EVP, Head of Sustainable Markets

Opportunity Finance Network
  • Location
    Washington, D.C.
  • Sector
    Non Profit
  • Experience
    Mid Career / Advanced
  • Posted
    Feb 06

Position description

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation's leading community investment intermediary and network of community development financial institutions serving underinvested communities across the United States.

About the Organization

With over $1 billion in total assets under management, OFN manages a national membership network of over 470 financial institutions, including community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others. For over 40 years, our team has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for people and places traditional finance doesn't reach. To learn more, visit ofn.org.

About the Role

What You'll Do

The Executive Vice President, Head of Sustainable Markets (EVP) will play a pivotal role as OFN's chief executive focused on advancing clean energy, climate resilience, and disaster recovery/response initiatives. In this newly created position, the EVP will serve as a key ambassador for OFN in the clean energy sector, driving the development of its sustainable markets practice and acting as a thought partner to integrate climate and clean energy finance into community development finance. Leveraging OFN's industry leadership, the EVP will oversee the creation and execution of the organization's sustainable markets strategy, lead its climate initiatives, and drive business development efforts. A primary responsibility will be the successful integration of climate-focused finance solutions, with an emphasis on executing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program. The EVP will also be responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with key stakeholders—financial institutions, impact investors, government agencies, and other actors—to build sustainable markets and advance climate finance solutions that promote environmental sustainability and resilience in underserved communities.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainable Markets Strategy & Execution:

  • Lead the development and implementation of OFN's sustainable markets strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall mission and long-term objectives.
  • Oversee the integration of sustainability into OFN's culture, operations, and programs, driving climate-positive change through innovative practices and forward-thinking solutions.

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement:

  • Position OFN as a thought leader in clean energy, climate finance, resilience, and disaster recovery by driving innovation and advocating for sustainability.
  • Represent OFN at national and global climate forums, summits, and industry conferences alongside the CEO, shaping the organization's public profile and advancing the climate agenda.

GGRF and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA):

  • Oversee the implementation of direct climate programming activities with specific focus of the market building and transformation activities of the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program.
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams, including the Chief Program Officer, to ensure successful program execution and alignment with OFN's sustainable markets goals.

Partnerships & Business Development:

  • Build and nurture strategic partnerships with climate-focused investors, philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Foster new opportunities for collaboration and growth through alliances with organizations focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and community development, particularly in underserved communities.

Market Transformation & Ecosystem Development:

  • Drive initiatives to transform clean finance markets by supporting CDFI project pipeline development, workforce development, small business growth, and clean energy transition efforts, with a focus on LIDAC (Low-Income, Disadvantaged, and Communities of Color) communities.
  • Engage with government stakeholders at the state, local, and regional levels to promote supportive ecosystems for CDFIs and market opportunities in clean energy.

Climate Risk Management & Sustainability Integration:

  • Collaborate with the General Counsel and Chief Operations Officer to develop climate risk management strategies and ensure OFN's work remains resilient and aligned with sustainability goals.
  • Guide the integration of sustainability into existing financial products and financing programs, working with the Chief Investment Officer to create innovative clean energy financial products.

Capacity-Building & Convenings:

  • Partner with the Chief Network Officer to design and implement capacity-building initiatives and convenings that empower stakeholders and support collective action toward sustainability and climate goals.

Measurement, Reporting, & Accountability:

  • Adapt OFN's systems for tracking and reporting the environmental and social impacts of climate-related investments and programs.
  • Develop tools for climate risk and opportunity assessments to guide investment decisions.
  • Regularly produce reports and presentations for the Board, donors, and stakeholders to highlight progress towards climate-related objectives.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

You will supervise the SVP, Environmental Programs.

You will frequently collaborate with the Chief Program Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Network Officer and other members of the Executive Leadership Team.

Required Skills and Experience

  • At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in roles directly related to climate finance, sustainable investing, or environmental impact, ideally within the nonprofit, community development, or impact investing sectors. Proven success in building and managing high-impact programs or business lines that advance sustainability and climate goals.
  • Passion for Mission & Values: Deep commitment to OFN's mission, vision, and values, with a strong drive to direct capital into low-income communities and support the transition to a clean energy economy.
  • Expertise in Finance, Sustainability, and Community Development: Extensive experience at the intersection of finance, sustainability, and community development, particularly with underserved or marginalized communities. Proven track record in structuring innovative financial products and investment funds related to climate resilience, renewable energy, and environmental justice. Strategic Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, foundations, and other key partners. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners to drive impact.
  • Policy & Regulatory Knowledge: Expertise in climate finance policy, including familiarity with EPA regulations, tax credits, and other funding mechanisms that support clean energy and resilience efforts. Strong understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and global climate finance trends.
  • Leadership & Communication Skills: Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence diverse teams and stakeholders. Strong communication abilities, including outstanding written and oral presentation skills, to effectively convey complex concepts to a broad audience.
  • Entrepreneurial & Strategic Mindset: Entrepreneurial mindset with a demonstrated ability to grow organizations and drive new areas of work. Strategic thinker with a focus on results and a commitment to delivering measurable social and environmental impact.
  • Project Management & Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize competing demands, and execute in fast-paced environments. Strong organizational and time management skills to independently manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Analytical & Decision-Making Abilities: Ability to analyze results and provide actionable recommendations to the President & CEO and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Sound judgment in making decisions and providing guidance based on data and strategic objectives.
  • High Initiative & Self-Starting Capability: Highly proactive with the ability to identify and seize opportunities for impact, especially in dynamic, uncertain contexts where direction may be limited.
  • Education / Leadership Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field or an equivalent 10 years of related work experience in lieu of a degree is required. A Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.

Salary

The full salary range for this role is $250,000 to $320,000.

Benefits

At OFN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team members, ensuring they thrive both personally and professionally. Our robust and comprehensive benefits program includes:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: OFN offers a generous contribution towards premiums for you and dependents.
  • Save for the Future: OFN contributes 4% of your annual salary after 1 year of service to the retirement plan
  • Lifestyle Spending Account: Funds set aside for use on pets, alternative therapies, gyms and fitness, wellness classes and more!
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy generous paid time off programs including a special summer Friday program and fully paid parental leave.
  • 1-on-1 and group executive leadership team coaching to support executive development
  • Life and Disability Insurance: Enjoy 100% employer paid premiums

 

Application instructions

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