Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both a near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large-scale change. 

Our focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building, and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Foundation is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions. 

About The Role:

The Program Manager will have an initial focus on developing cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies and plans that will have a meaningful impact and achieve transformational and lasting change across climate finance. The Program Manager will report to and work closely with the Program Director and collaborate with Sequoia Climate Foundation leadership to manage grantmaking portfolios and will communicate openly, engage directly, and manage productive relationships with grantees. They will develop, support, and execute strategies, compile the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success and identify the organizations best positioned to execute them. They will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.

Location:                  London, UK or Irvine, CA

What You Will Do:

• Support all aspects of strategy execution and strategic priorities, and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends.
• Support grantmaking portfolios, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, conducting site visits, managing grantee relationships, determining appropriate funding levels, preparing docket materials, monitoring active grants, and preparing grant recommendations.  Presents proposed grantees for funding to Program Directors and Executive Team.
• Works with the Program Directors to undertake or commission sector-relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.
• Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, opinion-formers within the climate change and finance sector-specific community, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Identifies appropriate partners and collaborations to advance grant-making strategies, including, as appropriate, active participation in collaboratives, conferences, and workshops.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
• Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets. Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• Works with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
• Ensures adherence to internal grantmaking processes via appropriate documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting.
• Monitors developments in the climate finance field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.
• Represents Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants, ensuring follow-up as needed. 
• Supports project and program management and handles simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
• Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks, managing junior staff as needed.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight years of professional experience working in climate finance, the financial sector (public or private), climate change or a related field.
• Experience working on climate finance (i.e., relevant financial accounting and reporting), in the financial sector, in the public finance sector on climate finance, or for a non-profit organization in this field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in advocacy or for a philanthropic organization is preferred.

What You Will Enjoy:

You will be a part of an organization that promotes positive change in the world to minimize the impacts of climate change.  We provide competitive wages, health insurance, paid time off, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model, which means, both workdays from home and in the office for our Irvine, California location.

COVID-19 Update: Sequoia Climate Foundation requires its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines unless they are approved for an exemption as allowed under federal and applicable state law. Unless approved for an exemption, new hires must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the time of hire, and offers of employment will be contingent on compliance with Sequoia Climate Foundation’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.  

We believe in the importance of cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities to all. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, and diversity is celebrated. Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or another legally protected status.