Sustainability Strategist

You connect impact to ideas.You uncover what’s material to a brand’s impact. What matters to the people and communities the brand serves. The trace its actions leave on our planet.  You turn data points into brand action. Disparate signals into a path forward to create a Whole Brand. You participate as part of the “hub” of strategic activity for brands. Partnering closely with strategy, research and communications colleagues to inspire, guide and lobby for the right idea – for the brand, for the business, for the world.You are curious - asking better questions. You are a connector - helping find the sweet spot between what a consumer wants and what the world needs. You are an expert in ESG - increasing expectations for environmental and social progress and transparency.  
The RoleBarkley is seeking a strategist to support the growth of our Purpose + Sustainability practice based in Kansas City, Missouri.Our Purpose+Sustainability practice supports clients in meeting the needs of the Modern Consumer by aligning why a brand exists with how they can positively impact people, planet and communities. In this role, you will lead the analysis and development of environmental and social strategies, programs and communications. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead in Sustainability Program development for clients and new business from vision, goal setting, to metrics.
• Work with the consumer research team to develop quantitative and qualitative research briefs to unearth consumer insights to enhance Sustainability program development and communication strategies.
• Work with account management teams to craft creative briefs to preserve the integrity of responsible marketing and avoid misleading claims.
• Represent and support clients in engagements with external stakeholders.
• Monitor and interpret essential sustainability and purpose trends for clients.
• Perform regular analysis and opportunity identification on ESG topics.
• Present strategies and research findings to clients and in new business proposals.

Required Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in a relevant Sustainability and Communications Role either in-house or consultancy. 
• Familiarity with disclosure frameworks such as DJSI, CDP, SASB, and others.
• Technical understanding of GHG measurement and international standards e.g GHG Protocol.
• Strong working knowledge of social and environmental issues affecting corporations.
• Experience in stakeholder management and materiality assessments.
• Project management experience, attention to detail, and ability to manage work across different priorities and timescales.
• Bachelor's Degree (required) or Masters (preferred)

Preferred Experience:

• Experience running Diversity & Inclusion or CSR programs inside organizations
• Evaluation of public-facing communications and responsible marketing
• Familiarity with B Corporation certification process and requirements

Competencies:

• Excellent communication ability
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret information from a variety of sources, such as trade journals, research reports, white papers and cross-tabulated survey data.
• Ability to draft reports, presentations, white papers and general business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively support presentation of results to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
• Excellent reasoning ability: define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions based upon information furnished in written, oral or diagram form.