At Greener by Default, you will be working towards the ambitious goal of completely transforming institutional foodservice - and the food system as a whole - by making plant-based food the default.

We recognize that the fate of humans, animals, and ecosystems are bound together, and strive to create a food system that will allow all life on earth to flourish. In order to achieve our vision, we develop strategies rooted in science, sustainability, and inclusivity to empower institutions to serve plant-forward food.

Position Objective:

Universities are one of the most promising avenues for plant-based defaults, with the potential to impact millions of meals, thereby transforming student health, institutional procurement and societal norms. As the Academic Program Director, you will lead the university division of Greener by Default by working directly with universities and foodservice, directing pilots, and managing staff. You will also lead our research department in staying on top of the most current research and collaborating on research projects with our partners.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Create the programmatic strategy: Interpret organizational strategic plan in order to create and operationalize the strategy for the university program and research collaboration, and ensure objectives and key results are achieved.

Develop and oversee relationships with universities: Build a network of contacts, secure partnerships, actively establish and maintain positive ongoing relationships with allies and institutional partners.

Lead pilot projects: Oversee GBD staff and university partners to ensure the successful implementation of plant-based default pilots from start to finish, including obtaining stakeholder buy-in, supporting the culinary team, gathering and analyzing data, publicizing the findings, and securing permanent implementation.

Oversee research collaborations: Work with the GBD Research Board, represent GBD as a Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) Research Partner, and maintain relationships with allies in academia to identify research opportunities and collaborate as opportunities arise.

Supervise team members: Manage staff to accomplish the program’s objectives, offering support, motivation and insight to the team, ensure organizational culture, provide professional development opportunities and mentorship.

Help the program grow: Utilize insights from your experience to continuously strengthen and grow our university & research programs.

Individual Attributes Required

Intellectual integrity: Provide information rooted in science, adapt messaging and tactics based on the latest behavioral research.

Ambition: Boldly drive change within institutional foodservice norms.

Open communication: Continuously seek out new information and dialogue, cultivate trust with staff and partners.

Foster inclusion: Meet people where they are, strive to understand and acknowledge the different cultural contexts within which you’re working, hold space for divergent perspectives.

Growth mindset: See challenges and mistakes as opportunities to adapt and improve. Continuously strive to hone your expertise and refine your skills in order to best serve the organization’s and client’s goals.

Patience: Persevere in situations and relationships that take a long time to come to fruition.

Position Requirements:

-3+ years of program management experience

-Prior experience managing employees

-Strong background in statistics

-Previous participation in or leadership of research projects

-Strong verbal and written communication skills

-Commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan

-Thorough knowledge of plant-based foods

-Self-motivated, able to work independently and take initiative

-Ability to work collaboratively with a team

-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

We prefer candidates who have the following experience:

-Prior experience working with universities or foodservice management companies

-Strong connections in the academic and/or sustainability space

We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate during the application process and after you join the team. We encourage candidates with most of the above qualifications to apply; we do not expect all candidates to fit this job description 100%.

Reports to:

Ilana Braverman COO

Compensation:

This is a salaried employee position paying $70,000 - $77,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials

Benefits

-Health, Dental & Vision Plan

-401k plan, with a dollar for dollar employer match up to 3%

-$150 monthly cell phone and internet expense reimbursement

-$500 annual office equipment stipend (can be rolled over)

-20 vacation days, 14 paid federal holidays, 8 sick days, and 1 personal day per year, to be used during your birthday month

Location:

This is a remote position. We are currently only able to hire employees who can work in the U.S.

To Apply:

In order to apply, please fill out this form: http://bit.ly/GBDacademic24. We will not consider any candidates who have not filled out the form. Please do not contact us via email or message to apply. Applications must be received by April 22, 2024.