Established in 2015 by Bill Gates and a coalition of private investors concerned about the impacts of accelerating climate change, Breakthrough Energy supports the innovations that will lead the world to net-zero emissions. We are building on the proven model of public-private partnerships that Gates has already used to transform health, education, and public welfare around the world. Breakthrough Energy is a network of entities and initiatives, including investment funds, nonprofit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts linked by a common commitment to scale the technologies we need to achieve a path to net zero emissions by 2050. We are encouraging the development of new net-zero energy technologies, championing policies that speed innovation from lab to market, and bringing together governments, research institutions, private companies, and investors to expand and enhance clean-energy investment. Breakthrough Energy celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.  

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

The Head of Government Relations is a top leader in the US Policy and Advocacy team and is responsible for developing and driving a comprehensive, bipartisan, and proactive government affairs strategy to advance Breakthrough Energy’s policy goals. The role requires deep knowledge of and proven experience with advocating for climate and energy issues, driving a legislative agenda, managing a team of staff, and collaborating among diverse perspectives. Creative strategy development, adaptability, and strong execution are crucial skills for this role. The Head of Government Relations reports to the Vice President of US Policy and Advocacy.

This position is based in Breakthrough Energy’s Washington, DC office.

Develop a bipartisan government relations strategy to advance Breakthrough’s policy agenda, including new, creative ways to leverage our extensive network of experts, partners and allies on Capitol Hill and in the Administration, including start-up companies, large corporations, influential NGOs and others

• Manage a collaborative team of full-time staff to implement the government relations strategy and advance Breakthrough Energy’s goals
• Collaborate with colleagues and bring together diverse perspectives and skillsets across Breakthrough Energy to determine the legislative, administrative, and state-level priority policy goals
• Integrate government relations activities with the efforts across the US Policy and Advocacy team to align capacities and strengthen our combined advocacy approaches
• Build and maintain strong relationships with priority Republican and Democratic lawmakers, staff, and government officials, and connect them with key Breakthrough experts or partners when appropriate
• Monitor, provide, and share legislative and policy developments and work with Breakthrough colleagues to adapt strategies to account for upcoming opportunities and challenges
• Oversee the development of testimony, talking points, legislative summaries, and other materials as needed
• Supervise management of external consultants providing government relations support, including the selection of firms or individuals, negotiation of contracts and scope, and day-to-day guidance and direction of consultant work products and processes

• Significant experience in government relations and energy/climate issues, and an extensive knowledge of federal politics, legislative process, and administrative actions on climate and energy with a preference for at least 12 years of relevant experience
• Familiarity with the science of climate change, the broad portfolio of clean energy technologies, and the range of potential policy frameworks for multiple sectors (power, transport, industrial, buildings, agriculture)
• Able to identify viable legislative or administrative pathways for policy priorities as well as major challenges, and develop effective, creative strategies to influence policymakers that can leverage the full breadth of the Breakthrough network 
• Proven success with managing direct staff and project teams, creating growth and leadership opportunities, giving and receiving feedback, and allowing risk-taking
• Team-oriented, collaborative, flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in an inclusive, low-ego, matrix-management environment 
• Proven ability to listen, communicate, and develop trusting relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to bring together multiple perspectives into a cohesive effort
• Strong writing skills and ability to oversee development of high-quality written materials that represent the organization’s positions and priorities

The starting salary range for this position is $190,000 to $225,000 annually. Salary offers within this range will vary depending on several factors that include but are not limited to education, experience, skills, relevant certifications, and other qualifications. Employees may also be eligible for bonuses based on individual performance.

In addition to compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. Our package includes paid medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, annual leave, sick leave and a 401(k) program for eligible employees. Our commitment to the wellbeing and support of our staff is reflected in the comprehensive coverage of our offers.

Breakthrough Energy celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. Breakthrough Energy is an equal opportunity employer. BE does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factors. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Breakthrough Energy will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Craig Staples at craig@breakthroughenergy.org.