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:

We actively seek a collaborative, bold, and innovative thinker who can help us identify and evaluate ambitious climate strategies capable of driving transformative change in the world. The Program Manager, US, will report to and work closely with the US Program Director and collaborate with Sequoia Climate Foundation leadership to manage grantmaking portfolios and will manage productive relationships with grantees, communicating openly and engaging directly with them. The Program Manager works with leadership to both develop and execute strategies and plans aligned with the organizational mission and vision. They will develop, support, and execute strategies as needed, 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 support in leading a team and work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.

Location: Irvine, CA (Preferred Location) or Washington, D.C.

Schedule: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week in the office and Remote 2 days per week)

Compensation: $149,000 - $186,000

What You Will Do:

• Advance strategy execution, including conducting research and analysis on climate sector trends, developing coherent theories of change and theories of action, and identifying, screening, and supporting grantee partners in developing robust projects aligned with the theory of action.  Write investment recommendations articulating the rationale for funding a cohort of projects and partners and present them to the Program Directors and Executive Team.
• Consistent with Sequoia’s “learning and evidence approach,” keep in regular contact with funded partners, including through site visits, and support execution consistent with goals in mind, supporting adaptive management by partners as needed.
• Work 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 sector-specific community, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Identify 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.
• 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.
• Represents Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants, ensuring follow-up as needed. 
• Leads project and program management and handles simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
• Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks, managing junior staff as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight years of professional experience working in climate change or energy policy.
• Strong quantitative skills are preferred.
• Experience working in government, non-profit or philanthropic organizations 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, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model, which means both workdays from home and in the office located in Irvine, California or Washington, D.C.

Other Information:

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 cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities. 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 legally protected status.