Policy & Research Director

Overview

Climate XChange (CXC) is a non-partisan organization focused on supporting the needs of state actors advancing climate policy. Our mission is to achieve a rapid and equitable transition towards a zero-emissions economy by advancing state climate policy. We achieve this through our State Climate Policy Network (SCPN) and State Climate Policy Dashboard (Dashboard). 

The SCPN is a network of 15k+ advocates, policymakers, researchers, and other state actors working to pass ambitious and equitable state climate policy. The SCPN provides free, virtual support to these actors through events, policy updates and resources, facilitated peer connections, and custom assistance provided by CXC staff.

The Dashboard is a leading data platform for up-to-date state climate policy information across all U.S. states and major climate sectors. It provides in-depth information on over 60 climate policies, with key resources, model rules, a state comparison tool, and other useful information for policy practitioners.

As the Policy & Research Director, you will work closely with the Executive Director and lead the Policy and Research team to advance CXC’s mission. Your role will encompass all facets of organizational work, including strategic direction, fundraising, partnerships, and applied policy research.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Team Management & Administration

• Provide management oversight and direction to the Policy & Research team through regular team communication, meetings, and work assignments. Offer support staff as needs arise and collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Present updates to the Board of Directors in coordination with the Executive Director, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Conduct interim and annual performance reviews and work with direct reports to set and achieve goals that align with CXC’s strategic plan.
• Mentor direct reports to foster their professional development and skills as line managers. 
• Assist in hiring, onboarding and development as needed as the Policy & Research team expands, ensuring smooth integration of new team members.
• Maintain file management, workspace, and data protocols that promote effective and efficient project deployment and execution, while building organizational expertise and institutional knowledge.

Strategic Planning

• Lead the strategic vision for the Policy & Research programs ensuring  alignment with CXC’s 5-year strategic plan.
• Establish a high-impact research agenda that leverages the organization’s strengths to achieve policy outcomes.
• Ensure that CXC’s programs are synergistic and greater than the sum of their parts, through coordination with the full CXC team and relevant partners.
• Regularly engage with partners to assess the NGO landscape, identify collaboration opportunities, and advance CXC’s work in the climate movement.

CXC Programs

• Provide strategic guidance and support for the day-to-day implementation  of CXC’s two national programs.
• Oversee the management of the SCPN and Dashboard, including strategic direction, monitoring and evaluation, and program implementation.
• Lead  and participate in policy research projects aimed at advancing state climate policy, whether conducted in-house or in partnership with other organizations. 
• Oversee other strategic projects for the organization, such as strategic overhauls or expansions of existing programs.
• Develop program and project budgets for the Policy & Research program in coordination with the Executive Director and the finance team and supervise their implementation.

Fundraising, Partnership, Outreach

• Manage and strengthen CXC’s partnerships to advance the organization’s policy and research agenda.
• Develop new partnerships with key organizations, including other nonprofits, think tanks, and universities, to enhance CXC’s programs and national standing. This involves facilitating external meetings, negotiating, drafting agreements, and working strategically with staff to implement new partnership ideas.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts with the Executive Director and CXC’s fundraising team to support the expansion of CXC’s programs and resources. This will include presenting CXC programs to funders, preparing grant applications, and authoring reports.
• Participate in public events and outreach activities to strengthen CXC’s connections with research and philanthropic partners.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in environmental or public policy, Environmental Science, Political Science, Law, Economics, or a related field, or a mix of education and equivalent work experience required.
• At least 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in climate policy, public policy, state government, research and/or advocacy work.
• Proven track record of managing teams and leading strategic initiatives.
• Notable experience with climate policy, which may include topics such as governance & equity, electricity, buildings, transportation, industry, renewable energy or natural resources.
• An extensive network of contacts in the climate movement.
• Passionate about facilitating high-impact climate policy outcomes. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and balance multiple high-level responsibilities simultaneously, including bringing  projects or initiatives to scale.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including public speaking on behalf of the organization.
• Strong alignment with CXC values. We’re science-based, impact-driven, committed to justice, equity, and diversity, led by empathy, and collaborative.
• Strong self-starter and self-motivated.
• Passionate about working in a highly collaborative environment.
• Brings a sense of joy and positivity, and demonstrates persistence, initiative, and a high-impact mindset.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing and executing applied research agendas or conducting applied environmental research.
• Comprehensive understanding of political and state legislative and regulatory processes, and policymaking processes in general.
• Demonstrated history of nonpartisan collaboration with diverse partners to achieve policy outcomes.
• Experience working within an organization and effectively collaborating with individuals from various  backgrounds and cultures.

Compensation and Benefits

Total compensation for this position includes health benefits, professional development opportunities, generous paid time off and family and medical leave policies, 17 paid holidays, a technology stipend and a flexible schedule. This position is fully remote with a salary range of $100,000 to $135,000, based on experience.

Location

This position is fully remote. Preferred candidates will live in one the following states: California, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Exceptions can be made for outstanding candidates. Occasional travel may be required.