U.S. Director, Nuclear Energy

CLEAN AIR TASK FORCE; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 144,863 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on climate policy is seeking a U.S. Director for its Nuclear Energy Program. This full-time remote position requires expertise in nuclear energy policy and advocacy, emphasizing federal and state engagement. The ideal candidate will have senior experience in the energy sector and a passion for driving innovative energy solutions. The annual salary range is $144,863 – $185,000, depending on experience, and is expected to be available in Washington D.C. approximately once or twice a week.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of energy policy and regulatory ecosystems.
• Experience working across teams for coordinated policy efforts.
• Ability to lead a team and prioritize employee growth.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the in-house expert on nuclear policy and advocacy.
• Lead and manage policy research on nuclear energy technologies.
• Engage with federal and state policymakers for advocacy initiatives.
• Develop and execute plans for the U.S. nuclear energy strategy.
• Oversee outreach and promotion of advanced nuclear technologies.

Skills

Knowledge of congressional processes

Senior experience in energy sector

Experience in driving policy advocacy

Ability to communicate complex policies

Management and leadership of teams

Positive hands-on attitude

Education

Advanced degree in energy policy or related field

Job description

Reports to: Program Director, Nuclear Energy

Type: Full-time

Location: Remote, preference for someone living in the Washington, D.C. area

ABOUT CATF

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organisation working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalysing the rapid global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. This is accomplished through research and analysis, public advocacy leadership, and partnership with the private sector. CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet’s atmosphere. Our team of experts and advocates (and global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.

ROLE

CATF is seeking an experienced and dynamic U.S. Director to join our Nuclear Energy Program. Reporting to the Program Director and managing a U.S. based senior policy manager, this individual will serve as an in-house subject matter expert in nuclear energy policy, with a focus on U.S federal and state advocacy, commercial nuclear energy industry, federal and state policy to support nuclear energy scaling, market dynamics, and regulatory ecosystems. The U.S. Director will support CATF’s nuclear energy strategy through policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, project implementation, and outreach efforts, with an emphasis on advancing nuclear energy deployment in the U.S.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Nuclear policy and regulatory expertise

• Serve as the in-house expert on nuclear policy, advocacy and related topics, particularly focused on the U.S. state and federal policy and regulatory ecosystems.
• Identify, synthesize, and communicate key technical and economic trends across the U.S. nuclear energy sector, including industry players, government organizations, and regional markets.
• Lead and manage policy research on nuclear energy technologies, delivering informed analysis regarding their contribution to U.S. climate and energy objectives.
• Collaborate with CATF’s global nuclear fission energy team and multiple external stakeholders, engage in knowledge sharing and best practices.

Stakeholder engagement and outreach

• Collaborate closely with the U.S. Advocacy team (federal, state, policy impact, and legal) on policy and advocacy activities related to nuclear energy, ensuring that CATF’s federal and state policy priorities are reflected in implementation strategies and campaigns.
• Proactively engage external stakeholders, including federal and state policymakers, industry leaders, and NGOs, to drive policy and advocacy activities aligned with CATF’s nuclear energy strategy, projects, and initiatives in liaison with the U.S. Advocacy Team.
• Lead outreach efforts to promote advanced nuclear technologies, coordinating efforts with U.S. government organizations, industry groups, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions in coordination with the Director for Nuclear Energy.
• Serve as spokesperson on U.S. nuclear energy policy matters, representing CATF at high-level meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Engage with state-level policy and regulatory bodies to support regional nuclear energy deployment initiatives.

Project management and implementation

• Develop and execute detailed work plans to ensure the successful implementation of U.S. nuclear energy strategy within CATF’s broader strategy
• Lead hands-on execution of outreach, policy initiatives, and project implementation efforts that promote advanced nuclear technologies as part of the U.S. energy transition.
• Oversee and produce relevant analyses and materials such as blogs, op-eds, factsheets and short white papers.
• Oversee policy and analytical consultants as necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with CATF teams to ensure U.S. nuclear energy initiatives are aligned with the organization’s goals and contribute to decarbonization efforts.
• Maintain commercial awareness of U.S. nuclear energy market developments and ensure CATF’s activities are aligned with the evolving needs of the U.S. nuclear energy industry.

Leadership and collaboration

• Provide strategic leadership in advancing nuclear energy initiatives in the U.S., reporting to and working closely with the U.S. Senior Manager and Director of Nuclear Energy.
• Lead the U.S. nuclear energy program team, including managerial oversight of one employee.
• Closely collaborate across the nuclear energy program team, in particular with the U.S. Senior Manager and Director of Nuclear Energy, as well as external partner organizations.
• Cross-collaborate effectively in a matrix organization such as with communications, other programs, and cross-functional teams.
• Engage in regular travel within the U.S. and periodic international travel to meet with stakeholders, attend industry events, and advocate for nuclear energy solutions.
• Coach and collaborate with junior staff, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment across CATF teams.
• Ensure that U.S.-focused program activities are cost-effective and aligned with CATF’s budget.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Knowledge of congressional and legislative processes and procedures.
• Senior experience in the U.S. energy sector, with a strong focus on policy development and implementation, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Extensive knowledge of energy industry, and policy and regulatory ecosystems, along with an established network in the sector.
• Technical expertise is a plus but not required.
• Ability to identify and communicate complex policy and regulatory trends across the U.S. nuclear energy sector.
• Experience in driving federal and state policy and advocacy initiatives, engaging with government organizations and other stakeholders at the highest levels.
• Experience leading a team, including management of resources, prioritizing employee growth development, and leading a team to deliver effective results.
• Experience working across teams to ensure coordinated efforts on policy implementation.
• Can do, positive and hands-on attitude in line with CATF core values of persistence, collaboration, and curiosity.
• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, J.D. or Ph.D.) in energy policy, political science, government affairs, communications, or a related field.
• Passion for CATF’s mission.

Compensation and Location

This is a full-time, remote position located in the Washington D.C. area with expectation of being available to meet external stakeholders in D.C. as needed (approx. 1-2 times per week). CATF offers an excellent benefits package and an annual salary range of $144,863 – $185,000, depending on experience.

CATF provides equal employment opportunities.