Drawdown Program Coordinator

The Climate Center is seeking a Program Coordinator to advance our climate policy work and provide critical program support to accelerate carbon sequestration in California. The science is clear: we must cut emissions by half and drawdown 100-1,000 Gt of CO2/e by 2030 in order to secure a safe and livable climate. The Program Coordinator will provide research, writing, and coalition-building support to advance nature-based solutions and negative emissions in California through state action. They will work with the Drawdown Initiative Manager to develop robust policy platforms, collaborate with partners, and provide logistical support for events. The Program Coordinator will gain a variety of skills integral to their development as a climate policy professional through independent work, coalition work, and as a part of a high-functioning, ambitious, and supportive team.

About The Climate Center

The Climate Center is a climate and energy policy nonprofit working to rapidly reduce climate pollution at scale, starting in California. We are a think-tank, do-tank working to turn bold ideas into action for a climate-safe future. We know that as goes California, so goes the world.

We believe in vibrant, healthy communities. We envision a future where everyone in California enjoys clean air and water, renewable and reliable energy, healthy food, thriving nature, and more.

California has the tools and know-how to make this vision a reality — if our elected leaders act with the urgency the climate crisis demands. California must put policies in place as soon as possible for accelerated, equitable climate action, putting us on track to remove more climate pollution than we emit while securing resilient communities for all by 2030 or as soon thereafter as possible. That’s how we’ll keep our communities safe from worsening climate disasters, create millions of family-sustaining jobs, protect our environment, and give everyone the chance to thrive in the clean energy economy.

Since our founding in 2001, The Climate Center has been dedicated to making climate solutions a reality in California at speed and scale. We partner with business, local government, environmental and environmental justice organizations, labor and others to deliver the equitable climate solutions that science demands. We pride ourselves in having a supportive and collaborative team culture.

Duties & Responsibilities

Working closely with the Drawdown Initiative Manager, the Drawdown Program Coordinator’s priority areas of work include:

• Research, Analysis and Policy Development:
  • Assist in managing research projects related to nature-based solutions and responsible carbon removal, including writing research papers, policy briefs, memos, editorials, and blogs on topical research all with an eye to relevant California policy applications.
  • Help produce reports, op-eds, blog posts, slide presentations and related materials explaining the role of carbon sequestration in broader climate policies and other policy priorities of The Climate Center.
  • Monitor, develop, and promote policies related to the program, including policies from other states and around the world.
  • Produce relevant resources in coordination with Communications Team
• Partnership Building:
  • Strengthen existing and build new relationships and coalitions with public and private entities, environmental and environmental justice groups, state and local decision-makers, and others to advance policies that accelerate the scaling up of responsible carbon sequestration, including nature-based solutions, emerging strategies, community safeguards, governance models, and other related issues.
  • Participate in and represent The Climate Center in statewide coalitions working to achieve net-zero and net-negative emissions, learn from partners, and share updates and strategy insights with our team.
• Coordination and Administration:
  • Assist in the planning, execution, and follow-up of meetings, workshops, webinars, conferences, and other events.
  • Develop and implement an annual work plan with specific, measurable outcomes.
  • Support grant applications for funding through research and writing drafts.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Drawdown Initiative Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or at least two years of related work experience
• Demonstrated acumen in climate science, policy, and environmental justice principles
• Familiarity with the legislative process and regulatory proceedings, state-level preferred
• Experience working in coalitions and building partnerships
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle competing priorities
• Self-motivated and ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Highly organized and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and online platforms necessary for remote working environment
• Good sense of humor!