Director of Federal Science Policy & Research Funding

Make Rain; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainmaker seeks a Director of Science Policy to lead engagement with the federal science enterprise, including DOE, NOAA, NSF, and national laboratories. You will own proposals and Congressional relationships to sustain durable federal support for atmospheric research.

Based in Washington, DC, you will build a pipeline of opportunities, coordinate with Rainmaker’s Research Team, and drive strategic grant initiatives across multiple agencies and programs.

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 a related field; PhD preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal research funding processes and merit review.
• Genuine scientific fluency in atmospheric science and ability to discuss methods.
• Track record of winning competitive federal research proposals and managing grants.
• Command of the science policy landscape, including authorization and appropriations cycles.
• Current relationships across federal science agencies and congressional science committees.
• Ability to operate as both strategist and hands-on operator in a fast-paced startup.
• Based in DC with willingness to travel domestically for Hill engagement, agency and lab visits, conferences.

Responsibilities

• Own Rainmaker’s relationships with federal science agencies and labs.
• Maintain a live pipeline of federal funding opportunities and craft winning proposals.
• Develop legislative proposals and appropriations language to expand research funding.
• Engage with House and Senate committees and appropriations subcommittees.
• Build a network of scientific validators and credible advocates.
• Coordinate with Research, Federal Affairs, and other functions to align priorities.
• Organize agency visits, briefings, and site demonstrations.
• Lead the development of compelling, scientifically rigorous grants.

Skills

Science policy

Federal funding knowledge

Grant writing

Proposal leadership

Congressional engagement

Relationship building

Travel readiness

Education

Advanced degree in atmospheric science/physics/engineering (PhD preferred)

Job description

Rainmaker seeks a Director of Science Policy to lead engagement with the federal science enterprise, including DOE, NOAA, NSF, and national laboratories. You will own proposals and Congressional relationships to sustain durable federal support for atmospheric research.

Based in Washington, DC, you will build a pipeline of opportunities, coordinate with Rainmaker’s Research Team, and drive strategic grant initiatives across multiple agencies and programs.