Associate Director for Clean Energy
The Opportunity
FAS is seeking to hire a seasoned professional to help to lead our dynamic and growing clean energy portfolio. Since 2020, FAS has supported the advancement of climate and clean energy policy, working hand in hand with policymakers from across the federal government to develop and support policies and programs aimed at accelerating a just clean energy transition across the United States. In this historic moment of investment, FAS is well positioned to continue to evolve and design innovative programming and policies to support the transition to a clean energy future. We seek an entrepreneurial, resourceful, clean energy and climate enthusiast to join our ranks to support and lead this exciting portfolio.
About FAS
At the Federation of American Scientists, we believe in embracing a growth oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, our customers and the world. Our current clean energy portfolio at FAS includes leading programs to advance clean energy policy with a focus on enabling federal capacities, while championing and developing actionable, policy to advance clean energy technology and solutions.
What you’ll do: (Core responsibilities)
Oversee the management of FAS clean energy activities: oversee the FAS’ clean energy portfolio including directing individuals and teams in the design, development and delivery of clean energy policy, programming and fellowships.
Lead and grow strategic initiatives to advance and grow FAS’ clean energy portfolio: support the development and execution of strategies to grow the FAS clean energy portfolio including engaging with policymakers to identify opportunities, building and executing on fundraising, and converting emergent opportunities to advance FAS impact into new programs and policy wins.
Serve as FAS subject matter expert on clean energy: Provide FAS and federal partners with subject matter expertise to inform strategic opportunities to drive progress on clean energy policy and initiatives across FAS including fellowship placements, policy development and design, strategic communications, and other emergent areas as needed based on FAS’ mission and goals.
Develop policy ideas and support implementation with key federal partners: engage with policymakers from across the federal energy ecosystem to identify opportunities, work to design and develop actionable policy proposals, and support their implementation.
Provide vision and support for clean energy implementation efforts connected to recent Federal legislation (i.e., IIJA, IRA): help develop and guide a set of emerging activities to support the delivery of new work focused on maximizing outcomes from the recent federal legislation at the state and local level
Skills and Experience (Requirements)
A deep understanding of the U.S. federal energy ecosystem and experience in some of the following: past and existing policies and core federal energy programs, critical agencies and offices and their functions and strategic priorities, the clean energy innovation pipeline and its component parts across federal R&D, commercialization, and deployment, and other related programs or policies within clean energy.
Experience researching, advocating, and/or developing climate and energy policy and working with federal policymakers/legislators to support implementation.
A working understanding of climate and clean energy innovation and technology across the United States and the challenges and opportunities to advance and accelerate deployment.
10+ years professional experience with 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, overseeing teams and projects with increasing responsibilities including building project plans, overseeing programs and operative models, and leading teams to successfully achieving goals.
An understanding of federal innovation tools and policy levers to drive change in government.
A passion and interest in building programs and strategic initiatives to advance FAS work and impact to achieve a clean energy future in the United States.
A problem solver and big thinker mindset capable of identifying opportunities for impact, developing proposals and project plans to achieve that impact, and leading early career staff in execution of those projects.
An entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrated ability to manage through ambiguity and successfully build robust and impactful initiatives.
Nice to haves
Direct experience working in or with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Demonstrated disciplinary skill sets and a diversity of experiences to bring to bear from management consulting, research and advocacy, applied innovation and design, technology, product management, etc.
Work Environment
This position will be D.C. based and will operate as a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.
Hiring Statement
Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.
The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.