How to apply for Senior Director, Complex Systems

About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a pragmatic, non-ideological climate advocacy group with 30 years of expertise in exploring all potential solutions to climate change, from low-carbon energy to climate-protecting technologies. Unlike many environmental organizations, CATF embraces a technology-inclusive approach and has a global reach with offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, plus virtual staff worldwide. Working here means joining a fiercely committed team that prioritizes rapid deployment of solutions over dogma, offering a unique opportunity to drive real-world impact.

About the role

As Senior Director, Complex Systems, you will lead CATF's Complex Systems portfolio, which integrates the Land, Transportation, and Industry programs—three critical areas that are difficult to decarbonize due to interconnected policy, technology, finance, infrastructure, and market challenges. Reporting to the Chief of Programs & Advocacy and serving on the Impact Leaders Group, you will set a cohesive portfolio strategy while preserving each program's mission and expertise, direct resources, strengthen program effectiveness, and expand CATF's influence across regions. This role is pivotal in translating systems-level strategy into actionable initiatives that address major sources of climate pollution.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with program directors to align on cross-cutting initiatives, reviewing policy briefs, and strategizing with the Chief of Programs & Advocacy on resource allocation. You could also represent CATF in an external coalition call, mentor staff on systems thinking, and analyze emerging trends in one of the sectors to inform portfolio strategy—all while working remotely and coordinating across time zones.

Who Clean Air Task Force is looking for

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs in climate, energy, or environmental policy, with a track record of developing and executing systems-level strategies.
• Deep understanding of at least two of the three sectors (Land, Transportation, Industry) and the ability to integrate diverse missions into a cohesive portfolio while respecting subject-matter expertise.
• Strong strategic thinking and resource allocation skills, with experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, VP) in a nonprofit, think tank, or advocacy organization.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities to represent CATF externally, build partnerships, and advocate for pragmatic climate solutions across regions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in at least two of the three sectors (Land, Transportation, Industry) and explicitly connect them to systems-level thinking in your resume and cover letter.
• Demonstrate familiarity with CATF's pragmatic, non-ideological approach by referencing specific CATF reports, initiatives, or policy wins in your application materials.
• Emphasize any experience managing remote teams or working in a virtual environment, as CATF has staff working virtually around the world.
• Use the cover letter to articulate a clear vision for how you would integrate the three programs while preserving their distinct missions—show you understand the tension between cohesion and autonomy.
• If you have experience in advocacy or policy influencing, quantify outcomes (e.g., policies changed, coalitions built) to show your ability to expand influence across regions.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your strategic approach to integrating Land, Transportation, and Industry programs into a cohesive portfolio without diluting their individual missions.', 'Specific examples of how you have led complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that required balancing policy, technology, finance, and market considerations.', "Your alignment with CATF's pragmatic, technology-inclusive philosophy and commitment to exploring all solutions—avoid ideological language.", "How you would leverage CATF's global presence and virtual workforce to expand influence and drive impact in key regions."]

Research before applying

• Read CATF's recent publications and annual reports to understand their current strategy, key initiatives, and positions on issues like carbon capture, hydrogen, and advanced nuclear.
• Familiarize yourself with the leadership team, especially the Chief of Programs & Advocacy and the Impact Leaders Group, to understand the organizational structure and who you'd be working with.
• Research the specific challenges and opportunities in the Land, Transportation, and Industry sectors, including major policy developments (e.g., IRA, EU Green Deal) and technology trends.
• Explore CATF's global footprint and regional strategies to identify where the Complex Systems portfolio could expand influence, and come prepared with ideas.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach setting a cohesive strategy for the Complex Systems portfolio while ensuring each program retains its unique mission and expertise?
• Describe a time you had to allocate limited resources across competing priorities—what framework did you use and what was the outcome?
• CATF is non-ideological and explores all solutions; how would you navigate potential disagreements within the team or with external partners about controversial technologies?
• What experience do you have in influencing policy or markets across different regions, and how would you expand CATF's impact in new geographies?
• How would you measure the success of the Complex Systems portfolio beyond traditional metrics, considering the interconnected nature of these sectors?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being overly ideological or dismissive of certain technologies—CATF values pragmatism and exploring all solutions, so avoid language that suggests a narrow agenda.
• Focusing too much on one sector (e.g., only transportation) without demonstrating the ability to integrate across Land, Industry, and Transportation.
• Neglecting to mention remote leadership experience—CATF is a virtual-first organization, so failing to show comfort with managing distributed teams is a red flag.