US Policy Manager

About Spark

What will it take to return to a safe, stable climate? What are the missing solutions, responses, knowledge bases, and organizational structures that will enable us to get there, and how do we start building for them now?

Spark is a new, well-funded non-profit organization accelerating progress in under-developed, high-potential solutions and responses that are crucial to the comprehensive portfolio that will allow us to return to a safe climate. 

As a field-building organization, Spark creates holistic strategies, orchestrating and driving action, using multiple levers such as funding scientific research and policy advocacy, to shape the long-term trajectory of the field to accelerate meaningful climate impact. Spark is steadfastly focused on climate impact at a meaningful scale. To that end, we think big, and are always looking for what the most additive, highest-leverage work we can do is. 

Our team has deep expertise in science, engineering, and climate-focused philanthropy. Spark’s funders include the Grantham Foundation, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Astera Institute, Climate Pathfinders Foundation, Additional Ventures, and the Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust.

About the Role

Spark is looking for its first US Policy Manager to develop and advocate for US policy opportunities that will help accelerate Spark’s programs’ goals, primarily at the federal level. In the near-term, this includes advancing climate solution research and development funding around methane emissions reduction and removal, and supporting the development of policy to support the development of enteric methane solutions.  We’re looking for a strategic policy thinker who also gets energy from rolling-up-their sleeves and doing the work!

The US Policy Senior Manager will leverage strong relationships, a keen understanding of political dynamics, and technical and policy knowledge to advance Spark’s work through direct engagement with policymakers, coalition building, strategic communications, private sector collaborations, and other activities. 

This role is a unique chance to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team focused on climate impact at a meaningful scale in emerging areas. You will activate US policy as a key lever in a holistic strategy that also includes funding scientific research, strategic communications, and social engagement to shape the long-term trajectory of needed climate solutions and responses. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of policy actions, bipartisan dynamics, and stakeholder positions related to Spark’s programs–  currently Methane Removal, Enteric Methane, with exploratory work beginning in Natural Systems Responses
• Work with Spark colleagues to define advocacy goals and strategies at the federal level
• Work with Spark Program Leads, policymakers, partners, and consultants to identify and build opportunities for meaningful policies, programs, coalitions and initiatives that advance Spark’s Programs’ Goals - including generating policy recommendations, talking points and drafting legislation
• Develop and execute strategies relating to educating lawmakers and staff about relevant policy concepts and advocacy to achieve policy outcomes. This will include direct communications with public officials and policymakers as well as leveraging networks of relevant stakeholders from civil society/NGOs, the commercial sector, and experts
• Build relationships of trust with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders
• Identify, engage, and manage trusted advisors and the appropriate consultants needed to achieve Spark’s US policy goals

Experience and Background

• 5+ years of professional experience in federal policy, advocacy, and/or political campaigns including working on research and development-heavy policy priorities.  Qualified applicants may have worked as a federal official, political advisor, legislative staffer, environmental advocate, lobbyist, consultant or policy expert.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to develop strategies for progress in complex political and policy environments, including getting federal funding priorities through the process
• Proven ability to build and manage new relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders and to work collaboratively and effectively with them 
• Proven skills and experience working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with demonstrated experience managing projects
• Sufficient scientific literacy to be able to reliability translate and communicate scientific priorities to policy makers
• Excellent written, speaking / presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated, proactive professional who works well independently and with others and who delivers high-quality work on time.
• Insatiable curiosity about the climate problem; open-mindedness in exploring all possible climate solutions; and the flexibility, creativity, and tenacity to drive the necessary work forward

Eligibility

• Fluency in English
• Able to work as a W2 employee for a US non-profit
• At least 4 overlapping work hours with US Pacific time work day (9am-5pm PT)

Location

As with all positions at Spark Climate Solutions, this will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States, or internationally with approval.

Compensation

This is a all full-time positions with benefits. The salary range is $100,000-$140,000 / year depending on experience and location.  In addition, Spark Climate Solutions provides exceptional benefits including flexible PTO, sick time, holidays, a 401-k match, generous health insurance coverage, and full-covered dental/vision/life insurance, and parental leave