Program Manager, Clean Power Innovation and Permitting Policy

Job Summary

The Program Manager for Clean Power Innovation and Permitting Policy will join ClearPath’s policy team, contributing to the development of organizational positions and recommendations across a portfolio focused on innovation, financing, permitting, and regulatory policies that promote and support clean firm power technologies. These technologies include advanced geothermal, hydropower, grid-scale energy storage, and their enabling supply chains. This role will also focus on federal permitting reform for energy and linear infrastructure projects.

In addition to supporting the broader program portfolio, specific responsibilities will include developing policies that address the regulatory burdens associated with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act among other environmental laws. This team member will develop policy solutions that can accelerate project permitting timelines and still maintain safety and environmental standards. To accomplish these objectives, this team member will write and track legislation, lead stakeholder engagement, and help communicate ClearPath’s recommendations to policymakers and industry partners.

The ideal candidate brings policy expertise, coalition-building skills, and a strong understanding of the clean energy innovation ecosystem. In addition, an ideal candidate will have a detailed understanding of the permitting process at the project level. Past experience directly implementing environmental laws and/or seeking project permits is a plus.

This position reports directly to ClearPath’s Director for Clean Energy and Permitting.

Job Description

Research & Analysis:

• Support the Program Director to develop and advance ClearPath’s policy portfolio on federal permitting reform;

• Draft high-level, quick, and in-depth analysis of research, policy and industry trends;

• Produce concise research insights and written products pertaining to legislative, regulatory and innovation activities across the federal government;

• Develop subject matter expertise through networking and research;

• Support rapid response initiatives when questions arise on Capitol Hill; and

• Support the development of educational materials and events for Capitol Hill.

Strategic Thinking & Execution:

• Independently follow existing organization and team strategy and develop new strategies to implement organization-wide goals;

• Prioritize, execute and raise the visibility of ClearPath’s policy agenda. This includes identifying the "white space" and leveraging it as an opportunity for growth;

• Independently identify policy opportunities and help develop strategies alongside ClearPath Government Relations team for advocacy;

• Exhibit superb critical thinking and problem-solving skills; they will have a proven ability to grasp “big picture” concepts as well as granular complexities;

• Build teams of subject matter experts, both internally and externally to advance ClearPath permitting reform priorities; and

• Mentor and manage Policy Advisors, Fellows, and Interns to advance projects within the permitting reform portfolio.

Communications, Relationship Building & Influencing:

• Communicate and help others communicate complex ideas clearly, simply and convincingly, internally and externally to both technical and non-technical audiences;

• Publish “thought leadership” (i.e. blogs, white papers, op-eds) while speaking on the record with reports or at public events;

• Attract, cultivate, and manage collaborative relationships with key stakeholders; represent ClearPath externally in a credible manner and with ease; and

• Lead rapid response initiatives when questions arise on Capitol Hill about ClearPath’s issues.

Capabilities

• Deliberative Decision Making – Gather, consider, and evaluate all relevant information to make logical conclusions before being moved to action. Able to put aside personal biases and take an objective approach to making decisions based on data or other pertinent facts.

• Analytical Thinking – Have the capability and the inclination to identify and synthesize information from diverse sources by looking for patterns in data, making connections between seemingly unrelated events, and understanding how different parts of a system are interdependent.

• Learning Agility – Able to discern patterns in data, recognize relationships between concepts, and rapidly apply learning from one context to solve analogous problems in different contexts.

• Scientific Acumen – Consistently and appropriately implement best practices in scientific inquiry and empirical reasoning to identify trends in data. 

• Information Seeking – Have an underlying curiosity and desire to know more about things, people, or issues. They go beyond routine questions and dig for exact information to resolve discrepancies.

• Quality Focus – Are able to manage the efficiency, accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the work that they produce.

• Time Management – Able to manage multiple responsibilities by being organized and keeping on top of important time-sensitive tasks.

Qualifications

• Science or applied science degree (engineering, geology, environmental science, etc.) or a degree in a related field (business, environmental or energy policy, etc.)

• 5-8 years of experience in a highly related field - clean energy industry, economics, finance, and/or policy experience

• Working knowledge of key stakeholders in Congress, including the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Natural Resources Committee. 

• Excellent analytical and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Comfort with technology and ability to quickly learn new systems

• A professional and personal commitment to ClearPath's mission and values

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in a related field or JD preferred

• Prior extensive (5+ years) of experience working with Congressional stakeholders on federal permitting issues.

Compensation + Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay you contribute

• No vacation policy - take what you need whenever workflow and coverage allows, with manager approval

• Fully stocked office kitchen in newly renovated office on Capitol Hill

At ClearPath, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe our team is the key to making an impact and fulfilling our mission. ClearPath is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.