[Job] Specialist, Carbon Removal and Conversion Technologies, Carbon Capture Coalition

[Geoeng Info]

https://betterenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CCC-DAC-and-Utilization-Manager_final.pdf

Specialist, Carbon Removal and Conversion Technologies, Carbon Capture Coalition

Program/Role: Specialist, Carbon Removal and Conversion Technologies, Carbon Capture Coalition 

Location: Preference for Washington, DC area 

Reports to: Executive Director, Carbon Capture Coalition 

Type of Position: Full-time position 

Compensation: Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000. 

Benefits include health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, long-term and short-term disability, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, and a communication stipend. 

ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE 

One of the nation’s leading energy and climate policy organizations, the mission of the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy and environment.. At a time of great political, social, economic and environmental challenges confronting our nation and the world, GPI’s success in achieving implementation of groundbreaking policies and initiatives at the federal, state and local levels is generating significant impact and creating opportunities to add dedicated and talented members to our team. Our programs help build a prosperous, equitable and net-zero emissions energy and industrial economy, and they are supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies. GPI’s operations are national in scope (see map), yet our organization retains a strong presence in the Upper Midwest. A tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, MN, GPI’s 50+ professionals are spread across eight states and the District of Columbia. GPI has five program areas: Carbon Management, Communities, Energy Systems, Renewable Energy, and Transportation & Fuels. Please visit www.betterenergy.org to learn more. 

ABOUT THE CARBON CAPTURE COALITION 

Convened and staffed by GPI’s Carbon Management Program, the Carbon Capture Coalition brings together over 100 energy, industrial and technology companies, energy and industrial sector labor unions and conservation, environmental, and clean energy organizations dedicated to fostering commercial deployment of carbon management technologies and infrastructure to meet mid century climate goals, support domestic energy and industrial production, protect and create high-wage jobs, and provide environmental and economic benefits to affected communities. The signature accomplishment of the Coalition and its partners was the 2018 congressional passage of the landmark bipartisan reform and expansion of the federal Section 45Q tax credit for geologic storage and beneficial use of carbon captured from industrial facilities, power plants and ambient air. Coalition members and staff subsequently played a central role in informing and supporting groundbreaking carbon management programs and funding in the bipartisan 2020 Energy Act and 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Coalition is currently coordinating efforts to advance further critical enhancements to the 45Q tax credit in budget reconciliation legislation yet this Congress. Since the passage of the reform and expansion of the 45Q tax credit, the Coalition has shifted to pursuing a broader policy portfolio to enable economy wide deployment of carbon capture, removal, transport, utilization, and storage. An expanding emphasis of the Coalition’s work going forward will be developing strategies and policies for scaling up research, development and commercial deployment of technologies to capture and remove carbon dioxide from ambient air and to transform captured carbon emissions into low and zero-carbon fuels, chemicals, materials and other products.

THIS POSITION 

The Carbon Removal and Conversion Technologies Specialist will oversee development of a dedicated program of work on direct air capture and carbon conversion to complement and build on the Coalition’s broader carbon management priorities and activities. The individual will spearhead new initiatives for the Coalition, focused specifically on the increasing interest in direct air capture and carbon utilization sectors from Coalition members, and will be in charge of developing Coalition strategy and policy recommendations on these topics in consultation with Coalition members, staff and the Coalition Governance Board. The successful candidate will integrate direct air capture and carbon utilization into the growing and successful Coalition legislative and implementation agenda, including ongoing efforts to support implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. This includes, but is not limited to developing specific strategy and policy recommendations for the Coalition's updated Federal Policy Blueprint.The successful candidate will coordinate with staff, consultants and members to integrate direct air capture and carbon utilization priorities into broader communications and advocacy efforts that harness the strengths of the Coalition’s joint industry, labor and NGO membership. Finally, the [manager/specialist] will work to foster direct engagement by existing members in the Coalition’s carbon removal and conversion policy and advocacy efforts and to help recruit new Coalition members with interest and influence in this arena. The Specialist will be expected to work both independently and with colleagues on projects. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and also to follow directions that may be detailed or minimal. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day. Some travel will also be required. The Coalition team is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Carbon Removal and Conversion Technologies Specialist will: 

• Develop, coordinate and staff two standing member work groups on direct air capture and carbon utilization, respectively, with input and support from Coalition staff and consultants; 

• Work with the Manager for Public Policy and Member Relations and work group members to prepare consensus policy and strategy recommendations on carbon removal and conversion for inclusion in the Coalition’s next Federal Policy Blueprint; 

• Develop and maintain trusted and collaborative relationships with diverse Coalition members, staff and consultants to facilitate accomplishment of broader carbon removal and conversion policy, communications and advocacy activities and objectives; 

• Foster increased engagement of existing Coalition members to elevate and prioritize direct air capture and carbon utilization in the broader work of the Coalition; 

• Work with the Manager for External Affairs, communications staff and consultants, and work group members to develop and execute Congressional legislative and executive branch implementation strategies informed by recommendations in the Blueprint;

• Participate in meetings with members of Congress and staff, executive branch officials, and representatives of key federal policy stakeholders as needed and appropriate; 

• Participate in the design, organization and staffing of online and in-person work group and strategy meetings, external briefings and other events held to help advance the Coalition’s broader objectives; 

• Work with the Manager for Public Policy and Member Relations to recruit new companies, unions and NGOs to the Coalition with particular interest in direct air capture and carbon utilization; 

• Work with GPI and external research colleagues to inform relevant analyses and leverage the results for impact in policy, communications and advocacy work; 

• Develop and publish timely and relevant blog posts, fact sheets, and web content with input and assistance from communications staff and consultants and contribute to the weekly Coalition update to members and other stakeholders; 

• Help prepare narratives and budgets for grant and contract proposals and reports and participate in meetings with foundation, corporate and other potential Coalition funders as appropriate; and 

• Provide other programmatic assistance, as requested by the Coalition’s Executive Director, including recommendations on strategy and budget. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant proven skills and experience. 

• Prior experience (2+ years) working on public policy, federal, state or otherwise. 

• Prior experience, professional or otherwise, working with and/or coordinating individuals in coalitions or other group settings, organizing events, and attending meetings or public events on behalf of an organization. 

• Ability to understand complex technical subjects and analyses and adapt them for lay audiences. 

• Knowledge of, or prior experience with, technology, energy, climate and/or environmental issues a plus. 

• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills. 

• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree. 

• Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships. 

• High attention to detail and ability to work independently. 

• Excellent time and deadline management, project management and team relationship skills. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and website and social media management. 

• Commitment to the mission and goals of the Carbon Capture Coalition. 

EQUIPMENT USED 

Desktop computer and/or laptop, copier, calculator, printer, telephone. 

TRAVEL 

The Carbon Capture Coalition’s work occurs principally in Washington, DC, but sometimes involves travel throughout the US, and applicants to this position should expect to travel to GPI headquarters in Minneapolis a few times each year (costs reimbursed).

HOW TO APPLY 

Complete your application here. 

Required application materials include a resume and one-page cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. 

The Great Plains Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. GPI is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all.