Director of Environmental Compliance & Strategy

Director of Environmental Compliance & Strategy

Search Leaders, LLC – Ely, Minnesota, United States

Our client is advancing a transformational development initiative that requires exceptional leadership at the intersection of regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement, and long-range project execution. The organization is known for assembling high-performing teams to navigate complex development challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and environmental stewardship.

• Establish and lead the overall environmental and regulatory roadmap supporting project advancement.
• Direct cross-functional teams responsible for technical investigations, environmental planning, and compliance initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of external advisors, specialty consultants, and technical service providers.
• Anticipate regulatory challenges and implement proactive solutions that support business objectives.
• Serve as a senior liaison with government agencies, community representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure environmental considerations are effectively integrated into engineering, construction, and development planning activities.
• Drive accountability for project timelines, budget performance, and execution quality across environmental work streams.
• Evaluate emerging risks and opportunities that may impact project viability, approvals, or implementation schedules.
• Prepare leadership-level updates, recommendations, and decision-support materials for senior management.
• Champion a culture focused on operational excellence, responsible development, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline.
• Significant professional experience leading environmental, regulatory, development, or infrastructure-related programs.
• Demonstrated success navigating complex approval processes involving multiple governmental jurisdictions.
• Deep understanding of environmental policy frameworks, compliance obligations, and regulatory decision-making processes.
• Proven ability to manage large technical programs involving numerous stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience directing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating work across diverse technical specialties.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance environmental objectives against schedule, cost, and project performance considerations.
• Exceptional communication skills with experience presenting complex information to executive, regulatory, and public audiences.
• Track record of building productive relationships with agencies, community groups, Indigenous stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Experience managing consulting contracts, budgets, schedules, and strategic project initiatives.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to influence decisions and drive organizational alignment.
• Proficiency with modern business, project management, and reporting systems.
• Ability to travel as business needs require.

• Advanced degree in a related technical, environmental, engineering, or policy discipline.
• Professional credentials demonstrating expertise in project leadership, environmental practice, or technical disciplines.
• Experience supporting major capital projects within industrial, energy, natural resource, transportation, or infrastructure sectors.
• Familiarity with large-scale project authorization strategies from early-stage planning through execution.
• Experience collaborating with federal, state, local, and Indigenous governing bodies.
• Background in public engagement, stakeholder relations, and consensus-building initiatives.
• Exposure to sustainability programs, ESG initiatives, land stewardship, or long-term operational planning.
• Knowledge of geospatial technologies, environmental information systems, or advanced analytical tools.
• Experience leading managers, technical professionals, and external project teams.
• Previous involvement supporting executive leadership, board-level communications, or investment-related reviews.

• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored perks.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work-life balance.
• Flexible schedules and work life balance.
• Strong focus on employee development with on-the-job training and career growth.
• A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.