Job Board

The Horizon Climate Initiative is accepting applications for our Program Director position. HCI is a nonprofit philanthropic partner that works with consumer, environmental, and community groups and with other funders around the country to use cost-saving energy market reforms to address the causes and impact of climate change.

About the Position

The Program Director will have primary responsibility for forming and managing a grants program that effectively promotes a just, prosperous, and transformed clean energy economy. In this role, the Program Director will work with groups across the U.S on climate and clean energy opportunities from the technical, legal, communications, and equity perspectives. HCI supports efforts at the local, state, regional, and national levels that include both conventional and novel approaches to breaking the grip of fossil fuels on the economy.

The essential functions of the position are:

• Devising and periodically re-evaluating the strategy for HCI’s grantmaking.

• Identifying potential grantees and recommending which are best positioned to implement HCI’s strategy.

• Working with potential grantees and renewing grantees on grant proposals.

• Coordinating and communicating with HCI’s grantees to ensure the maximum level of effectiveness in their collective work by, for example, sharing lessons learned.

• Developing and maintaining expertise in the legal, policy, technical, and economic aspects of energy and climate issues.

• Cultivating relationships with a network of organizers, policy experts, analysts, academics, peer professionals in the philanthropic sector, and other allies.

• Assessing potential new directions and projects for HCI’s grantmaking.

• Producing written materials for HCI’s funders and other audiences.

The Program Director will work with and report to the Executive Director and will receive support from the Operations Manager. This full-time position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. HCI has a hybrid work model. Remote work from other locations may be considered.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least four years, and preferably eight or more, of full-time work experience in energy, environmental, climate, or related fields, such as clean energy economics and finance, energy markets, environmental justice, or utility regulatory policy.

• Preferably an advanced degree in law, public policy, economics, or related discipline.

• An understanding of the dynamics underlying the energy system and how policy can accelerate the transition to a cleaner system.

• Experience conducting analysis to develop strategic frameworks and recommendations and an ability to make effective course corrections.

• Experience incorporating diverse, frontline perspectives and considerations of equity into strategic decisionmaking.

• A natural comfort with working behind the scenes and building strong relationships and partnerships that improve outcomes.

• Relationships in the climate and clean energy advocacy sector, including the clean energy industry, nonprofits, and experts.

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability and eagerness to learn quickly and independently.

• Strong project management, organization, and prioritization skills.

About HCI

The Horizon Climate Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to bending down the arc of greenhouse gas pollution by ending practices that favor fossil fuel generation at the expense of consumers and clean energy. HCI takes on one project at a time, focusing our regulatory expertise and understanding of energy markets to achieve specific and high-impact changes. We accomplish this by crafting comprehensive strategies with our allies to dismantle market manipulation through coordinated campaigns and providing financial support to implement those strategies. To fully execute the strategies, HCI also seeks to attract additional funding resources.

Compensation

HCI offers salaries competitive with leading foundations and nonprofits nationally. The salary range for this position starts at $150,000, commensurate with experience, education, training, and skill level. We provide an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement benefits and paid time off.

To Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to careers@horizonclimate.org.

HCI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Persons of all backgrounds—including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.