Brendle Group is a nationally recognized sustainability consulting firm whose mission is to accelerate equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, the firm is known as an industry pioneer and market innovator, bringing nearly three decades of experience delivering technical, strategic, and engagement services to public and private sector clients across the country. A Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, Brendle Group is deeply values-driven and founder-owned. Its consulting portfolio spans climate resilience, energy and water systems, decarbonization, data analytics, and community engagement. The firm serves a wide range of markets including local and state government, utilities, higher education, ski and mountain town operations, and land use development. Brendle Group is guided by three core organizational pillars - Impact, People, and Operational Excellence - and by a driving purpose to create lasting, measurable solutions that sustain and inspire communities and the planet. The firm leads a national portfolio of sustainability work grounded in decades-long client partnerships. Known for pioneering new frontiers in climate and sustainability, the firm brings interdisciplinary expertise and thought leadership to some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The Opportunity
Brendle Group is entering a transformative chapter - one marked by thoughtful succession planning, strong market positioning, sustained financial performance, and an ambitious strategic roadmap. As the organization prepares for its first leadership transition since its founding, the next President will step into a respected legacy and a well-established, high performing team. This is a rare opportunity to build on existing organizational strengths while helping to shape and lead the firm’s future direction. This leadership opportunity comes at a time of continued momentum and clarity. The Board of Directors has approved a multi-year strategy that advances Brendle Group’s impact objectives, deepens its people-centered culture, and strengthens its infrastructure for long-term growth. With a seasoned leadership team in place and a track record of success in technical innovation, client delivery, and a thriving people-first workplace culture, the incoming President will inherit a strong foundation. The President will serve as a key strategist, culture carrier, and external ambassador - guiding the firm’s growth while maintaining its identity as a purpose-driven, equity-minded business. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President will lead a multidisciplinary senior team and have four direct reports:
• Senior Director of Planning & Engagement
• Manager of Engineering & Analytics
• Director of Operations
• Manager of Marketing & Communications
Brendle Group is seeking a leader who brings not only executive and operational acumen, but also a deep commitment to and understanding of the firm’s core mission: advancing climate solutions that are equitable, innovative, and grounded in technical and community-based expertise. The President must be able to articulate a compelling vision for Brendle Group services both internally and in the marketplaceand build on Brendle Group’s strong position in the field. This is a compelling opportunity for a visionary and grounded leader with sustainability expertise and values alignment, who is ready to lead with purpose, operational excellence, and enduring impacthonoring Brendle Group’s legacy while shaping its future.
What Will You Do
As President of Brendle Group, you will lead the firm through a significant and exciting phase of evolution - building on a respected legacy to expand its impact, capabilities, and organizational resilience. You will oversee day-to-day operations and guide the long-term strategic and financial direction of the firm. You will lead a multidisciplinary senior team and serve as both an internal steward and external ambassador of Brendle Group’s mission, values, and consulting excellence.
Key Responsibilities
• Organizational Strategy and Growth - Lead the implementation of Brendle Group’s board-approved (2024-2026) strategic plan and shape the next evolution of the firm. Guide planning, execution, growth, and the longterm strategy for capitalization and ownership structures. Looking ahead, this includes the development of the 2027-2029 strategic plan, exploring opportunities to open new offices, evaluating pathways to employee ownership, and positioning the firm to meet the evolving needs of the climate and sustainability marketplace.
• People and Culture Leadership - Foster a resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven culture to ensure a thriving, people-centered workplace aligned with Brendle Group’s values and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) commitments. Mentor and manage a high-performing senior leadership team.
• Consulting and Client Impact - Engage in client-facing work and oversee the delivery of high-quality consulting services across strategy, technical, and engagement offerings. Bring credible technical domain expertise and support business development and delivery efforts in one or more areas aligned with Brendle Group’s service portfolio.
• Operations and Financial Management - Ensure sound financial management, operational systems, risk mitigation, and resource stewardship. Oversee core functions including finance, legal, IT, and human resources, in alignment with Brendle Group’s goals for operational excellence.
