DC-Based Science Policy Director: Federal Grants

Lever, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) with employer matching

Full health coverage (medical, dental,

Vision insurance

Relocation assistance provided (ifapp

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental leave for both parents

Job summary

Rainmaker, a leader in atmospheric science innovation, seeks a Director of Science Policy to own federal engagement and funding strategy with DOE, NOAA, NSF, and national laboratories. You’ll build proposals, manage relationships with congressional committees, and coordinate with Rainmaker’s research and policy teams.

The role requires deep policy fluency, a track record in securing federal funding, and willingness to travel domestically to Hill engagements and site visits in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in science policy, federal research administration, or government relations for a research-driven organization.
• Advanced degree in atmospheric science, physics, engineering, or related field with PhD preferred.
• Knowledge of how federal research gets funded, solicitations, merit review, and grant life cycle.
• Genuine scientific fluency to read and discuss atmospheric science papers.
• Track record of winning competitive federal research proposals, including grants and subawards.
• Understanding of authorization and appropriations cycles and interagency processes.

Responsibilities

• Own Rainmaker’s relationships across the federal research enterprise with program managers and lab leadership.
• Maintain a live pipeline of federal funding opportunities and build winning proposals.
• Develop legislative proposals and appropriations language to expand federal atmospheric research.
• Manage relationships with House/Senate science committees and relevant subcommittees.
• Represent Rainmaker in the atmospheric science community and build validators network.
• Translate technical capabilities for program managers and coordinate with multiple internal teams.
• Organize field visits for agency staff, lab leadership, and collaborators.
• Lead grant writing and drive Rainmaker’s federal grant strategy.

Skills

Federal science policy

Research funding knowledge

Grant writing

Strategic partnerships

Congressional engagement

Stakeholder management

Startup environment

Domestic travel

Education

Advanced degree in atmospheric science/physics/engineering

Job description

Rainmaker, a leader in atmospheric science innovation, seeks a Director of Science Policy to own federal engagement and funding strategy with DOE, NOAA, NSF, and national laboratories. You’ll build proposals, manage relationships with congressional committees, and coordinate with Rainmaker’s research and policy teams.

The role requires deep policy fluency, a track record in securing federal funding, and willingness to travel domestically to Hill engagements and site visits in Washington, DC.