Manager, Strategy and Operations

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY 

Established in 2015 by Bill Gates and a coalition of private investors concerned about the impacts of accelerating climate change, Breakthrough Energy supports the innovations that will lead the world to net-zero emissions. We are building on the proven model of public-private partnerships that Gates has already used to transform health, education, and public welfare around the world. Breakthrough Energy is a network of entities and initiatives, including investment funds, nonprofit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts linked by a common commitment to scale the technologies we need to achieve a path to net zero emissions by 2050. We are encouraging the development of new net-zero energy technologies, championing policies that speed innovation from lab to market, and bringing together governments, research institutions, private companies, and investors to expand and enhance clean-energy investment. 

Breakthrough Energy embraces diversity and recognize our responsibility to provide a diverse and inclusive work environment. We value the benefits that arise from a diverse organization and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employees of all backgrounds can collaboratively work and serve Breakthrough Energy’s mission. This is extended to all areas of the employee lifecycle and experience, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotions, career development programs, and benefits. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We encourage diverse candidates to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

The Breakthrough Energy Fellows (BE Fellows) program identifies and supports the best and brightest individuals and teams across the globe working to develop, scale, and commercialize critical climate technologies. We need significant innovation now to develop the clean technologies that will help the world get to net-zero emissions by 2050. To do this, the scientists, engineers, business experts, and teams behind groundbreaking climate innovations need investment and support to ensure their early-stage clean technologies have the resources to get adopted quickly. The Fellows program provides patient capital to support innovators on their path to commercialization, including a stipend for living expenses, funding for technology and product development, access to scientific and business expertise, investors, policy experts, and our world-class network of partners. All Fellows also benefit from a unique curriculum designed by Breakthrough Energy covering a wide range of topics. 

Our growing team seeks an experienced Manager of Strategy and Operations to advance the goals of Breakthrough Energy Fellows and the effectiveness of the Fellows team.

This role will work closely with and support the leader of the Fellows program.

Primary responsibilities of this role include managing an efficient and high-functioning operating rhythm for the Fellows team, maintaining a deep understanding of all aspects of the program, and building connectivity with other parts of the Breakthrough Energy organization. An ideal candidate is eager to learn, highly adaptable, and has the ability to distill complex information into insights and recommendations. The right candidate also has previous experience managing across functions in a fast-paced organization and can serve as an effective partner and advisor to a senior team leader. They have demonstrated that they are highly organized, have sharp attention to detail, and are an excellent communicator and collaborator in a similar supporting role.

This role requires the ability to manage multiple deadlines, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, develop and manage a suite of program assets and collateral and help direct the team to effectively prioritize and deliver Fellows program activities. Candidates should be equally comfortable writing and editing briefing documents, setting meeting agendas, and writing memos to senior leaders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Work with the VP to continually evaluate the operating rhythm and effectiveness of the Fellows team and program; tracking key decisions and supporting implementation changes where appropriate – including interfacing with other BE programs and operations teams in the organization such as finance, legal, and HR.
• Plan and facilitate program-wide meetings, creating agendas to ensure key topics are prioritized, filling out and organizing all executive prep and briefs, documenting, and tracking issue resolution, and disseminating summaries with clear action items in partnership with the Fellows Executive Business Administrator 
• Manage approval process and preparation for all external engagements, speaking events, panels. Supporting coordination of other key communication activities (internal and external)
• Develop internal and external programmatic presentations and other program collateral
• Support program goal setting activities and tracking, budget planning and analysis, working closely with the VP, BE finance team, and other team members to build budget forecasts and develop analyses to inform program strategy
• Work with the Fellows team and other colleagues across several functions to ensure execution and tracking of the program’s strategic priorities and goals. Coordinate adjustments as circumstances and needs evolve.
• Take ownership on various workstreams related to program updates, strategic planning and goal setting, implementation, and CRM tool management.
• Work with the VP and other team members to develop routine evaluation and reporting practices, contributing to BE’s organization-wide reporting cycles

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Deep experience in strategic program management and development
• Deep understanding in budget planning and tracking
• Excellent project management skills
• Expertise in PowerPoint; proficient in using MS Outlook, Word, OneNote, and Excel
• Ability to work in a collaborative, inclusive workplace with matrix management
• Comfort with being flexible as the organization grows, individual roles shift, and decision processes evolve
• Creative problem-solving approach with the ability to navigate practical tradeoffs between risk management and achieving strategic goals
• Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, inclusive workplace with matrix management
• Strong writing skills and ability to create materials that represent the organization’s positions and priorities
• Location preference for Bay Area, Washington DC, Seattle, or Boston

Breakthrough Energy will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Craig Staples at craig@breakthroughenergy.org.