Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or legally protected status. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and diversity is celebrated.
Program Manager, US
Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)(Preferred) or Washington, DC
Type: Hybrid
Status: Full Time
Position: Program Manager, US
About the job
**** Preferred location is Irvine, CA (hybrid). Washington, DC is also an option. Applicants interested in working from DC should apply using this posting. Applicants interested in working out of Irvine should apply using the alternative posting available at: Irvine: Program Manager, US***
ABOUT SEQUOIA CLIMATE FOUNDATION
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 will report to and work closely with the US Program Director and Sequoia Climate Foundation leadership to both develop and execute grantmaking strategies and plans aligned with the organizational mission and vision. They will develop, support, and execute strategies as needed, compile the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success and identify the organizations best positioned to execute them. In addition, they will manage grantmaking portfolios and productive relationships with grantees, communicating openly and engaging directly with them. They will support in leading a team and work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES
- Advance strategy execution, including conducting research and analysis on climate sector trends, developing coherent theories of change and theories of action, and identifying, screening, and supporting grantee partners in developing robust projects aligned with the theory of action. Write investment recommendations articulating the rationale for funding a cohort of projects and partners and present them to the Program Directors and Executive Team.
- Consistent with Sequoia’s “learning and evidence approach,” keep in regular contact with funded partners, including through site visits, and support execution consistent with goals in mind, supporting adaptive management by partners as needed.
- Work with the Program Directors to undertake or commission sector-relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.
- Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, opinion formers within the climate change and 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.
- Works with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
- Ensures adherence to internal grantmaking processes via appropriate documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting.
- Represents Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants, ensuring follow-up as needed.
- Leads project and program management and handles simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
- Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks and managing 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 climate change or energy policy.
- Strong quantitative skills are preferred.
- Experience working in government, non-profit or philanthropic organizations is preferred.
COMPETENCIES
- Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
- Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
- Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
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.
Featured benefits
Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k), Child care support, Paid maternity leave, Paid paternity leave, Student loan assistance, Tuition assistance, Disability insurance
Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].
Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Program Manager, Legal Strategies
Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)(Preferred) or Washington, DC (Remote)
Type: Hybrid or Remote Role
Status: Full Time
Compensation: $185,000.00/yr – $190,000.00/yr
Position: Program Manager, Legal Strategies, United States
About Sequoia Climate Foundation
Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both a 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. Our focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building, and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Foundation is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions.
This role can be based out of Irvine, CA (Hybrid) or Washington, DC (Remote).
For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.
The Opportunity
The Program Manager, Legal Strategies will report to and work closely with the Program Director, Legal Strategies and collaborate with Sequoia Climate Foundation leadership to manage the grantmaking portfolio for legal strategies and will manage productive relationships with grantees, communicating openly and engaging directly with them and with other key stakeholders. The Program Manager works with leadership to both develop and execute strategies and plans aligned with the organizational mission and vision. They will develop, support, and execute strategies as needed, compile the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, and identify the organizations best positioned to execute them. They will support in leading a team and work with peer networks, lawyers and legal organizations, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES
MANAGEMENT OF LEGAL PROGRAM:
- Bring catalytic thinking to the development of and management of evidence-based legal grantmaking strategies and processes that contribute to transformational change on a global scale.
- Work with the Program Director and colleagues to undertake or commission sector-relevant research and analysis and implement wide-ranging legal communication strategies that support the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs, internal and external communications, and initiatives.
- Write strategy recommendations and background papers, as well as present to proposed grantees for funding.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT:
- In partnership with the Legal Strategies team and other Sequoia Directorates engage with internal and external stakeholders, including experts, opinion-formers, NGOs, Sequoia staff, and peer funders, to stay informed about sector developments, emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.
- Leverage networks to identify potential grantees and ensure decisions are informed by the latest insights and research.
- Collaborate across directorates to ensure strategic complementarity.
GRANTMAKING MANAGEMENT:
- Maintain and grow the legal grantmaking portfolio, establishing clear goals, metrics, and theories of change.
Provide guidance, training, and connectivity with the Evidence and Learning team and the Grantmaking Operations team. - Works with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
- Ensure adherence to internal grantmaking processes through documentation, reporting, and budgeting.
- Plan grantmaking rhythm and cycles to smooth out grantmaking across the year.
- Partner with Sequoia’sFinance team and Grantmaking Operations team to arrive at relevant analysis and grantmaking policy guardrails.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:
- Represent Sequoia at conferences, meetings, and events, sharing expertise and insights with the climate change and philanthropic communities.
- Support their team to provide thought leadership in their relevant subject areas and contribute to the broader philanthropic and bilateral donor dialogue.
- Proactively maintain and develop extensive external networks with experts within the field to ensure their work is shaped by the most up-to-date insights and research.
OPERATIONS AND PLANNING:
- Support the development of an annual plan for the team, including an administrative budget to anticipate and plan for programmatic expenses.
- Prepare presentations to effectively communicate program strategies and outcomes.
- Performs other duties as required.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor’s degree required. Law degree (U.S. or international) strongly preferred.
- A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in governance, legal practice, or legal philanthropy preferably in climate, energy, environmental, human rights, and/or public interest law.
- Knowledge of international law and non-U.S. legal regimes, as well as U.S. law.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a complex legal, governance, and advocacy portfolio, providing guidance across a broad spectrum of subject matters.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, showcasing the capacity to establish and sustain effective working relationships internally and with a diverse array of external partners.
- Robust aptitude for strategic thinking, goal setting, and prioritization, employing pragmatic and multifaceted approaches to ensure high-quality results.
- Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of identifying and seizing new opportunities, and collaborating effectively within diverse teams.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, demonstrating clarity and persuasiveness in both writing and speaking.
- Experience in planning, strategy development, and impact measurement.
- Track record of building collaborative partnerships and confidently communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
COMPETENCIES
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
- Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
- Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
- Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
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.
To Apply
**There is only one role available.**
Please visit this job posting to apply for the hybrid role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation Hybrid Role (Irvine)
Or
Please visit this job posting to apply for the remote role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation Remote Role (D.C)
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].
Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.