How to apply for Program Manager

About Sunstone Strategies

Sunstone Strategies is a mission-driven climate campaigning firm that uses strategic communications to shape, pass, and implement equitable climate policies. Founded in 2018, its team brings decades of experience in issue communications, justice-oriented advocacy, and climate policy, working with diverse coalitions to secure policy wins. This is a place for someone who wants to work side-by-side with climate leaders and use communications as a tool for systemic change.

About the role

As a Program Manager, you will design and lead communications strategies for climate policy campaigns on behalf of coalitions and stakeholders, with a focus on federal and state clean energy and climate policy. You will manage multiple projects, coordinate with partners, and ensure that messaging and advocacy efforts advance equitable climate solutions. This role is central to Sunstone’s mission of undoing the social license of the fossil fuel industry and securing lasting policy change.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with coalition partners on messaging for an upcoming policy push, drafting and editing communications materials, and monitoring media coverage and political developments. You might also participate in strategy calls, manage timelines and deliverables for multiple campaigns, and ensure that equity and justice are centered in all communications. Some days may include travel to meet with stakeholders or attend events.

Who Sunstone Strategies is looking for

• Has a strong background in communications, PR, policy campaigns, and/or public affairs, with experience designing and leading communications strategies for social change.
• Is deeply knowledgeable about federal and state clean energy and climate policy politics, and is passionate about undoing the social license of the fossil fuel industry.
• Is an exceedingly competent self-starter with strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple campaigns and work effectively with diverse coalitions and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional development and embodies a justice-oriented, collaborative approach to climate advocacy.

Tips for this application

• Upload your cover letter and resume as a single file—applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Sunstone’s mission of undoing the social license of the fossil fuel industry and advancing equitable climate policies.
• Highlight specific examples of communications strategies you have designed and led for social change, especially in climate or energy policy contexts.
• Demonstrate familiarity with federal and state clean energy and climate policy landscapes, and mention any relevant campaigns or coalitions you have worked with.
• Emphasize your ability to work remotely and willingness to travel occasionally, as the role is fully remote with some travel required.

What to cover in your cover letter

Your cover letter should emphasize: (1) your passion for climate policy and communications, specifically your interest in undoing the fossil fuel industry’s social license; (2) concrete examples of communications strategies you have designed and led for social change, ideally in climate or energy policy; (3) your experience working with diverse coalitions and stakeholders to advance policy; and (4) your fit for a remote, mission-driven team that values self-starters with strong attention to detail.

Research before applying

• Explore Sunstone Strategies’ website and any published case studies or campaign examples to understand their communications approach and policy focus areas.
• Research recent federal and state clean energy and climate policy developments, especially those related to equitable implementation and fossil fuel opposition.
• Look into the backgrounds of Sunstone’s staff and founders to understand their expertise and the types of coalitions they work with.
• Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'social license' for the fossil fuel industry and how communications strategies can challenge it.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a communications strategy to advance a federal clean energy policy while addressing equity concerns?
• Describe a time you led a communications campaign for a climate or social change initiative. What was your approach and what results did you achieve?
• What do you see as the biggest challenges in undoing the social license of the fossil fuel industry, and how would you use communications to address them?
• How do you manage multiple campaigns and stakeholders with competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail?
• Why are you interested in working at Sunstone Strategies specifically, and how does your background align with our mission and approach?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting an application without a cover letter—this is an automatic disqualification.
• Writing a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention Sunstone’s mission or the specific focus on undoing the fossil fuel industry’s social license.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of past communications or campaign work, or not connecting your experience to climate policy and equitable outcomes.