Federal Policy Director

Job Description

About the Role

Position Title: U.S. Federal Policy Director

Reports to: Senior Director, U.S.

Type: Full-time

Location: Washington D.C. area; Hybrid Role

ABOUT CATF

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. This is accomplished through research and analysis, public advocacy leadership, and partnership with the private sector. CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet’s atmosphere. Our team of experts and advocates (and global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.

CATF Action, Inc. (CATF Action), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and the counterpart of Clean Air Task Force, was established in 2019 with a mission to advance climate advocacy and political objectives in the United States by building coalitions, leading campaigns, and educating lawmakers on viable pathways to realizing a zero-emissions, high-energy society at an affordable cost. The organization supports federal and state policies that foster the innovation required to decarbonize the U.S. economy, improve air quality, and create prosperous pathways for communities engaged in the low- and zero-carbon transition.

ROLE

The U.S. Federal Policy Director is responsible for the overall success of design, strategic planning, and execution of advocacy for clean energy, innovation, and climate policy in interactions with the U.S. federal government with a special emphasis on the U.S. Congress in legislative matters. CATF has a strong advocacy platform that the new U.S. Federal Policy Director will manage, shape, and develop with new advocacy strategies in coordination with CATF programs and advocacy teams.

The ideal candidate will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the organization to the most successful outcomes while also implementing its vision, mission, and long-term goals for climate change. The U.S. Federal Policy Director will work collaboratively with the Senior Director, U.S., U.S. Federal and State Advocacy team members, additional leadership team members, program staff, and donors.

This position will be based in Washington, D.C. CATF is primarily a remote organization but due to the need for proximity to the U.S. federal government, the U.S. Federal Policy Director will have in-person meetings at the CATF D.C. office or nearby areas on a regular basis. It is expected the Director will be utilizing the D.C. office on average 3-4 days a week.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

Execute and develop new CATF federal climate and energy policy strategies for new legislation and federal spending to attain the deep decarbonization goals of the organization

Contribute to CATF Action’s mission through direct and indirect lobbying, coalition-building, and paid digital campaigns

Provide strategic advice to organizational leadership, board, and funders so they will have an accurate view of climate and energy policies in Washington

Work with Program Directors to achieve programmatic goals in the U.S. federal policy sphere

Supervise other members of the U.S. Federal Policy team and the activities of CATF and CATF Action’s federal lobbyists

Build and maintain relationships with CATF partner organizations, experts, and decisionmakers, and coalitions to meet strategic federal policy goals

Serve as primary organizational spokesperson on federal policy matters

Oversee the organization’s federal climate and clean energy work and budget

Work closely with other Directors in the U.S. Advocacy team to ensure that federal policy equities are represented in implementation, policy innovation, campaigns, and legal strategy

Coordinate with CATF’s international policy and advocacy teams on global strategies

Skills/Qualifications:

Passion for CATF’s mission

Proven experience in federal policy design and advocacy

Strong understanding of measures of success in federal advocacy

BSc/BA in policy, business, or relevant field; MSc/MA/MBA/JD preferred

7-10 years’ experience working with the U.S. Congress and/or Executive Branch agencies on energy and climate issues

Willingness to participate in occasional travel to the Boston office or for CATF events

Thorough knowledge of clean energy and climate policy

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills

Works well and strongly desires to work in a highly collaborative and transparent team environment

Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities

Compensation and Location:

This is a hybrid full-time position located in Washington, D.C. CATF offers an excellent benefits package and an annual salary range of $150,000 – $185,000, depending on experience.

CATF provides equal employment opportunities.