Project Manager, MethaneSAT Mission Impact

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Project Manager, MethaneSAT Mission Impact, will play a pivotal role in supporting MethaneSAT's mission to reduce global methane emissions by 75% by 2030. The Project Manager will increase operational efficiency and ensure clear communication and coordination among EDF, MethaneSAT, and our partners. This position will also work on projects to ensure that MethaneSAT data and products are used effectively by both internal stakeholders and external organizations. The Project Manager will spearhead customer service for the mission, setting up the systems and processes to ensure MethaneSAT’s interactions with users and external stakeholders are consistent, efficient, and high quality. The Project Manager reports to the Director of Global Methane Impact Strategy and will work closely with the Mission Impact team.

This role requires a detail-oriented and proactive individual who can work efficiently, communicate effectively, respond to inquiries quickly, and bring projects with no precedents to fruition. The Project Manager will need to have strong ability to operate under pressure, especially as the satellite enters full production mode early 2025, when the need for systems, processes, and diligence across the mission will be more critical than ever. 

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of EDF’s largest and most ambitious project to date. The Project Manager’s role within MethaneSAT will give them visibility across the organization and allow them to make an impact on EDF’s work on climate in the years to come.

This is a three-year fixed term position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop work plans, negotiate project agreements and scopes of work, identify necessary resources, manage project work and deliverables so team can stay on track to meet deliverables and stay within budget; proactively identifying opportunities for efficiencies and potential challenges.
• Ensure clear communication and effective coordination between internal teams and external partners. Ensure stakeholders are informed about mission/product updates and collect feedback and concerns. Create centralized documents and resources to streamline information requests and establish “sources of truth.”
• Implement and manage projects aimed at streamlining MethaneSAT operational efficiency, such as tracking OKRs across teams working on MethaneSAT, including Advocacy and Data Production. Identify areas for improvement, develop actionable plans, and ensure the successful execution of these initiatives to enhance overall impact and performance.
• Manage MethaneSAT customer service by establishing the systems and processes for customer service and external communication. Serve as first point of contact for inbound communications and maintain records in MethaneSAT’s systems.
• Collaborate on commercialization by working closely with the Business Development Manager (to be hired) and other team members to develop and implement strategies for the commercialization of MethaneSAT data and products. Assist in setting up the necessary infrastructure and processes to support these efforts.
• Provide operational and logistics support by coordinating and scheduling complex high-profile meetings, such as board or steering committee meetings, as well as large scale conferences such as CERAWeek, COP, etc. Organize team retreats and manage logistics. Ensure that all logistical aspects of the MethaneSAT Mission Impact team’s operations are handled efficiently and effectively.
• Develop systems and metrics to measure success: Help create and implement methods to measure the success and impact of MethaneSAT projects. Analyze data to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable insights to drive impact and organizational growth.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Support other Mission Impact activities as needed, such as managing development and donor requests, supporting MethaneAIR campaigns, helping finance/operations on budget-related tasks, and preparing slides for external briefings, board and investor meetings, Steering/Sustainment Committee meetings, etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s and four or more years of related professional experience, or advanced degree with at least two years of related experience.
• Experience working in management consulting or technology companies is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to think critically about complex problems; demonstrated ability to bring structured thinking to complex projects.
• Experience in project management and exceptional personal organization and attention to detail; must be able to manage timelines and complex deliverables across teams working on multiple projects concurrently; project management certification a plus.
• Demonstrated problem solver proactively identifying roadblocks and recommending solutions.
• Penchant for entrepreneurship, ability to work both independently and as a member of a small team in a dynamic and fast startup environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to distill complicated concepts into clear, crisp messages to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated passion for the mission and the environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse sets of people, including scientists, engineers, analysts, and advocates.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to independently recommend and determine approaches to completing projects and managing processes where precedents are not always available.
• Understanding of CRMs (e.g. Salesforce) and customer service processes and software (e.g. Zendesk) strongly preferred. Familiarity with project management programs preferred (e.g., Podio, Asana, Smartsheets).