Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Director

The Office of the County Executive is responsible for implementing the policy direction of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and supporting the effective delivery of public services across 22 departments. The office provides leadership on countywide initiatives, coordinates interdepartmental and cross-jurisdictional programs.

Our work includes advancing the Board’s strategic priorities, overseeing the County’s $865 million budget, and leading cross-cutting efforts in housing, climate, equity, emergency preparedness, homelessness, and more.

The County of Marin’s Climate Program is a new function within the Office of the County Executive – and part of the broader reorganization approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2025.

The new Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Director will lead this countywide effort to accelerate climate action, coordinate adaptation planning, and embed sustainability principles across all County operations – and in the community in partnership with external agencies. The Director oversees the Sustainability Team, which leads Marin’s comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction work – including promoting renewable energy in coordination with local utilities and implementers; encouraging green building and businesses; reducing emissions from transportation; and improving energy efficiency of private and public properties across the County. The position also oversees the County’s Sea Level Rise (SLR) initiatives, including a governance and funding framework to strengthen coordination among jurisdictions and advance long-term resilience investments. Working collaboratively with County departments, cities and towns, regional agencies, and Marin’s many nonprofit and environmental partners, the Director will serve as a central leader uniting local efforts to combat climate change and prepare and protect Marin’s communities, economy, and natural landscapes.

This is a defining leadership role for a big thinker who can connect the dots across policy, implementation, and partnerships. The Climate Director will represent the County Executive and Board of Supervisors in leading a forward-looking, equity-driven climate agenda – turning broad goals into measurable action. The position combines high-level strategic planning with grassroots coordination, public engagement, and interagency collaboration.

This position works full time on-site in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright designed Civic Center.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the work of the Sustainability Team and Sea Level Rise Unit, integrating GHG mitigation and adaptation strategies across departments and community initiatives.
• Lead implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan, tracking progress and ensuring alignment with regional, state, and federal goals.
• Convene and facilitate coordination among County departments, cities and towns, special districts, community-based organizations, and regional/state/federal partners.
• Develop and implement policies to reduce emissions from energy, buildings, waste, and transportation; promote renewable energy; and advance climate equity.
• Oversee governance, policy, and funding strategies for countywide sea level rise response.
• Represent the County Executive in regional and statewide climate forums and partnerships.
• Manage and pursue grants, philanthropic partnerships, and funding opportunities to support sustainability and adaptation projects.
• Communicate progress and challenges to the County Executive, Board of Supervisors, and the public through reports, presentations, and community engagement.
• Supervise staff, consultants, and interdepartmental teams with a focus on collaboration and professional development.

For additional information please view the Recruitment Brochure. (Download PDF reader)

The Competitive Benefits Program Includes:
 

• Retirement: A defined benefit retirement plan governed by the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), which can be reciprocal with other retirement systems.  For more information visit www.mcera.org  and https://www.mcera.org/employers/new-hires
• Deferred Compensation: The County does not participate in Social Security except for a mandatory Medicare contribution.  A voluntary deferred compensation 457 plan is administered by Nationwide to enhance retirement planning.
• Health/Dental/Vision/Insurance: Cafeteria-style health and welfare benefit plan that allows employees to choose from a variety of health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance plans.
• Leave Allowances: The County offers generous vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Management Leave: 40 hours per fiscal year.

The Highly Qualified Candidate

The ideal candidate is a visionary and collaborative leader who understands that meaningful climate action in Marin depends on meaningful cooperation between jurisdictions, sectors, and communities. They bring deep knowledge of climate policy and sustainability best practices, combined with the strategic and interpersonal skills to convene diverse partners and move complex initiatives forward.

They are a systems thinker, able to see the big picture and connect daily decisions to long-term outcomes. They thrive when handling a range of complex – and everyday issues – balancing ambition with pragmatism. The ideal candidate values data-driven decision-making, transparent communication with their team and County leaders, and equitable approaches that prioritize Marin’s most vulnerable communities.

Importantly, they care deeply about Marin – its landscapes, its people, and its legacy of environmental leadership – and are ready to apply their skills in service of the County.

This role is an opportunity to steward Marin’s legacy into the next generation and ensure we continue to be a model for climate resilience and sustainability.