Sr. Director, Climate Innovation & Technology Policy

The Senior Director will have responsibility for shaping and leading EDF’s growing federal innovation policy portfolio.  The Senior Director will design and implement a research and advocacy strategy aiming at securing significant increases in federal research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) funding.  The Senior Director will maintain and collaborate with a strong network of scientists, economists, industry leaders, and technical and policy experts from inside and outside EDF to sharpen.  The Senior Director will be a trusted voice in the media and with other stakeholders and will build relationships with key donors, trustees, and other partners. The Senior Director reports to the Vice President, U.S. Climate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Craft and refine a coherent and effective climate innovation strategy and oversee research and analytical efforts to   support the strategy

• Create and regularly update innovation policy objectives, recommend, and refine organizational advocacy positions, and   ensure EDF maintains a robust, up-to-date, and sophisticated understanding of the policy landscape 

• Develop, review, and respond to legislative proposals, including Appropriations requests, and serve as an expert resource   to Capitol Hill and Administration staff in partnership with EDF lobbyists

• Maintain a working knowledge of low- and zero-carbon technologies at various stages of development, and an awareness of   the key strengths and weaknesses of technologies from a climate perspective

• Write and contribute to white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and other communications materials aimed at   external audiences including policymakers, key NGO stakeholders, and donors

• Establish and represent EDF as a thought leader, trusted expert and technical partner with external audiences, and   present our vision and priorities in a compelling and persuasive manner

• Directly and indirectly manage and mentor staff 

• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included,   and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a experience/knowledge on the low- and zero-carbon technology ecosystem.  The candidate should also have:

• A graduate degree in policy or a related field, with more than 12 years of experience 

• Experience overseeing, conducting, and presenting on timely, policy-relevant research and analysis

• Demonstrated success in managing and inspiring matrixed and interdisciplinary teams

• Exceptional problem-solving skills 

• Strong ability to effectively synthesize and communicate technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to   colleagues internally and to external non-technical audiences

• Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills

• Enthusiasm and aptitude for understanding politics and working within political context

• Passion for environmental protection, coupled with a focus on pragmatic, results-based policy solutions

• Commitment to ensuring that climate and innovation policy helps achieve environmental justice and equity outcomes

• Strong ability to work autonomously, set priorities, and take initiative consistent with broad strategic guidance and to execute in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and critical deadlines

• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.