Senior Climate Researcher & Grantmaker

The Senior Climate Researcher & Grantmaker will shape evidence-based funding strategies to maximize the global impact of climate philanthropy. This senior role combines rigorous research, quantitative modeling, and strategic grantmaking to help direct significant funding toward the most effective climate interventions. You will assess diverse technologies, policies, and decarbonization strategies, identifying opportunities where philanthropic capital can drive meaningful change. Working closely with research and grantmaking colleagues, you will evaluate complex funding proposals, develop innovative analytical frameworks, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. You will also build relationships with climate experts, funders, and policymakers while representing the team's research at major industry events. This is an opportunity to influence global climate priorities within a collaborative, intellectually curious environment that values independent thinking, methodological innovation, and measurable real-world impact.

The ideal candidate combines established expertise in climate policy or economics with strong quantitative reasoning, independent research capabilities, and a broad understanding of how climate solutions interact across sectors and regions. Required and preferred qualifications include:

• A proven professional track record in climate policy, climate economics, or a closely related field, demonstrating a mature understanding of the global climate landscape.

• A broad, contextual understanding of climate technologies, policies, energy systems, and decarbonization strategies, rather than expertise limited to a single narrow area.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to model impacts, assess cost-effectiveness, and work rigorously with uncertain or incomplete data.

• Demonstrated experience independently leading complex, senior-level research projects from conception through delivery.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical research into clear, practical insights for donors, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to adopt, test, and co-develop shared research frameworks and grantmaking methodologies.

• Intellectual curiosity and openness to evaluating a wide range of climate solutions without being committed to a single ideology, technology, or policy approach.

• Confidence representing research findings and strategic recommendations at major conferences, climate summits, and donor gatherings.

• Strong judgment and the ability to compare diverse funding opportunities using consistent analytical frameworks and evidence-based reasoning.

• An advanced degree in a quantitatively focused social science discipline, such as economics, political science, sociology, public policy, or climate policy and economics, is preferred.

• Specialized knowledge of innovation policy in OECD economies or substantial expertise in China's climate and energy sectors is an advantage.

• Direct professional experience with complex energy systems or structured grantmaking processes is desirable.

• Willingness to participate in in-person research team offsites and an annual global team retreat.

• Ability to work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, with the position open to candidates based in the United States, preferably on the East Coast, as well as selected international locations.

• Readiness to complete a rigorous selection process, including a technical assessment of quantitative and analytical skills.