Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist

Buro Happold is hiring an Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist in Chicago, IL. The role focuses on leading climate action planning and GHG reduction projects, managing teams, and engaging stakeholders. Candidates should have 7–10 years of consulting experience and strong analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary, generous PTO, and a hybrid working option, emphasizing contributions to climate resilience and decarbonization.
BuroHappold Engineering seeks an Associate | Climate Strategy & Mitigation Specialist in Chicago, IL. The role involves leading climate action planning and GHG reduction projects, managing teams, and engaging stakeholders across various sectors. Candidates should have 7–10 years of relevant consulting experience and strong analytical skills. Benefits include competitive salary, generous PTO, and a hybrid working option. This position is full-time and focused on climate resilience and decarbonization.
Experteer Overview
In this role you will lead climate action planning and GHG reduction work within our Advisory team, guiding projects from planning to delivery for clients in public, higher education, and corporate sectors. You’ll integrate data analysis, modelling, and stakeholder engagement to produce high-quality materials and strategic recommendations. The role offers opportunities to lead teams, shape proposals, and collaborate with governmental and private partners. This is a chance to contribute to climate resilience and decarbonization at scale within a collaborative, interdisciplinary firm.

Compensation / Benefits
• Lead complex climate-related projects (e.g., climate action plans, GHG inventories, sustainability plans)
• Develop project work plans, scopes, timelines, and cost analyses
• Manage internal teams and external sub-consultants with clear direction
• Support business development via proposals and client pitches
• Research and provide direction for recommendations
• Oversee creation or deliver reports, models, and client-ready deliverables
• Build relationships with governmental, private sector, and community organizations
• Facilitate workshops on sustainability, resilience, and climate mitigation
• Provide guidance and management of junior staff
• Participate in local professional associations

Tasks
• Degree in urban planning, urban policy, economics, real estate, sustainability management, engineering, or similar
• 7–10 years of consulting experience in climate, resilience, or sustainability-related field
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
• Proficiency in GHG Protocol and carbon accounting frameworks
• Knowledge of GHG mitigation strategies and net zero pathways
• Strong quantitative analysis, energy assessments, GHG accounting/forecasting
• Project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and coordinate teams
• Effective written and oral communication of complex climate concepts to diverse audiences
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) preferred
• Knowledge of economic development, environmental justice, urban revitalization
• PMP certification or experience with Power BI or Tableau a plus

Key requirements
• competitive salary and benefits
• annual discretionary bonus
• Generous PTO (4 weeks) and 10 holidays
• 401k with company match
• Hybrid working option and summer hours
• reimbursement for professional licenses and renewals