• Developing materials for use within corporate proposals, and pitching the Council to targeted companies
• Developing a multi-year business plan
• Working with support staff to ensure that financial support for the Council is managed in a timely and efficient manner

Working Conditions:  The position may require up to 20% of domestic travel to carry out project activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree/5 years

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and client services skills
• Demonstrate prior experience working with senior executives (VP level and above)
• Solid understanding of conservation priorities and CI’s mission, as well as current trends in corporate social responsibility and environmental business leadership
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse institution
• Ability to deliver results while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience managing networking groups or planning executive-level, content-heavy events
• Previous account management experience and/or corporate fundraising

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter, resume and references