• External Relations and Market Positioning - Represent Brendle Group with clients, partners, and peer organizations. Serve as a thought leader and public voice in the field of climate and sustainability consulting. Expand the firm’s influence and revenue-generating partnerships.
• Governance and Board Engagement - Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors. Provide timely reporting, support effective governance, and advance organizational health through mutual accountability and strategic alignment.
Who You Are
Brendle Group recognizes that strong candidates may bring a wide range of lived and professional experiences. The ideal candidate will bring many of the following core competencies, attributes, and experiences:
Mission-Aligned Strategic Leadership
A systems thinker and pragmatic strategist who can navigate complexity and guide an organization through growth and transition. Brings clarity of purpose and the ability to translate long-term vision into actionable strategy.
People-First and Equity-Centered Leadership
Leads with authenticity, empathy, and integrity. Committed to building inclusive, resilient teams and cultures. Prioritizes psychological safety, shared accountability, and thriving through change.
Business Acumen and Corporate Finance Fluency
Understands how to lead in partnership with a Board of Directors and manage complexity and ambiguity at an executive level. Brings experience with business modeling, capitalization, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Consulting Credibility and Technical Fluency
Brings technical and domain expertise in one or more of Brendle Group’s service areas and a strong understanding of what excellence looks like in a consulting environment. Able to support highquality delivery while guiding innovation and client relationships.
Influential Communication and External Leadership
A compelling communicator and thoughtful listener who can engage diverse audiences, navigate nuance, and build trust across internal and external stakeholders. Represents the organization with integrity, humility, and confidence.
Preferred
Qualifications
While Brendle Group is open to a range of backgrounds and experiences, strong candidates will bring many of the following qualifications:
• Extensive leadership experience, typically with 15+ years in roles that span technical delivery, business strategy, team leadership, client service, and operational management
• 7+ years of experience managing highperforming, multidisciplinary teams - ideally in a hybrid environment
• Experience guiding organizations through transition, such as founder succession or growth
• Background in consulting or professional services, with exposure to business development and client relationship management
• Technical fluency or leadership experience in a sustainability-related domain, such as climate adaptation, decarbonization, water resources, energy systems, or environmental policy
• Familiarity with mission-driven business models, including B Corps, Public Benefit Corporations, and/or employee-owned firms
• Spanish language fluency is a plus, acknowledging Brendle Group’s work with diverse communities and clients
• Educational background in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental science, public policy, planning, or business (advanced degree preferred, but not required)
Brendle Group values transferable experience and encourages candidates from historically underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds to apply - even if not every qualification is met. Strength in the core leadership competencies is what matters most.
Compensation and Benefits
Brendle Group offers a competitive and thoughtfully structured compensation package aligned with its values of well-being, equity, and sustainability.
• The base salary for this exempt position is $200,000 to $260,500 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. As a firm dedicated to sustainability in all forms, Brendle Group prioritizes work-life balance. Leadership is expected to model this value, fostering a culture that supports both high impact and personal well-being.
• The President will be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus of up to 30% of base salary, based on individual and firm-wide performance. Performance goals will be codeveloped with the Board and are expected to align with Brendle Group’s three strategic pillars:
» Impact: revenue diversification, staff utilization, equity-centered work
» People: employee engagement, retention, team diversity
» Operational Excellence: profitability, client risk mitigation, and execution of strategic initiatives
• Brendle Group is committed to aligning leadership with its long-term vision and values. The incoming President will have the opportunity to partner with the Board in shaping long-term incentive and value-sharing structures. Compensation and Benefits
• Brendle Group will provide relocation assistance for the selected candidate, as needed. In-person presence is essential for team connection, trust-building, and leadership continuity during this important founder transition.
• Brendle Group offers a competitive benefits package, including:
» 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and 50% for dependents
» Dental, vision, short-term disability, and life/AD&D insurance
» Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contributions
» SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match » Generous paid time off, 11 holidays annually (including 2 floating holidays), and an optional Summer Hours program offering alternating Fridays off
» Paid Family Medical Leave (FAMLI) in accordance with Colorado law
• Some travel will be required for client engagement, team connection, and external visibility. Estimated travel will be no more than 10% annually