Program Officer, U.S. Electricity

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Program Officer will work closely with the Initiative Director to develop grantmaking strategies and portfolios that advance decarbonizing the electricity sector in the United States. This position will also play a key role in managing a set of grantees as they work towards the adoption of zero-emission policies, quickly and equitably.    

OUR COMMITMENT 

We are committed to diversity, equity, & inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. 

We are committed to an accessible application process and employee experience. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email [email protected]. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Management 

• Develop strategic grantmaking plans; author memos on strategies, new subject areas, and for new initiatives  

• Work with potential grantee organizations to solicit proposals for possible funding; develop concise and accurate summaries of funding requests; and answer substantive questions about the proposals  

• Develop a complete and coherent rationale for funding proposals  

• Conduct site visits to current and potential grantees; travel to meetings and conferences  

• Monitor progress on approved grants and strategies  

• Provide timely sector and strategy updates, summary reports, and presentations for senior staff and clients  

• Collaborate with the team to define and prioritize objectives and key results that support the theory of change  

• Contribute to both an internal and grantee culture of evidence-based learning  
• Inform the board of directors about program developments, including the effectiveness of individual grants, strategies, and opportunities for future improvements  

Partnership Development 

• Lead thorough collaboration, both inside and outside the organization 

• Work with teams across the organization and experts in the field to refine and improve the program’s overall strategy 

• Participate in joint efforts with other funders and affinity groups of foundations to determine collaboration opportunities to achieving shared goals 
• Keep abreast of the funding landscape to determine emerging trends, areas of interest, current funding trends, and opportunities 

EXPERIENCE 

• 7+ years of relevant experience in a climate, energy, and/or policy focused role  

• Knowledge of or experience in grantmaking  

• Knowledge or experience related to US policies that decarbonize the electricity sector  

• Ability to advance relevant policy through first-hand experience in government, nonprofits, and/or philanthropy  

• Familiarity with the climate and clean energy field landscape, as well as advocacy strategies, tactics, and key leverage points to advance policy  

• Ability to develop strategies and prioritize resources to maximize impact  

• Strong research, analysis, and synthesis skillset  

• Ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environment  

• Effective and flexible interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills  
• Detail-orientation with strong organizational and project management skills  
• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 15%)  
• Deep interest, passion, and commitment to reducing climate change  

SALARY   

We provide a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The target national salary range is $145,000 to $155,000 with adjustments made for people in higher-expense markets, i.e. the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C. Currently, all staff local to the San Francisco and DC offices go into the office one to three days a week. Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This role is done primarily in an office environment. 

 An employee must be able to satisfy the following physical requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation. 

• Remain in a stationary position (at a desk) for at least 75% of the day  

• Use hand and fingers to type  
• Frequently communicate via phone or video and email and must be able to communicate using those methods 

This description reflects essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.