Director, Innovation

About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)

Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low‑carbon economy. We are widely recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. We work closely with international climate negotiators; federal, state, and local policymakers; executives of Fortune 500 businesses;

and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

• We are ambitious and practical, advancing effective solutions that push the boundaries of the achievable.
• We are open‑minded and inclusive, seeking out and considering a wide range of voices, views, and approaches.
• We are people‑focused, dedicated to improving human well‑being and recognizing that respect and empathy are central to success.
• We are one team, working collaboratively, communicating openly, making ourselves accessible to each other, and treating one another with kindness and respect.

The Director, Innovation will lead C2ES's growing Innovation Program, overseeing and strengthening the organization's existing work with companies, experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders, while also developing and executing new programmatic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a combination of relevant innovation policy expertise, technical and market knowledge of key clean energy technologies, a keen strategic and program management skills, and experience managing high‑performing teams.

This position reports to the Vice President for Policy and Outreach and offers substantial autonomy in developing the organization's strategic direction and building out a team to deliver impact.

• Develop a strategy for an expanded innovation program that aligns with and informs the organization's broader strategy.
• Articulate a compelling vision for innovation work to inspire significant investment and new resources.
• Direct and execute existing innovation programs, including Technology Working Groups focused on engineered carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel, clean hydrogen, and clean firm technologies.
• Build and manage a highly effective team.
• Lead the development of C2ES's strategy in the federal appropriations process.
• Conceptualize, develop, and execute stakeholder convenings.
• Represent C2ES with policymakers, media, and other stakeholders.

• Leverage expertise in policy, including existing state and federal programs and incentives for emerging clean energy technologies.
• Synthesize technical, market, policy, and stakeholder input to identify opportunities that advance clean energy innovation.
• Identify and recommend organizational policy priorities to strengthen the U.S. innovation ecosystem.
• Provide subject matter expertise and internal/external thought leadership.

As a senior staff member, contribute to:

• Strategic planning, direction, and development objectives.
• A strong organizational culture, including priorities around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
• Strengthening internal capacity and core competencies.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 12 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. innovation ecosystem, including federal funding, commercialization pathways, and project finance.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting professional development for staff.
• Experience managing teams and collaboration across programs.
• Independent, self‑starter with a strong interest in taking ownership of a growing program.
• Experience engaging stakeholders in the climate and energy sector.
• A strong, relevant network among NGOs, companies, agencies, and congressional offices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to C2ES values,…