Associate Director, Responsible Technology

BSR•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Associate Director will serve as a lead within BSR’s Responsible Technology team, focused on advancing BSR’s advisory work, thought leadership, and collaborative initiatives at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability. This role will lead and grow BSR’s portfolio of work exploring the environmental impacts of AI systems and digital infrastructure, including climate, energy, water, materials, biodiversity and community/societal impact considerations. The Associate Director will work closely with companies—including AI developers, AI deployers, cloud providers, hardware manufacturers, and enterprise users—to estimate and deepen understanding of environmental risks and opportunities. They will also develop governance and mitigation strategies and translate emerging best practices into practical management approaches for companies to adopt. The position will contribute to shaping BSR’s broader Responsible Technology strategy, collaborating with the Climate & Nature, Human Rights, and Sustainability teams to establish BSR’s point of view and systematically incorporate environmental considerations of AI into cross-organizational tools, guidance, and approaches.

Requirements

Significant experience working on AI and environmental sustainability issues. This may include working for or with companies on climate, sustainability, or environmental issues, working in NGOs and civil society organizations, implementing climate / environmental programs in the field, or undertaking and publishing significant research on the environmental impacts of AI in a business context.
Consulting experience and/or proven ability to perform the key functions of a consultant, including developing and maintaining client relationships; pursuing and creating business opportunities; leading project teams; and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Experience (5-8 years) working with the business community, preferably in/ with the technology industry, although not required. Solid understanding of technology supply chain and public, for-profit business operations.
Experience (at least 5-8 years) in a high-performing and fast-paced work environment.
Well-developed leadership and people skills, including a demonstrated ability to enhance the skills and effectiveness of other team members.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills (i.e. structured, concise, impactful).
Willingness to undertake domestic and international business travel.
High ethical standards and commitment to BSR core values of leadership, respect, and integrity.
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

Developing BSR’s strategy and point of view on AI and environmental sustainability, including emerging risks, opportunities, regulatory developments, and stakeholder expectations.
Shaping BSR’s approach to AI and environment projects, including defining scope, methodology, and analytical frameworks.
Developing practical tools, guidance, and frameworks to support companies in understanding and managing the environmental impacts of AI systems and related infrastructure.
Integrating environmental sustainability considerations into responsible AI and governance frameworks and embedding AI-related considerations into environmental governance frameworks.
Identifying new business opportunities and contributing to proposal development and revenue growth aligned with the Responsible Technology strategy.
Building and maintaining relationships with BSR member companies, proactively engaging them to understand evolving priorities, providing general advisory support, and identifying opportunities for deeper impact.
Representing BSR in external forums, including conferences, roundtables, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Proactively support insights development for BSR members’ needs.
Designing and leading collaborative initiatives or working groups focused on AI and environmental sustainability.
Convening companies and external stakeholders to advance shared approaches, metrics, and best practices.
Contributing to publications, reports, and thought leadership that shape the broader field of responsible AI and environmental governance.
Building/growing partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and policy actors working at the intersection of AI, climate, and sustainability.