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.

Overview

Breakthrough Energy is in search of a highly motivated and experienced Senior Associate to join our U.S. Policy and Advocacy team. In this cross-cutting role you will primarily be responsible for advancing strategies and tactics that support implementation of new federal policies and tax credits to speed up deployment of clean energy technologies. You will engage with the broad network of Breakthrough Energy companies, grantees, and partner organizations to help build a coalition of support for federal investments in clean energy innovation. You will also work closely with other parts of the policy team to help educate key stakeholders on federal policy programs and build long-term bipartisan support for emerging clean energy solutions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to other decarbonization policy priorities, particularly clean hydrogen and the transportation sector. The ideal candidate is a self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This position will be based in Washington, DC and will report to the Director of policy strategy and planning in the U.S. Policy and Advocacy team.

Core responsibilities

• Develop and advance strategies to support federal agency implementation of clean energy tax credits for emerging technologies. Your role will be essential to provide direct technical assistance to agencies and policymakers to ensure effective policy design. As such, deep knowledge of federal incentives for emerging clean energy technologies, including tax credits and programs created via the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is essential.
• Cultivate relationships with a diverse array of public, private, startup, nonprofit, and philanthropy stakeholders and collaborate with others on the team to design and execute tactics that build long lasting bipartisan support for federal clean energy investment programs. 
• Engage with the Breakthrough Energy network to increase awareness of, and access to, federal incentives and educate key decisionmakers about the benefits and importance of deploying clean energy technologies and achieving net-zero emissions by midcentury. 
• Foster and help manage an extensive portfolio of grants and contracts, identifying suitable opportunities that align with Breakthrough Energy's decarbonization strategy and policy priorities. 
• Proactively identify policy ideas and opportunities in service of Breakthrough Energy’s decarbonization agenda, including willingness to meet emerging research and programmatic needs in support of the program’s overall net-zero advocacy agenda. 

• Proven experience in the federal clean energy policy landscape and a strong understanding of decarbonization solutions and technologies in hard to abate sectors. Preference for 3-4 years of relevant professional experience. (This is not an entry level position.)
• Deep knowledge of federal incentives for emerging clean energy technologies, including tax credits and programs created via the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
• Interest in transport sector policy and/or hydrogen technologies preferred. Familiarity with the innovation and startup ecosystem is a plus. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven track record of expressing complex and technical concepts in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. You’re adept at tailoring your style to different audiences.
• Superb organizational and project management skills, with a track record of executing projects on time and with minimal supervision. 
• Excellent judgement and comfort operating in dynamic environments with a broad variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative team with a strong learning ethos and proven ability to grasp new concepts quickly. You’re curious, a problem-solver, and enjoy taking the initiative on new ideas. 

The starting salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000 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.