Head of People

Climate change is governed by physical facts—about carbon sources, accumulation, impacts, and timing. It’s also caused by economic and political systems that have led to a fossil fuel dependent energy system. These facts must inform strategy: they show that avoiding dangerous climate change is only possible through strong policy to cut carbon, promptly, in the biggest countries.

To address these issues, Energy Innovation was established in 2012 as a clean energy and environmental policy firm to provide timely research and analysis on low-carbon energy policy options to policy makers, thought leaders, and members of the media.

The Energy Innovation team has expertise in clean energy, industry, transportation, buildings, technological innovation, and energy policy design. In addition to conducting policy research, Energy Innovation also works with clients to inform philanthropic investments into technology and advocacy that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Note: Energy Innovation supports a hybrid work environment and requires all employees to come together in person two to three times per year. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of People will lead strategic initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace that drives innovation towards a clean energy future. They will manage the People team and oversee organizational programs for talent management, employee well-being, and HR compliance. Additionally, they will advise the COO and CEO on HR matters and contribute to the overall success and growth of the organization.

OUR COMMITMENT

Energy Innovation is committed to diversity, equity, & inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to an accessible employee experience. If at any time you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jennifer Taylor at jennifer@energyinnovation.org. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Management

• Develop and maintain employee programs, working in collaboration with the COO, ensuring alignment with Energy Innovation's mission, values, culture, and strategic goals
• Provide insights and recommendations to COO on performance, compensation, and growth strategies
• Oversee the performance review cycle, adjusting processes to meet company needs and aligning with compensation strategies and growth goals
• Manage the total rewards plan for market competitiveness and equity within the organization
• Create and support a program for team managers that fosters a healthy and high-performing environment, which may include guiding managers in goal-setting, feedback conversations, and performance evaluations

Employee Well-being

• Build trusting relationships and serve as a problem-solver for staff and organizational needs, including conflict resolution, and internal policy interpretation as needed
• Use data to enhance the overall employee experience by gathering and analyzing feedback and leading action planning across the organization
• Maintain, or when needed create or replace, systems and processes that support all staff
• Conduct audits and assessments to ensure HR practices are in alignment with legal requirements for a distributed workforce
• Oversee the management and administration of company benefits, including open enrollment, 401(K), Carrot, etc.
• Drive initiatives that support an inclusive and equitable organization

Team Leadership

• Mentor and coach direct reports to support their professional development
• Oversee strategic planning and goal-setting for the People Team
• Provide inspired leadership for the organization, leading communication and executing change strategies when appropriate

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE (Please apply if you meet 75% or more of these requirements)

• Experience leading a People team, including 4+ years of people management
• 8+ years of relevant experience in human resources; PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred
• Experience with navigating ever-changing compliance landscape in a multi-state, and ideally multi-country, organization
• Effective communication skills to share information across different audiences and mediums
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives while paying close attention to the details
• Proven track record of leading organizations through change and ensuring everyone is supported through the process
• Capability to navigate organizational priorities and employee needs with tact and discretion
• Proven experience managing through organizational change or growth
• Confidence leading employee relations and delivering performance improvement plans
• Interest, passion, and commitment to reducing climate change
• Willingness to travel as needed

SALARY  

Energy Innovation provides a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, with local adjustments made for folks outside of the San Francisco and D.C. offices due to the cost of living. The target salary range is $140,000-$155,000 for San Francisco or D.C. Currently, all staff local to the D.C. or San Francisco offices go into the office one to three days a week.

Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually.