Senior Manager, MethaneSAT Data Production

OVERALL FUNCTION

Our planet is facing a climate crisis  – we must act now to reduce emissions of methane, which are roughly 86x more powerful than carbon dioxide, but present immediately actionable and cost effective technology and best practice solutions.

Thanks in part to EDF science and advocacy, several countries and dozens of companies are already committing to oil & gas methane reductions. MethaneSAT, a satellite mission that will monitor methane pollution globally and make that information public and easily accessible, will enable EDF and other advocates to hold these actors accountable. The MethaneSAT Mission Impact team focuses on bringing MethaneSAT data to action in a way that maximizes the impact of these data on emissions reductions. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of EDF’s largest and most ambitious project to date. The Senior 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.

The Senior Manager, MethaneSAT Data Production will provide management and execution of projects that advance MethaneSAT and EDF goals. This position will create and implement a unified plan across the four key teams that are working on data production. Key priorities include ensuring effective, timely communication among the teams, developing strategies to mitigate disruptions in schedule, identifying resource needs, proactively detecting project obstacles, helping the team leads prioritize work, and overall ensure a coordinated and effective advancement toward goals. The Senior Manager, MethaneSAT Data Production reports to the Vice President of Science Capacity and Innovation and works closely with the MethaneSAT leadership team.

The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and be comfortable communicating across levels and internal departments.

This is a three-year fixed term position.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the project management of the MethaneSAT data processing process so that MethaneSAT will be fully operational by early 2025, collecting 30 targets each day and routinely processing and releasing the data on our web portal within 1-2 weeks of observation.
• Independently manage the critical processes needed across multiple technical teams to achieve full data production mode, including working with scientists and engineers on parallel and connected processes to develop and refine algorithms within the timeline of the mission.
• Facilitate collaboration across engineering, satellite operations, and science teams (internally and externally) to establish collective objectives, priorities, and implementation plans. Drive progress on plans, hold individuals and teams responsible for meeting these project timelines, and milestones and navigate difficult conversations with diplomacy.
• Understand both technical and nontechnical pain points, constraints, and priorities of each team in the data production flow and how they impact other teams and the overall mission. Develop and implement effective solutions using limited resources and iterating rapidly in a fast-moving environment.
• Closely manage project schedules, identify risks and opportunities and clearly communicate them to project stakeholders in a timely manner. Proactively plan for potential disruptions, and develop contingency plans and strategies to mitigate impacts to other teams.
• Align with stakeholders to ensure continuous execution of program milestones, deliverables and success metrics. Provide regular updates, storyboards and communications to stakeholders and partners for alignment.
• Lead the MethaneSAT team on process mapping and process design for internal existing and new systems and processes. Advise senior management and program staff on process design best practices and efficiencies.
• Roll out new processes and policies. Create and disseminate communications and process documentation to impacted groups and individuals. Develop templates, workflows and use other system functions to support these processes.
• Collaborate with other departments such as Finance, Development, and HR as needed.
• 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.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong experience working with satellite or geospatial data processing pipeline and/or the generation of satellite or geospatial or environmental science-based data products.
• Extensive experience working collaboratively and effectively with science and research teams is critical.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meticulously manage highly technical aspects of projects, ensuring accuracy, precision, and adherence to technical and scientific needs, while also maintaining awareness of broader project objectives and deadlines, and ensuring team members stay on track against project timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Understanding of the Project Management Institute (PMI) framework and knowledge of various project management methodologies (e.g. agile/Scrum).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interface well with all departments and levels in the organization and with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds.
• Strong project management skills and knowledge of the use of related systems and tools such as SmartSheets, Podio, Asana, Jira, etc.
• Highly effective research, analytical, and writing skills required in order to gather and summarize data for reports, problem-solve, and prioritize work. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of small teams in a dynamic and creative environment, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Position requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy. Must be comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software applications.
• Interest and/or experience in environmental advocacy preferred.