Program Director Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in business, energy systems, energy policy, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in business development, policy development, technology development, energy innovation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives within industry, government, nonprofit, academic, research, or other mission-driven environments.
• At least 3 years of people management experience, including developing and supporting high-performing teams.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving outcomes through influence as well as formal authority.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships across industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and civil society.
• Exceptional written, verbal, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex technical topics for non-technical audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead effectively in evolving and ambiguous environments.
• Ability to collaborate successfully in a virtual work environment and travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing, drilling, constructing, operating, commercializing geothermal energy projects or closely related subsurface energy projects where equivalent expertise is directly transferable (e.g., oil and gas).
• Firsthand understanding of the technical, commercial, and operational challenges associated with bringing geothermal projects from concept to execution or comparable experience delivering complex subsurface energy projects.
• Experience raising philanthropic funding and managing multimillion-dollar program budgets.
• Familiarity with international energy policy, clean energy markets, or multilateral climate and energy initiatives.
• Experience working across regions and stakeholder groups to advance complex technology commercialization efforts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term strategy for CATF's Geothermal Program, identifying emerging opportunities that accelerate commercialization and maximize climate impact.
• Translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes through effective planning, project oversight, resource allocation, and delivery across a growing portfolio of initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of staff and consultants while building organizational capabilities and supporting career growth across the program.
• Serve as a trusted convener and honest broker across industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and civil society, fostering collaboration among stakeholders with diverse interests.
• Advance the policies, financing mechanisms, market conditions, and technical collaborations needed to move next-generation geothermal technologies from demonstration to widespread deployment while addressing barriers such as permitting, workforce development, supply chains, standards, and testing infrastructure.
• Represent CATF through executive briefings, conference presentations, media engagement, publications, congressional testimony, and participation in major domestic and international forums while elevating the visibility and influence of the program's technical experts.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with governments, investors, multilateral institutions, research organizations, and international partners to accelerate global commercialization and deployment efforts.
• Partner with CATF's Development, Finance, and Operations teams to secure philanthropic support, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and ensure strong operational execution across the program.

Benefits

• An excellent benefits package that supports the health, wellbeing, and financial security of our employees.
• Benefits aligned to your country of employment.