Program Officer for Diplomacy and Super Pollutants - Sequoia Climate Foundation at Another Source in Irvine, California

Job Description:

Another Source’s client, Sequoia Climate Foundation, is recruiting a Program Officer for Diplomacy & Super Pollutans to join their team in Irvine, CA. This is a hybrid role with the opportunity work remotely a couple days per week. 

About Sequoia Climate Foundation:  

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a private foundation based in Irvine, California. Founded in 2020, Sequoia Climate Foundation was established in response to the scope, pace, and complexity of the climate crisis, recognizing the need for targeted, high-impact philanthropy. Our grantmaking strategy leverages climate science to accelerate the energy transition across various geographies and sectors, focusing on those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and future generations who need decisive action today. 

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. 

At Sequoia Climate Foundation, we prioritize the well-being and financial security of our team members with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family: 

• Healthcare Coverage: Sequoia Climate Foundation covers 100% of healthcare premiums for employees and 80% for dependents under our highest-tier plan. 

• Retirement Plan: We contribute 14% of your salary into a retirement account, with immediate vesting and no employee contribution required. 

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Receive up to $2,000 (individual) or $4,000 (family) annually to offset deductible expenses. 

• Paid Time Off: 20 days of PTO per year, with a rollover cap of 30 days, plus 6 sick days and 12 paid holidays. 

• Work & Well-being Stipend: Enjoy a $250 monthly stipend to cover remote work costs or support well-being activities. 

Sequoia Climate Foundation is committed to fostering a work environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. 

The salary range for this role is budgeted at $130,000 - $137,000 annually.  

Learn more about SCF: https://sequoiaclimate.org/who-we-are/ 

About the role:   

The Program Officer works with one or more Sequoia Program Leaders to develop and execute strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess potential impact and chances for success, identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment with the mission and robust execution. This Program Officer role will collaborate with Program Leadership on three key global initiatives: advancing diplomatic efforts, addressing super pollutants, and supporting industry work. The Program Officer will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Support Sequoia’s efforts to determine strategic priorities and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends. 

• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action. 

• Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies. 

• Present the global and regional strategic analysis results verbally and in writing through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally. 

• Support all aspects of strategy execution and grantmaking, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations. 

• Serve as the point of contact for select grantees to learn from and steward the relationship, conduct site visits as needed, and monitor the impact of grants. 

• Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets.  

• Maintain grants database, budget spreadsheets, and grant calendars, and coordinate grant processes for the team.  

• Assists with program and goals development, tracking, and keeping the leadership team apprised of the most critical internal deadlines and external areas of interest that impact Sequoia’s programs.  

• Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops, and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts. 

• Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses. 

• Handle simultaneous deadlines and complete assignments. 

• Performs other duties as required. 

Minimum qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• A minimum of three years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field. 

Preferred qualifications:  

• Advanced degree preferred. 

• Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred. 

• Prior experience on at least one of the super pollutants (methane, HFCs, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide, and other F-gas) or environmental/climate science background is highly preferred. 

• Prior experience on at least one of the super pollutants (methane, HFCs, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide, and other F-gas) or environmental/climate science background is highly preferred. Experience on more than one pollutant preferred. 

• Understanding of international climate governance is preferred, this includes but not limited to UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol, United Nations Environment Assembly, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Arctic Council. 

• Developing countries' experience is highly preferred. 

• Experience working in an international setting or engaging with diverse cultures is preferred. 

• Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred.    

• Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.