Chief Growth Officer (MUST APPLY VIA KORN FERRY)

*******************************IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS*******************************

This executive search is being managed directly by Korn Ferry. To be considered for the Chief Growth Officer position, all interested candidates must apply through the Korn Ferry application link below.

Please do not submit your application through the USGBC/ADP application system. Applications submitted through ADP will not be monitored or considered for this search.

Apply through Korn Ferry: CGO - USGBC job, Washington, DC

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HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT

As Chief Growth Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by leading USGBC and GBCI’s global growth strategy to increase engagement, influence, and mission impact. In this role, you’ll own the planning, development, and execution of coordinated strategies that strengthen brand awareness and value, expand adoption of products and services, grow membership and partnerships, diversify revenue streams, and advance market transformation at scale.

You’ll report to the Chief Executive Officer and serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, working collaboratively with the CEO, Board of Directors, and leaders across the organization. You’ll oversee a global team of approximately 110 professionals across Market Development and Sales, Marketing & Communications, and Customer Success, and partner closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Products Officer, and Chief Impact Officer to maximize mission-related value from USGBC and GBCI products, programs, and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive the planning, development, and execution of the global growth strategy to increase brand awareness and value and expand adoption of products and services.
• Prioritize organizational resources, including talent, to advance the mission, achieve sustainable growth, and deliver priority outcomes.
• Identify, vet, and select significant growth opportunities, including diverse revenue streams that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Drive membership growth and mutually beneficial partnerships that expand USGBC’s global presence and influence among industry leaders, policymakers, peer organizations, and stakeholders.
• Partner across USGBC and GBCI to identify, track, prioritize, and meet market development, marketing and communications, sales, and customer success needs.
• Build a deep understanding of existing and prospective customer needs, priorities, and expectations through research, data analysis, and stakeholder insight to inform growth strategy and product priorities.
• Partner with the Chief Products Officer and Chief Impact Officer to strengthen reputation, thought leadership, and engagement with existing and new audiences.
• Develop and monitor department- and team-level metrics and KPIs; lead recurring business reviews to measure progress, strengthen accountability, and maintain strategic alignment.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and compelling spokesperson for USGBC, GBCI, and their products and services at relevant industry events and meetings, while developing communication capabilities across the team.
• Attract, develop, inspire, empower, and retain diverse, high-performing global teams; establish clear priorities, success metrics, and objectives while fostering trust, inclusion, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience 

• Minimum 15 years of experience in nonprofit or business growth, marketing, business development, sales, or a related discipline, including at least 5 years of executive-level leadership in a relevant role. Experience managing business operations across multiple domestic and international geographies and a diversified customer and employee base is required. Demonstrated success achieving business and sales goals; building and leading high-performing, diverse teams; scaling adoption through marketing, advocacy, and/or sales; developing enterprise product distribution strategy; and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships. Experience with key real estate segments and geographic markets relevant to USGBC and GBCI is required; international market experience is strongly preferred. Direct experience with department-level financial planning, budget development, resource planning, management, and analysis is required.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Technology/System(s)

• No specific technology or system requirements were identified in the position specification.

Skills

• Strong business acumen, including negotiation, process improvement, change management, and resource prioritization.
• Strategic growth leadership with demonstrated ability to translate customer, market, and stakeholder insights into priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Strong people leadership, including the ability to build, motivate, empower, and develop diverse global teams and future leaders.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, including empathy, active listening, relationship building, and demonstrated commitment to workplace fairness and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including effective public speaking at the national and international level; personal work ethic grounded in integrity, accountability, achievement, and persistence.

Certifications

• No certification is required. Broad knowledge of standards, research, and certifications related to healthy, climate-resilient, resource-efficient buildings, communities, and cities is a plus.

Language

• English

TOTAL REWARDS PACKAGE

Salary 

Final compensation and benefits will be confirmed at the time of offer and may vary based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, qualifications, and employment status. Please note that salary negotiations will not extend beyond the top of the internal salary range.

Benefits

We offer you:

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional development reimbursement
• We offer a healthcare plan through Cigna that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. USGBC covers 100% of the premiums and an HRA that will assist you and your dependents in reaching the in-network medical deductible. You will only be responsible for the $300 individual / $600 family up front deductible for medical services before the employer funded HRA will process payments for your in-network claims 
• Generous paid time off (12 paid holidays, 9 paid personal sick days and based on career level either 2 to 3 weeks PTO), including operations closed for a full week between Christmas and New Year’s
• 6 weeks paid renewal leave after 7 years of continuous service 

LOGISTICS

Location: This position is hybrid and based out of the Washington, DC headquarters. Washington, DC is the strongest location preference; other locations may be considered.

Work Schedule: Full-time, permanent, salaried, exempt. Hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work based on organizational policy, business need, and manager discretion.

Travel %:Approximately 25% domestic and international travel, including the annual Greenbuild conference, industry events, and stakeholder meetings and gatherings.

ABOUT US

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to accelerating and scaling the transformation of the built environment. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system— and initiatives likes Greenbuild, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy, USGBC empowers professionals to drive market transformation that advances human and environmental health, climate resilience, and equity.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including LEED, PERFORM, SITES, and TRUE Zero Waste.

We are proud to be globally recognized for our leadership in green building, environmental performance, and sustainable development.

Our Global Impact

• Over 120,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide
• Millions of square feet of certified healthy, efficient, low-carbon space
• Recognition in 180+ countries for innovation in green building and business practices

Why Join Us?

At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:

• A purpose-driven, inclusive culture
• Opportunities to grow your career and take ownership of meaningful work
• A chance to make a measurable impact on global sustainability efforts
• We’re seeking team members who thrive in collaborative environments, are committed to excellence, and want to build lasting partnerships that drive change in the built environment.

Meet Our Leaders and Learn More about our Mission:

• U.S. Green Building Council Leaders

• Green Business Certification Inc Leaders

Culture and Values Statement

Working together, each of us advances our mission by respecting all voices, trusting and supporting one another, excelling through collaboration and accountability, and continuously improving ourselves and our organization.

*******************************APPLICATION REMINDER*******************************

The recruitment and selection process for this position is being managed directly by Korn Ferry. To ensure your application is received and considered, you must apply through the Korn Ferry application link below.

Applications submitted through the USGBC/ADP application system will not be monitored or considered.

Apply through Korn Ferry: CGO - USGBC job, Washington, DC

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