The Organization
The International Dark-Sky Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1988, we are the leading advocate and recognized authority for night sky protection and have taken the lead in identifying and publicizing the adverse impacts of artificial light at night on human health, wildlife and the climate.
While recognizing that some amount of outdoor lighting is required for human nighttime activities, current research shows that artificial light at night can have negative long-term effects on humans and wildlife, including amphibians, birds, mammals, fish and insects. The excessive use of outdoor lighting leads to light pollution, energy waste, climate change, and has been linked to compromised safety and security.
We advance light pollution abatement by working with manufacturers, planners, legislators and citizens to help implementing lighting that is energy efficient, cost effective, and dark-sky friendly. As an example, we are working on sea turtle habitat restoration by providing lighting retrofit recommendations for nesting beaches in Florida.
The Position
Based in Tucson and reporting to the Executive Director, the Lighting Technologies Program Manager has overall strategic and operational responsibility for IDA’s technical lighting programs and projects. The position provides advice on emerging lighting technologies to staff, Board and others, and ensures that IDA remains a leader in sourcing the assimilation and dissemination of state-of-the-art technical lighting information. The Lighting Technologies Program Manager administers, coordinates and oversees IDA’s Fixture Seal of Approval and Parks and Protected Areas Programs and is responsible for the successful and timely execution and completion of projects contracted to the organization.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Lighting Technologies Program Manager include,
- Managing IDA’s technical lighting program, projects and operations.
- Working with lighting manufacturers to specify, evaluate, prototype and implement new lighting technologies for emerging market places.
- Managing IDA’s Fixture Seal of Approval Program.
- Managing IDA’s Parks and Protected Areas Program.
- Serving as technical solutions resource for members, advocates, city planners, lighting professionals and the general public.
- Consulting with lighting professionals on best practice design standards.
- Specifying products for special application projects (e.g. parks, commercial, industry, sales, government, and residential lighting).
- Working with city planners, contractors, lighting customers, architects, engineers, and community leaders on best practice lighting guidelines.
- Overseeing and administering IDA’s contract work, including its sea turtle lighting management project with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and development of best practice lighting guidelines with the National Park Service.
- Representing IDA at selected trade shows and conferences.
- Leading workshops on outdoor lighting guidelines and emerging technologies.
- Managing and implementing large LED retrofit projects while coordinating with manufacturers to meet design specifications.
Required Skills and Qualifications
The Lighting Technologies Program Manager will be thoroughly committed to IDA’s mission and an accomplished practitioner of technical lighting. Key qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Well versed and trained in modern lighting technology and applications
- Some experience working with individuals and organizations in the lighting industry
- Computer savvy (PC, Mac, MS Office, Adobe platforms, photometric software tools)
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate persuasively and effectively in writing and orally, including excellent public speaking skills for both formal and extemporaneous presentations
- Willingness and ability to travel periodically
- Strong sense of integrity, an impeccable ethical code of conduct, and an unwavering commitment to transparency and financial accountability
- Passion, idealism, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
Hiring preference will be given to candidates with the following additional credentials and abilities:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field with at least five years of relevant work experience
- Proficient with lighting photometric design software and tools (Agi32)
- Familiar with the solid state lighting marketplace
- Extensive experience working with lighting product managers, engineers, sales representatives, marketing, and end-users
- Marketing experience
- A prior record of building/managing databases
- Experience in leading retrofit projects
IDA is an equal opportunity employer and works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees, members, volunteers and constituents regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status or sexual orientation.
To Apply
Submit electronically a cover letter demonstrating the applicant’s relevant work experience and ability to succeed in the position, a resume, and one-page writing sample. Applications must use the subject line “Lighting Technology Program Manager” and should be directed to: [email protected]
Note – no phone calls and only electronically-submitted applications will be considered
The position will remain open until filled.