Director, Innovation

## **About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)**
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) works to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low‑carbon economy. C2ES is recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. The organization collaborates with international climate negotiators; federal, state, and local policymakers; Fortune 500 executives; and diverse stakeholders to advance strong policy and action that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

### **Organizational Values**
C2ES is:
– Ambitious and practical, advancing effective solutions that push the boundaries of the achievable.
– Open‑minded and inclusive, seeking out and considering a wide range of voices, views, and approaches.
– People‑focused, dedicated to improving human well‑being and grounded in respect and empathy.
– One team, working collaboratively, communicating openly, and treating one another with kindness and respect.

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## **Director, Innovation — Job Description**
The Director, Innovation leads C2ES’s growing Innovation Program, overseeing existing work with companies, experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders while developing and executing new initiatives. The ideal candidate combines innovation policy expertise, technical and market knowledge of clean energy technologies, strategic and program management skills, and experience managing high‑performing teams. This role is suited for a candidate ready for a significant leadership inflection point.

The Director reports to the Vice President for Policy and Outreach and will have substantial autonomy in shaping strategic direction and building a team to deliver impact. This is a leadership role with opportunities for professional growth at a time of organizational expansion.

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## **Major Responsibilities**

### **Program Strategy and Execution**
– Working with the VP for Policy and Outreach, develop a strategy for an expanded innovation program aligned with C2ES’s broader organizational strategy and core competencies.
– Collaborate with the VP and development team to articulate a compelling vision that inspires investment and attracts new resources.
– Direct and execute existing innovation programs, including workstreams on cross‑cutting innovation challenges, engineered carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel, clean hydrogen, and clean firm technologies.
– Build and manage a highly effective team.
– Represent C2ES and provide substantive leadership in coalition efforts focused on innovation policy agendas.
– Lead C2ES’s strategy in the federal appropriations process, including congressional engagement, coalition coordination, and submission of appropriations requests.
– Conceptualize, meet, and track progress against program objectives and deliverables, including grant proposals, reports, and budgets.
– Develop and execute stakeholder convenings exploring policy approaches to accelerating innovation.
– Represent C2ES with policymakers, media, and other stakeholders, including public speaking (panels, webinars, briefings).
– Manage consultants as needed.

### **Policy and Thought Leadership**
– Leverage strong policy expertise, including understanding of state and federal programs supporting emerging clean energy technologies (engineered carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel, clean hydrogen, clean firm technologies).
– Synthesize technical, market, policy, and stakeholder input to identify opportunities advancing clean energy innovation.
– Recommend organizational policy priorities to strengthen the U.S. innovation ecosystem and global technology leadership.
– Provide subject‑matter expertise and internal thought leadership to scale organizational impact.
– Provide external thought leadership to companies and policymakers on accelerating clean energy innovation.
– Work with internal partners to conceptualize, develop, manage, and produce C2ES research and analytical products.

### **Enterprise Leadership**
As a senior staff member, contribute to:
– Organizational strategic planning, direction, and development objectives.
– A strong organizational culture, including priorities around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
– Strengthening internal capacity and core competencies.
– Aligning staff responsibilities and resources across programs and initiatives.

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## **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Expectations**
– Participate in monthly all‑staff DEI meetings.
– Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
– Complete required DEI trainings during onboarding and annually.

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## **Minimum Qualifications**
– Bachelor’s degree in a related field (economics, environmental or energy policy, environmental studies, political science) with at least 12 years of relevant experience; **or**
– Master’s degree in science and technology, energy or environmental policy, political science, or related field with at least 9 years of relevant experience.
– Strong understanding of the U.S. innovation ecosystem, including federal funding, commercialization pathways, project finance, technology transfer, and regional technology hubs.
– Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting staff development.
– Experience managing teams and cross‑program collaboration while balancing competing priorities.
– Independent, self‑starter mindset with interest in owning a growing innovation program.
– Positive, constructive, outcomes‑focused attitude.
– Experience engaging stakeholders, particularly companies in the climate and energy sector.
– Strong network among NGOs, companies, agencies, congressional offices, trade associations, etc.
– Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
– Commitment to C2ES values, including advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental/climate justice.
– Flexibility, willingness to pitch in, team‑oriented mindset.
– Humility, collegiality, sense of humor, and collaborative spirit.

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## **Status**
Full‑time, benefits‑eligible. Ideally based in Washington, D.C., with consideration for exceptional remote candidates.

### **Starting Salary Range**
$127,000 – $158,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

### **Application Requirements**
Submit a resume, cover letter, and relevant sole‑authored writing sample.

### **Reporting To**
Vice President, Policy and Outreach.

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## **Travel and Location**
C2ES operates a hybrid work environment from its downtown Washington, DC office. Strong preference for applicants in (or willing to relocate to) the DC metro area, with 2–3 days/week expected in the office. Exceptional remote candidates may be considered if able to travel for DC‑based convenings, stakeholder engagement, and periodic All‑Hands meetings (currently four weeks per year).

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## **Benefits Offered**
– **Health Insurance:** C2ES covers 80% of premiums for a platinum‑level reference plan (DC Health Link marketplace).
– **Dental Insurance:** 100% employer‑paid.
– **Vision Insurance:** Employee‑paid.
– **Long‑Term and Short‑Term Disability**
– **DC Paid Family Leave** (for DC‑based employees)
– **Retirement Plan:** 5% employer contribution toward 403(b).
– **Flexible Spending Account (FSA)**
– **Group Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance**
– **Leave:**
– 3 weeks’ vacation per year (accrued)
– Up to 10 sick days per year
– Up to 2 personal days per year
– Parental Leave
– FMLA Leave
– **Holidays:** 13 holidays per year, plus office closure during the last week of the year.
– **Hybrid and flexible environment**

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## **Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice**
C2ES is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the organization and among its partners. A diverse range of voices strengthens climate solutions and amplifies impact. Individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities are encouraged to apply.

More on C2ES’s DEIJ policy:
`https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice`

Apply here