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.
This role can be based out of Irvine, CA or Washington, DC, and is a hybrid organization.
For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.
The Opportunity
The Program Manager will report to and work closely with the US Program Director to develop and execute high-impact strategies and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from key sectors of the U.S. economy. They will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. They will also conduct data-driven research and analysis necessary to evaluate potential opportunities based on speed, scale, probability of success, and cost. The Program Manager will leverage their networks and knowledge of the field to identify those organizations best positioned to lead and execute those strategies and initiatives. They will also work closely with prospective and existing grantees, overseeing the grantmaking process from application to award, and building strong trust-based relationships with grantees to enable thoughtful and learning-oriented management of their portfolio.
Candidate Profile
The Program Manager will be responsible for the following:
- 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.
- Undertake and occasionally commission sector-relevant research and data-driven analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs, initiatives, and strategies.
- 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, and managing junior staff as needed.
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies:
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience b