Associate Director, Responsible Technology - San Francisco - BSR

Description

Associate Director, Responsible Technology

About BSR

BSR is a sustainable business network and consultancy focused on creating a world in which all people can thrive on a healthy planet. With offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR provides its nearly 300 member companies with insight, advice, and collaborative initiatives to help them see a changing world more clearly, create long-term value, and scale impact. Visit for more information about BSR's 30+ years of leadership in sustainability. We have a team of some of the most talented and motivated people working on sustainable business in our global offices in Copenhagen, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. This is a full-time opportunity. Candidates must be based in or willing to move to one of BSR's office locations in the US or EMEA.

Position Overview

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.

Compensation

At BSR, we have implemented a transparent total compensation framework with a strong emphasis on internal equity. To maintain this equity, the hiring range for this position will vary depending on the selected candidate's location, as outlined below:

USA: USD107,045 (additional location adjustments: San Francisco – USD 8,000, New York City – USD 5,000)

France: EUR 83,959 (location adjustment for Paris – EUR 3,000)

UK: GBP 78,349

In addition, all candidates—regardless of location—will be eligible for an annual performance bonus of 8%.

Responsibilities

The Associate Director will assume responsibility for business development and delivery of high-impact advisory work, member updates, and collaborative initiatives at the intersection of AI and the environment. This will require:

• 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.

Business Development and Member Engagement

• 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.

Collaborative Initiatives and Field Building

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

BSR is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.