Coal Program Officer for Energy Foundation

Name of job: 
Coal Program Officer for Energy Foundation
Description: 

Energy Foundation Overview:
Founded in 1991, the Energy Foundation is a grantmaking foundation whose mission is
to assist in a national and global transition to a sustainable energy future by
advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Foundation's work is largely
focused on mitigating global climate change. Its geographic focus is on the United
States and China, the largest and fastest growing energy
markets in the world.
The Energy Foundation believes a sustainable energy future is one in which the
supply and use of energy help promote and maintain high living standards. Key
elements of such a future are: (1) more efficient energy use and a successful
transition from conventional to renewable energy; (2) maintenance of the earth's
ecological systems and the life-supporting services they provide; (3) provision of
energy at reasonable cost; and, (4) equitable distribution of energy services to
different members of the population, both internationally and within nations.
The following overarching strategic premise drives the Energy Foundation to focus
its grantmaking on public policy:

1. New technologies can grow the economy with far less pollution.
2. Policy shapes energy markets, determining which technologies are developed and
ultimately thrive.
3. Intelligent philanthropy can influence energy policy, thus leveraging billions
of dollars of investment in the energy sector and stimulating dramatic reductions
in global warming pollution.
The Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco and also has an office located in
Beijing, China. The Foundation has 44 staff members (23 in the San Francisco office)
and a 2007 budget of approximately $60 million. For more information about the
programs of the Energy Foundation please review the website:
www.ef.org

Coal Resistance Program Overview:
The Energy Foundation began funding work to resist construction of new coal-fired
power plants late in 2003. The objective has been to avoid a 60-year lock-in of
carbon emissions from the 120 new coal-fired power plants proposed in the U.S. This
work began in the Intermountain West states, expanded to the Upper Midwest and Texas
in 2005, and to Florida, the Carolinas and the Lower Plains states in 2007. Today
our grantees are resisting about 45 plants that are in active permitting, while
making the case that clean alternatives can meet customer demand at competitive
costs. Since 2003, our grantees have helped block more than 38 proposed coal power
plants, including recent dramatic wins in Kansas, Texas, and Florida.

Program Officer:
The Program Officer will be based in San Francisco and report to David Wooley, Vice
President for Domestic Policy Initiatives and Program Director for the Power
Utilities Program. The Program Officer will take charge of grantmaking to resist
new coal-fired power plants, managing a $7-10 million grant portfolio and budget.
He or she will also:

* help develop and refine program strategies and campaign tactics;
* conduct targeted research;
* solicit and review proposals;
* write dockets for board consideration;
* evaluate the impact of individual grants;
* maintain relationships with grantees, other funders, and other experts in the field;
* initiate strategy calls and meetings;
* engage directly in the field as needed; and
* help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the Energy Foundation's
funding partners.
The Program Officer may also help liaison with related efforts in China and Europe.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes
The Program Officer should ideally embody the following professional qualifications
and personal attributes:

* A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Energy Foundation.
* A strong understanding of regulation of air pollution and electric utilities.
* Experience with sophisticated advocacy campaigns.
* Comfort with qualitative and quantitative policy analysis and assessment of
energy and pollution impacts.
* Incisive, independent, analytic mind.
* A track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex
situations.
* Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
* Experience creating collaboration among a network of organizations or companies.
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
* Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
* Willingness to travel.

Desirable attributes, but not required: (1) a background in project finance, (2)
professional experience and relationships in the Midwest or Southeast. Masters or
other advanced degree preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The Energy Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is
commensurate with experience.
Start Date: Immediate

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how their skills and
background fit this position and a resume to Craig Appel, Director of Partner
Relations, The Energy Foundation, 1012 Torney Ave. #1, San Francisco, CA 94129.
FAX 415-561-6709 EMAIL: craig@ef.org Women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. The Energy Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.

Contact e-mail: 
Date posted: 
4/15/08