Director, Climate

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone.

The Team CZI’s Climate portfolio is housed within the dynamic Science in Society program, which is a part of CZ Science. The mission of CZ Science is to support the science and technology that will make it possible to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of this century.

The Climate Director will report to the VP of Science in Society. The Director, Climate, will oversee a program that results in global advancements, with opportunities to employ multiple modalities to achieve objectives—including grantmaking; investments; policy and advocacy; technology development; convenings and trainings; and other engagements and collaborations.

The Director, Climate, is accountable for bringing expertise in program areas; developing program strategy; developing program budget and funding recommendations; and overseeing, evaluating, and adjusting program resourcing and activities to achieve objectives.

To date, CZI’s exploratory investments in Climate have focused on scaling carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies—both through 1) direct investment in new CDR science and technology development and deployment; and 2) supporting organizations building the ecosystem that supports bringing new technologies to market, equitably and sustainably.

As we look to future investments, CZI’s Director of Climate will lead an exploration to assess potential new opportunities and directions, within and beyond CDR, for the program.

What You'll Do Source, manage, and make recommendations on a dynamic pipeline of philanthropic opportunities within this portfolio, including deployment of grant funding and program-related investments; assessment of new opportunities; and continuous oversight of grants and investments.

Develop the Climate program strategy, including assessment of potential new directions for the Climate portfolio that CZI might support in the future.

Build and maintain relationships with internal and external experts and other stakeholders—by developing and overseeing convenings, attending external events, etc.—to support the effectiveness of and momentum for the Climate program and to stay close to new opportunities on the horizon.

Work with internal experts in monitoring/evaluation/learning, capacity building, social science research, communications, and venture investing to design and deploy a high-impact Climate strategy and portfolio.

Apply environmental justice and equity frameworks and principles to our Climate strategy and grantmaking approach.

Build a strong Climate knowledge base for CZI, and represent the CZI Climate program among external audiences and stakeholders.

What You'll Bring Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience; 5 years managing projects and teams.

Deep understanding of both the nuances and urgency of the climate crisis, and expertise in and passion for innovative climate change solutions.

Deep background in strategy development and refinement, with significant experience in the climate field, preferably in climate science and/or climate technology.

Experience working in climate philanthropy, climate finance, and broad awareness of best-in-class mechanisms to scale climate technology and climate change solutions.

Strong complex program management skills, including scoping (goals/outcomes, timelines and work plans, necessary resources), identifying partner roles and responsibilities, and driving implementation of the project to achieve determined outcomes.

Fluency in and commitment to environmental justice and equity, and ability to apply justice frameworks to CZI’s Climate strategy.

Strong analytical skills, particularly in breaking down complex and ambiguous problems and communicating them clearly and concisely to a broad array of stakeholders.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to build and navigate strong and productive relationships quickly with a diverse group of people.

Natural curiosity and ability to ramp up quickly in new content areas, leveraging the expertise of others.

Comfort working in an ambiguous, matrixed environment, where decisions happen fast and we learn by doing and adapt as needed.

Willingness and ability to work collaboratively, adapt to a dynamic work environment, and navigate complexity to deliver results.

Strong, demonstrated interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Preference for personal or professional experience integrating DEI policies and practice.