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Associate & Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist

Buro Happold, Chicago, IL, United States


Buro Happold is seeking a full-time Associate & Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist in Chicago, IL, with a preference for Los Angeles. The role involves leading climate-related projects, conducting research and data analysis, managing teams, and supporting business development. Candidates should have 7-10 years of relevant experience and a degree in urban planning, sustainability, or related fields. The position emphasizes project leadership in climate action and GHG emission reduction.

Overview Buro Happold is focused on shaping the cities and built environment of the future. From visioning to implementation, we work alongside our clients to develop tailor‑made and highly effective solutions, providing expertise in policy design, sustainability and resilience, infrastructure, land use, governance, and operations. We take an interdisciplinary approach to each project, using data analytics, evidence‑based planning, and stakeholder engagement to bring new ideas, critical thinking, leadership, facilitation skills and an understanding of what it takes for cities today to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Your next role We are looking for a full‑time candidate to join our Advisory team, with a preference for location in Los Angeles. Projects are anticipated to be a mix of strategic planning and technical analysis, ranging across different scales and sectors. This role is to provide project leadership, technical guidance and support for climate action planning and GHG emission reduction modelling and contribute to the delivery of high‑quality materials to our clients.

Your key duties This role’s responsibilities include helping to lead complex projects, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis and modelling, producing data visualization and graphics, and contributing to the delivery of high‑quality materials to our clients. Projects span the public sector, higher education, and corporate environment.

Lead complex climate‑related projects for external clients, such as climate action plans, GHG inventories, sustainability plans, and other projects focused on mitigation and/or resiliency

Manage climate‑related projects, including developing project work plans, scopes, timelines, costing, and specific analyses to be completed

Manage internal teams and external sub‑consultants, providing clear direction, feedback, and structure to engagements

Support business development, by authoring proposals, joining client pitches, and writing scopes of work in collaboration with Buro Happold leadership

Research and provide direction in development of recommendations

Oversee creation of, or personally create and deliver reports, presentations, models, and other deliverable for key stakeholders

Build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi‑governmental entities, private sector clients, civic and community organizations, cultural and professional organizations, and advocacy groups

Facilitate workshops for clients around sustainability, resilience, and climate mitigation

Provide overall guidance and management of junior staff

Participate in local Professional Associations

Your Skills And Experience The successful applicant will have a degree in urban planning, urban policy, economics, real estate, sustainability management, engineering, or similar.

7‑10 years of consulting experience in a climate‑, resilience‑ or sustainability‑related field

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

Well‑versed in GHG Protocol and carbon accounting approach & frameworks

Well‑versed in GHG mitigation strategies and pathway options for achieving Net Zero emissions

Strong quantitative analysis skills and experience delivering projects which include complex data analysis, energy assessments, GHG accounting and forecasting

Ability to manage projects against tight timelines, manage the contributions of internal and external collaborators, and have a proactive and collaborative style

Ability to effectively communicate complex climate mitigation and GHG emissions concepts, in written and oral form, to a diverse range of professionals

Extensive experience with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is preferred

Knowledge of and/or interest in economic development, environmental justice, and urban revitalization

PMP certification or experience with Power BI or Tableau is a plus

What We Offer

Salary range of $110,000 to $145,000, determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience

Competitive salary & benefits

Annual discretionary bonus

Generous PTO (4 weeks) in addition to 10 paid holidays

401k with company match

Hybrid working option & summer hours

Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees

Global network of experts

Learning and development opportunities

Contact recruitment@burohappold.com for more information.

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