Program Manager (Grids & Data Research)

Sequoia Climate; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sequoia Climate Foundation seeks a Program Manager for Grids & Data Research to design evidence-based grantmaking and lead strategic initiatives across portfolios. You will work with grantees, policy officials, and internal teams to align strategy with real-world outcomes.

The role emphasizes independent, entrepreneurial execution, rigorous analysis, and a hands-on approach to advance a clean energy future.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum eight years of professional experience in the climate or energy sector (public or private).
• Demonstrated experience with advanced climate/energy modeling, analytical tools, and power/electricity system operations preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; ability to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Experience in government, non-profit, or philanthropic organizations is preferred.
• Proven track record of building collaborative partnerships with diverse global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support strategy execution and prioritize strategic priorities through research on program areas and climate trends.
• Collaborate with internal teams to advance grantmaking to approval level, develop theories of change, and estimate emissions impacts.
• Screen potential grantees, analyze background information, solicit proposals, manage grantee relationships, and prepare grant recommendations.
• Engage policy officials and funders to develop strategies and identify organizations to execute plans.
• Monitor field developments to identify opportunities for ambitious climate action.
• Support budgeting and reporting for programmatic expenses and maintain compliance.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

All Jobs > Program Manager (Grids & Data Research)

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large-scale change.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager develops cutting-edge, evidence-based grantmaking plans designed to achieve transformational and lasting change in support of the Grids and Data & Research portfolio's impact goals. Reporting to the Vice President, Programs, the Program Manager works closely with cross-functional teams, bringing an entrepreneurial, hands-on approach that seamlessly blends strategy with direct technical execution.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Program Manager applies systematic thinking to conceptualize and steward complex grantmaking strategies. Sequoia’s grids portfolio works to evolve the way that grids around the world are planned, built, and operated to support a clean energy future. The Data and Research program supports open access models and data systems to enable accelerated clean energy deployment. By holding the vision for the two portfolios individually and as a whole, the Program Manager ensures that our grids and data & research grantmaking reinforce one another to maximize complementary impact.

Working across Sequoia Climate Foundation and with grantee partners, the role assesses emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities and collaborates with peer networks, policy officials, and thought leaders in the field.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

• Support all aspects of strategy execution and strategic priorities, and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends.
• Work closely with internal Sequoia teams to bring grantmaking forward to approval level, developing and articulating theories of change, helping to estimate emissions reduction impacts and managing grantmaking processes that involve setting forward workstreams linked to real world outcomes.
• Support grantmaking portfolios, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, building and managing grantee relationships, advising on appropriate funding levels, preparing docket materials, monitoring and stewarding active grants, and preparing grant recommendations. Presents proposed grantees for funding to the Vice President, Programs.
• Engage peer networks, funders, policy officials, opinion-formers within the climate change and finance and trade sector-specific community, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Identify appropriate partners and collaborations to advance grant-making strategies, including, as appropriate, active participation in collaboratives, conferences, and workshops.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
• Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets. Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• Work with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
• Ensure adherence to internal grantmaking processes via appropriate documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting.
• Represent Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants where appropriate, ensuring follow-up as needed.
• Support project and program management and handle simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
• Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks, overseeing junior staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced climate/energy modeling, analytical tools, and technical power/electricity system operations strongly preferred
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, demonstrating clarity and persuasiveness in both writing and speaking.
• Experience working in government, non-profit or philanthropic organizations is preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of building collaborative partnerships and confidently communicating with a diverse range of global stakeholders.

COMPETENCIES

• Development: Enhancing skills, knowledge, and capabilities.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively and effectively with others (internally and externally), sharing information and building relationships to achieve goals. Prioritizing creating and maintaining a trustworthy, transparent, and psychologically safe environment.
• Innovation: Embracing ambitious goals to foster a culture that supports bold ideas, continuous improvement, and visionary practices.
• Adaptability: Remaining flexible and effective in response to changing circumstances, priorities, or environments. Willingness to be nimble as we navigate complexity.
• Conflict Management: Actively addressing and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner to make decisions that are thoughtful and inclusive, consider the input of relevant stakeholders and align with the Sequoia’s goals and values.
• Risk Management: Systematically identifies, assesses, and addresses potential risks to minimize their impact.
• Productivity: Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness to achieve optimal performance and output.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.