Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation

Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation

Full-time FAS staff

Washington, DC
Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills And Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• At least 8 years of experience relevant to the responsibilities of this role (as described below). Please note each year of higher education beyond high school is considered equivalent to one year of professional experience. 
• A broad understanding of climate policy and technology, particularly in the U.S. context.
• Owns programmatic budget and grant/contract administration (forecasting, tracking, reporting, compliance).
• Strong demonstrated project management skills, including:
  • Ability to break large and complex projects into manageable components and timelines, and to flexibly adjust project plans to changing circumstances.
  • Ability to track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project.
  • Ability to coordinate work energetically, enthusiastically, and successfully across diverse teams.
  • Ability to provide clear direction to project contributors at different levels of seniority, including within and outside of FAS.
  • Owns a multi-year programmatic roadmap for component workstreams
  • Sets success metrics/KPIs and reports progress
  • Leads prioritization tradeoffs across workstreams
• Excellent written communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to adapt writing styles to different formats (e.g., reports, policy briefs, concept notes, grant applications, blog posts, and op-eds).
• Ability to work independently without close oversight while also contributing as a team player.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS.
• Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback.

Nice to Haves (but not requirements):

• Subject-matter expertise on climate interventions.
• Subject-matter expertise on other rapidly emerging areas of climate and clean energy technology, such as advanced grid technology or technology to enhance climate adaptation and resilience.
• Established and diverse relationships with policymakers, scientists, technologists, and/or investors committed to advancing the field of climate tech and innovation.
• emerging fields of climate technology.
• Fundraising experience
• People-management experience.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking a Senior Manager, Climate Tech and Innovation. In this role, you will play an integral role in guiding and growing FAS’ emerging program on Climate Tech and Innovation. This program focuses on building support for cutting-edge research in overlooked areas, while harnessing market and economic forces to scale high-impact environmental and climate solutions. A major initial focus of this role will be building support for responsible research into climate interventions and promoting productive, science-based dialogues around climate interventions among policymakers and in the public discourse. Other topics you may explore include:

• Expediting development and deployment of advanced electric grid technologies (e.g., smart grids, grid-enhancing components and technologies, grid-integrated storage, etc.).
• Catalyzing sustained investment into adaptation and resilience (A&R) technologies.
• Strengthening the U.S. innovation ecosystem with respect to climate and the environment.

This role reports to FAS’s Associate Director, Climate and Environment. You should apply for this role if the following responsibilities match your strengths and sound like work that you would love to be doing: 

• Working at the frontiers of where research, technology, financing, and policy intersect on climate and environmental topics, with enthusiasm for both scaling proven approaches as well as for thinking big about ideas that are “so crazy they just might work”.
• Building dynamic and unconventional, yet powerful, new coalitions, taking advantage of rapidly shifting political and economic dynamics to rethink who can work productively together.
• Thinking creatively and entrepreneurially about how to motivate policy progress on climate tech and innovation, using a variety of tactics (e.g. convening, research synthesis, stakeholder briefing, media engagement, etc.).
• Providing direction, oversight, and accountability for a variety of complex, fast-moving projects.
• Sharpening budget-management, grant-management, and other high-level administrative skills.
• Managing and mentoring talented junior staff.
• Co-leading fundraising strategy and pipeline for Climate Tech and Innovation program in partnership with FAS development and senior staff.

Work Environment 

Preference is given to applicants located in or willing to relocate to the Washington, DC area, though fully remote candidates will be considered. If located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices is expected at least 2 days/week. If fully remote, occasional travel to FAS offices and for stakeholder meetings in Washington, DC will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs.

Salary Range

$100,000 – $115,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.