Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Government Affairs

at Carbon Removal Alliance

🏢 About Carbon Removal Alliance

The Carbon Removal Alliance is a unique coalition uniting leading carbon removal companies to advocate for scalable, high-quality solutions. Working here means being at the forefront of climate policy, shaping federal programs that can make carbon removal a cornerstone of U.S. climate strategy.

About This Role

As Director of Government Affairs, you will lead the Alliance's federal advocacy efforts, building relationships with Congress and the administration to advance policies like procurement, tax incentives, and carbon border adjustments. Your work will directly influence the regulatory and funding landscape for an emerging industry critical to net-zero goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning meeting with member companies to align on messaging for an upcoming appropriations markup, followed by a lunch briefing with Senate staff on carbon removal procurement. Afternoon could include drafting testimony for a House hearing and an evening event with ENGO partners to build coalition support.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Carbon Removal Alliance Is Looking For

  • A seasoned government affairs professional with 10+ years on Capitol Hill or in D.C. advocacy, specifically in energy, climate, or science policy.
  • Proven track record of advancing bipartisan legislation or appropriations, ideally related to clean energy, carbon management, or industrial policy.
  • Extensive network of congressional and agency staff (e.g., DOE, EPA, White House) and ability to leverage those relationships for coalition-building.
  • Strategic thinker who can translate complex technical concepts (e.g., carbon removal technologies) into compelling policy narratives for diverse stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Carbon Removal Alliance

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific bipartisan policy wins, especially in energy or climate, with measurable outcomes (e.g., bills passed, funding secured).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name 2-3 carbon removal policies (e.g., 45Q tax credit, DOE CDR purchases) and your experience engaging on them.

3

Research the Alliance's member companies (e.g., Climeworks, Charm Industrial) and reference their technologies or policy needs in your application.

4

Demonstrate familiarity with key congressional committees (e.g., Energy and Commerce, Appropriations) and relevant agency offices (e.g., DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management).

5

If you have experience with ENGOs or labor unions, emphasize cross-sector coalition-building, as the role requires engaging diverse stakeholders.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for carbon removal as a climate solution and why the Alliance's mission resonates with you.", 'Specific examples of advancing bipartisan policy, especially in energy, climate, or technology areas.', 'Your existing relationships with key Hill offices (e.g., Senate Energy Committee, House Science Committee) or agencies (DOE, EPA).', "Your strategic vision for building the Alliance's influence in D.C., including how you'd engage member companies and external partners."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Alliance's policy priorities and recent advocacy letters on their website to understand current focus areas.
  • → Read about the DOE's Carbon Negative Shot and the 45Q tax credit expansion to grasp key policy levers.
  • → Look up recent congressional hearings on carbon management and identify key committee members and their stances.
  • → Study the Alliance's member companies' technologies and their specific policy asks (e.g., procurement, infrastructure).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize policy issues (e.g., appropriations vs. tax) given limited bandwidth and a divided Congress?
2 Describe a time you built a coalition across industry, ENGOs, and labor to advance a climate policy. What challenges did you face?
3 What is your approach to educating members of Congress on a novel topic like carbon removal? Give an example.
4 How would you measure success for the Alliance's government affairs efforts in the first year?
5 How do you stay informed on legislative and regulatory developments relevant to carbon removal, and how would you keep member companies aligned?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic government affairs resume; omit experience unrelated to energy, climate, or science policy.
  • Don't overlook the importance of bipartisanship—emphasize working across the aisle, not just with one party.
  • Avoid being too vague about carbon removal; show you understand the difference between DAC, BECCS, and other methods.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Carbon Removal Alliance!

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