Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Director (California)

at Sunstone Strategies

🏢 About Sunstone Strategies

Sunstone Strategies is a mission-driven climate campaigning firm that uniquely combines strategic communications with justice-oriented advocacy to shape equitable climate policies. Working here means contributing to high-impact campaigns that drive real policy change, backed by a team with decades of experience in climate policy and communications.

About This Role

As Program Director, you will lead or co-lead complex climate campaigns in California, managing teams, developing communications strategies, and ensuring contract deliverables. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape policy narratives and work with coalition partners to advance equitable climate solutions in a key state.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team check-in to review progress on a campaign to pass a climate disclosure bill, followed by drafting a press release and coordinating with coalition partners. Afternoon could involve a strategy meeting with stakeholders and analyzing policy updates to adjust messaging, ending with reviewing budget reports to ensure contract deliverables are on track.

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🎯 Who Sunstone Strategies Is Looking For

  • 8+ years in communications, public affairs, or electoral campaigning with increasing responsibility in climate change, specifically in California.
  • Deep understanding of federal and state climate policy, including key players in the California climate/political community.
  • 5+ years successfully managing and leading diverse teams, with experience in campaign management and coalition building.
  • Excellent writing skills with ability to translate complex policy into compelling narratives for press releases, op-eds, and social media.

📝 Tips for Applying to Sunstone Strategies

1

Tailor your resume to highlight California-specific climate campaign experience and policy knowledge, using keywords like 'CA climate policy' and 'coalition building'.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name 1-2 California climate policies or campaigns you've worked on and how they align with Sunstone's mission of equitable policy.

3

Showcase team leadership examples with quantifiable outcomes (e.g., 'Led a team of 5 to pass AB 123, resulting in X% reduction in emissions').

4

Include writing samples that demonstrate ability to simplify complex climate issues for diverse audiences, such as op-eds or press releases.

5

Research Sunstone's recent campaigns (e.g., on their website or news) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with California climate policy and key players (e.g., state agencies, legislative leaders).', 'Highlight your track record of managing teams and delivering results on climate campaigns.', "Demonstrate your commitment to equity and justice in climate work, aligning with Sunstone's mission.", 'Show specific examples of drafting communications collateral (press releases, op-eds) that influenced policy outcomes.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Sunstone's website for their past campaigns, case studies, and client list to understand their work.
  • → Research recent California climate legislation (e.g., SB 253, SB 261) and key players like the CA Air Resources Board.
  • → Read news articles or op-eds by Sunstone leaders to grasp their communication style and areas of focus.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the California environmental justice movement and key organizations they partner with.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a communications strategy for a new California climate bill?
2 Describe a time you managed a diverse team through a challenging campaign—what was your leadership approach?
3 What are the key current climate policy debates in California, and who are the major stakeholders?
4 How do you ensure equity and justice are centered in campaign communications?
5 Walk us through how you would manage a campaign budget and ensure contract deliverables are met.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic applications that don't reference California-specific climate policy or campaigns.
  • Don't downplay team management experience—this role requires at least 5 years of leading diverse teams.
  • Avoid vague language about 'passion for climate'; instead, provide concrete examples of your work and its impact.

📅 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 Sunstone Strategies!

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