Job Postings

Passive House Massachusetts (PHMass)

Executive Director Job Description

Passive House Massachusetts (PHMass) seeks an Executive Director with a demonstrated record of successfully implementing strategic initiatives and building organizational capacity to lead PHMass through its anticipated well-funded dramatic growth. This position is an unusual opportunity for one individual to have an out-sized influence in shaping the future of buildings throughout MA.

PHMass is a MA-based non-profit with the mission of promoting the use of Passive House certification requirements to transform the design and construction industries’ approach to the energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings needed to meet the State’s climate goals[1]. We accomplish this mission through advocacy, outreach and education to a wide range of stakeholders. PHMass’ vision is to create a vibrant and resilient built environment that reduces the carbon footprint of buildings – both new construction and major rehabs.

PHMass is entering an unprecedented phase of growth due to three factors:

1. the success of the Mass Save Passive House Incentive Program. To date this program has enrolled over 13,000 units, 75% of which will be designed and constructed in the next four years. Training across the design and construction disciplines will be critical to the success of these pioneering projects;
2. the recent success and ongoing adoption of the new Specialized Energy Code by cities and towns (which currently represent 70% of the state’s population). This new code requires Passive House adoption for the largest segment of building growth in MA – multi-family buildings >12,000 square feet; and
3. PHMass recently winning a three-year $1M grant which funds a new capacity for the organization to reinforce its statewide leadership of educational programming. The explicit purpose of this grant is to enable the recipient to support a “hockey stick” growth of Passive House adoption.

The Executive Director will initially be the sole staff member for PHMass, but will quickly be engaged in the recruitment and management of an Education Program Director (funded by the above-mentioned $1M grant). We anticipate that continued growth of the organization will merit the incorporation of additional staff in the next few years. The position offers remote work with a flexible schedule.

Who We’re Looking For:

This position requires a dynamic individual with fire in their belly to build something new, from the ground up. This individual will use exceptional communication skills to inspire, motivate and mobilize a large stakeholder community:  developers; architects; engineers (structural, civil, mechanical, building science, etc.); contractors; sub-contractors; performance assessment professionals; advocacy and training organizations; and policy makers. We encourage individuals with non-traditional backgrounds and transferable skills to apply.

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director:

Advocacy Responsibilities

1. Be the public voice of the organization, including responding to media inquiries and delivering public hearing verbal and written responses
2. Ensure and expand brand awareness for PHMass, including a robust presence on Social Media platforms.

Management Responsibilities

1. Manage and oversee the Education Program Director (EPD) and other future staff
2. Provide overall Board of Directors management, including running monthly meetings. Prepare monthly board meeting agendas (in conjunction with the Board president and committee chairs). Provide guidance to these Board committees – currently six, with some fluidity in number in order to respond rapidly to new market dynamics
3. Recommend to the board any new Human Resources needs and roles.

Relationship Development & Fundraising Responsibilities

1. Actively engage with state agency policy makers and implementation agencies[2];
2. Maintain relationships with agencies and advocacy organizations important to PHMass’ mission[3];
3. Work with the Board to develop and implement a membership and sponsorship strategy, both to provide revenue and expand PHMass’ circle of influence;
4. Develop a pipeline of potential new individual and corporate members throughout the year via natural contact opportunities (PHMass’ monthly presentations, other organizations’ conferences, etc.).
5. Continue to expand relationships with the two national Passive House certification entities: PHIUS and PHN.

Financial and Operational Responsibilities

1. Work with the Board to create an annual budget. Provide the Board with quarterly YTD financial position;
2. Perform financial filings (IRS, Secretary of State, etc.) and financial reporting (including to the Board of Directors); and oversee Accountant’s annual review;
3. Oversee billing and invoicing with Mass Save, MassCEC, and other organizations who may provide funding to PHMass;
4. Maintain the website’s Online Video Library, including ensuring the proper recording of trainings and presentations, editing the recordings, posting the videos and organizing content;
5. Ensure compliance with By-Laws and procedure for installing new board members – including overseeing the process of presenting a candidate’s Statement of Interest, orchestrating a board vote, and on-boarding the successful candidate with relevant documents, expectations and an introduction to informal cultural norms; and
6. Create efficient and effective operational protocols for a small but impactful and growing non-profit organization.

Successful candidates will have the following Qualifications:

Required

-A passion for improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of new developments and the built environment through the promotion of Passive House (PH) certifications and principles;

-At least 3 years of management experience in a nonprofit association or small business;

-Demonstrated strength in communication – both written and verbal – to a diverse group of industry stakeholders; PHMass membership (via monthly newsletter); and the Board of Directors; and

-Fluency with a Google suite of applications:  Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom and a cloud-based file sharing platform (Google Docs); and

-Basic website fluency in order to maintain and update a website presence and a Resource Library of education materials.

Desired

-A fundamental knowledge of the guiding tenants of PH and the building science principles that underly a path to successful PH Certification;

-A working familiarity with the design and construction methods which underpin a team’s success in achieving low or no cost-premiums to “baseline” or business-as-usual design and construction;

-Experience in planning and managing large events (to support an annual fall/winter symposium that attracts over 300 attendees).

Working for PHMass:

This position can accommodate a flexible commitment between 30 – 40 hours, depending on the needs of the candidate. The salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and the agreed-upon number of hours/week. The initial arrangement may be altered after six months upon mutual agreement by PHMass and the ED. This position reports to the Board of Directors, with the direct oversight by the President and two other board members.

The benefits package includes four-weeks’ vacation, plus 13 paid holidays. In addition, a health insurance stipend will be provided depending on the needs of the individual.

The position requires occasional evening hours for events and trainings. These hours are typically 5-8 hours/month. Travel expectations outside of the metro-Boston area are no more than 10% of time worked. The position requires a valid Driver’s License for local and statewide travel.

PHMass is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or age.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and salary expectations to Hank Keating, President of the Board of Directors at HankStone40@outlook.com. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference for candidates who apply by August 31^st, 2024. Target hiring date is October 1^st, 2024 or sooner, depending on the availability of the successful candidate.

[1] Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050

[2] DOER; EEAC; Mass Save; ICF; MassCEC

[3] BE+; NEEP; ZCRF