Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week)

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $110,000 – $150,000 a year

Position: Grants Officer, China & Southeast Asia

About Sequoia Climate Foundation

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both a near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large-scale change. Our focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building, and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Foundation is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions.

Our office and staff are based in Irvine, California.

For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.

The Opportunity

The Grants Officer, China & Southeast Asia will work across Sequoia’s program areas to ensure effective and efficient grantmaking, while providing dedicated support to the China & Southeast Asia program team. They will be responsible for partnering with program staff and serving as a resource and thought partner on anything related to grants operations and management. Additionally, they will lead and support on various projects with in the Grantmaking Department. This role will support the day-to-day operations of the grantmaking process in both compliance and best-practices. The Grants Officer is also responsible for understanding grant compliance and grantmaking practices supporting the programmatic goals across the foundation.

This position requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, comfort with ambiguity in a changing environment, relationship-building, and project management skills. They will report to the Director of Grantmaking Operations and work closely with colleagues across Sequoia Climate Foundation and external partners, including peer funders and grantees.

This role will provide support to the China & Southeast Asia team, which will include the flexibility to work across time zones as needed and bring a cultural competency lens to their work. Fluency in language spoken in Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) is strongly preferred. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is self-starter and will enjoy supporting Sequoia’s portfolio in the growing and emergency body of work.

Candidate Profile

The Grants Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Supports the full lifecycle of all grants, from concept through all diligence and compliance processes to reporting and grant close.
• Promote and create a learning and knowledge-sharing culture around grants and grant practices to support program staff.
• Project management for various grantmaking operations projects across the organization.
• Helps translate the Sequoia mission and values into grantmaking process and practice.
• Partners with program and legal staff to ensure that all administrative, legal, and tax compliance of grants are met.
• Collaborates with the Evaluation and Learning (E&L) Department to ensure that strategic reflection and reporting requirements are met.
• Drive proactive communication across internal stakeholders to promote effective change management. Help set norms for internal collaboration.
• Understand the roles and workflows across the entire grantmaking process and strive for continuous improvement around gaps/barriers. Facilitate input gathering from staff for improvements and efficiencies.
• Ability and flexibility to support grantmaking across different time zones and geographies, specifically China & Southeast Asia.
• Manages and ensures data integrity for Sequoia’s grants management platform.
• Provides counsel and support to staff on how to solve potential issues and challenges that may be presented by a grant or grantee, such as organization status, certain legal requirements, and other questions.
• Approaches the work with a grantee-centric and collaborative mindset.
• Represents the Grantmaking Operations team in foundation-wide initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Fund’s mission and values.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
• Project management experience, particularly with large-scale projects.
• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively, collaboratively, and diplomatically across a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Agility: Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations while exercising good judgement.
• Data management experience, familiarity with data systems and business processes.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of five – seven years of professional experience working in a similar position.
• Experience with grants management systems is required.
• Experience in effective project management is required.
• Experience in international grantmaking is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and one additional language that is spoken in China (Mandarin or Cantonese).
• Bachelor’s degree is required.

Compensation & Benefits

For positions filled in the United States, the typical salary range for this role is $110,000 to $150,000 USD. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, job level, internal equity and budget. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience and geographic location.

You will be a part of an organization that promotes positive change in the world to minimize the impacts of climate change. We provide competitive wages, health, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model, which means both workdays from home and in the office located in Irvine, California.

Please note, at this time, our preference is that applicants have the authorization to work in the United States.

Covid-19 Vaccination

Sequoia Climate Foundation encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].

Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Hybrid Role 

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $150,000 – $175,000 a year

Position: Manager, People & Culture

About Sequoia Climate Foundation 

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large scale change.

Job Summary

The Manager, People & Culture implements best-in-class HR programs and services to drive a high-performance culture and employee experience.  Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, this role serves as a key partner in supporting the build and continuous improvement of the People & Culture function. The role is responsible for co-leading people programs, services, and processes, including talent acquisition, organizational design, benefits administration and design, compensation and payroll, compliance, talent management and development, workers’ compensation and leaves of absence, employee relations, and culture. This position requires a high degree of independence, analytical thinking, and a servant leadership mindset. The Manager, People & Culture must demonstrate the ability to drive cross-functional projects, prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, and communicate effectively across the organization. This role will develop and own successful relationships with key leaders, including serving as a strategic and consultative thought partner for all staff.

Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes

• Co-lead the planning, development, implementation, and administration of people systems, programs, tools, and processes, to enhance the employee experience and value proposition.
• Responsible for the deployment, administration, and continuous review of health and wellness, education, perks, financial planning, and insurance benefits.
• Supports the development of compensation structure and design, including salary reviews and reporting structures.
• Develops, implements, and interprets applicable local, state, and federal regulations and employment laws, creating and/or reviewing and updating policies and procedures to maintain compliance and recommending best practices.
• Develops and manages talent acquisition including job descriptions, sourcing and recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and metrics. Collaborates with hiring managers to understand skills and competencies required for hiring needs.
• Develops and manages talent management programs and initiatives for performance management, learning and development, succession planning, etc.
• Co-develops and executes strategies to foster and ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and employee engagement and recognition.
• Administers and oversees programs including health and safety, leaves of absence, handbook and policy, records retention, time and attendance, payroll, immigration, off-boarding, etc.
• Provide consultative support to employees and leaders in HR-related topics, including employment transitions, workplace accommodations, professional conduct, and other employment policies.
• Train and support employees and leaders on performance reviews including providing coaching, counseling, and development guidance.
• Supports workforce planning efforts by ensuring employees have the right skills, tools, and resources necessary to perform their roles, including working with leaders to ensure that each team has the right talent in the right roles.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education, Experience & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required.
• Knowledge of California employment law.
• Human Resources Certification, such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP, is highly preferred.
• Experience in a non-profit, philanthropy, or climate change organization preferred.

Competencies & Characteristics 

• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team, especially with other administrative support team members.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Quality: Attention to detail and timelines in a fast-paced environment with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Innovative: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Agile: Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees and prioritize tasks.

Location, Benefits and Compensation 

Location: This role is required to be in the office for at least 3 days per week at Sequoia’s headquarters office in Irvine, CA.  We operate in a hybrid model, which means both workdays from home and in the office. Sequoia can be flexible on relocation timelines and offer some relocation assistance.

Compensation & Benefits: Sequoia provides competitive wages, health, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. The salary range for this role is $150,000 to $175,000 USD.  Actual salary will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, qualifications, education, experience and geographic location.

What You Will Enjoy 

We are a team of experienced policymakers, scientists, advocates, and others concerned about the fate of our planet, the people living on it, and the generations to come. Our organization works to support grantees taking bold and ambitious actions to drive down emissions and accelerate a just and equitable transition to clean energy.

Additional Information 

We believe in cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, and diversity is celebrated. Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or legally protected status.

Sequoia Climate Foundation encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Working Conditions 

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and/or internationally.

Contact. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to confidentially complete an Application Interest Form including a resume at the following link.

Deadline to apply: May 17, 2024

Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Location: Irvine, CA or Washington, DC

Type: Hybrid Role 

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $149,000 – $186,000 a year

Position: Program Manager, United States

About Sequoia Climate Foundation 

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both a near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large-scale change. Our focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building, and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Foundation is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions. 

This role can be based out of Irvine, CA or Washington, DC, and is a hybrid organization.

For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.

The Opportunity

The Program Manager will report to and work closely with the US Program Director to develop and execute high-impact strategies and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from key sectors of the U.S. economy. They will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. They will also conduct data-driven research and analysis necessary to evaluate potential opportunities based on speed, scale, probability of success, and cost. The Program Manager will leverage their networks and knowledge of the field to identify those organizations best positioned to lead and execute those strategies and initiatives. They will also work closely with prospective and existing grantees, overseeing the grantmaking process from application to award, and building strong trust-based relationships with grantees to enable thoughtful and learning-oriented management of their portfolio.

Candidate Profile

The Program Manager will be responsible for the following:

• Advance strategy execution, including conducting research and analysis on climate sector trends, developing coherent theories of change and theories of action, and identifying, screening, and supporting grantee partners in developing robust projects aligned with the theory of action.
• Write investment recommendations articulating the rationale for funding a cohort of projects and partners and present them to the Program Directors and Executive Team.
• Consistent with Sequoia’s “learning and evidence approach,” keep in regular contact with funded partners, including through site visits, and support execution consistent with goals in mind, supporting adaptive management by partners as needed.
• Undertake and occasionally commission sector-relevant research and data-driven analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs, initiatives, and strategies.
• Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, opinion formers within the climate change and sector-specific community, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Identify appropriate partners and collaborations to advance grant-making strategies, including, as appropriate, active participation in collaboratives, conferences, and workshops.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
• Works with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
• Ensures adherence to internal grantmaking processes via appropriate documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting.
• Represents Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants, ensuring follow-up as needed.
• Leads project and program management and handles simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
• Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks, and managing junior staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.                   

Competencies: 

• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience building and working collaboratively with and across a team.
•  Self-starter: Attention to detail and timelines in a fast-paced environment with the ability to take initiative to organize, prioritize, and execute tasks.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
• Systems savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting software, with the ability to learn new or updated software.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of eight years of professional experience working in climate change or energy policy.
• A strong grasp of the policy, research, and advocacy landscape for key sectors of the U.S. economy.
• Strong quantitative and research skills are required.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & BenefitsFor positions filled in the United States, the typical salary range for this role is $149,000 – $186,000.  Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, job level, internal equity and budget. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience and geographic location.

You will be a part of an organization that promotes positive change in the world to minimize the impacts of climate change.  We provide competitive wages, health, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model, which means both workdays from home and in the office located in Irvine, California. Please note, at this time, our preference is that applicants have the authorization to work in the United States.

Covid-19 Vaccination

Sequoia Climate Foundation encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Contact

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

We believe in cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities to all. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, and diversity is celebrated. Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or another legally protected status. 

Covid-19 Vaccination

Sequoia Climate Foundation encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].

Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.