Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Data & AI Strategy

at Clean Air Task Force

🏢 About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit with a pragmatic, non-ideological approach to climate change, focusing on rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies. With 30 years of policy expertise and a global team, CATF is committed to exploring all potential solutions, making it a unique place for those who want to drive real-world impact.

About This Role

As Senior Manager, Data & AI Strategy, you will lead CATF's efforts to leverage data and AI to enhance decision-making and climate impact. You'll work across all functions to identify opportunities, strengthen data practices, and responsibly adopt new tools, directly contributing to CATF's mission of scaling climate solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with program leads to understand their data needs, analyzing current data practices, and developing a roadmap for AI adoption. You could also be drafting guidelines for responsible AI use, collaborating with IT on infrastructure, and presenting progress to leadership, all while working remotely with a global team.

🎯 Who Clean Air Task Force Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in developing and implementing data and AI strategies in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
  • Strong understanding of data governance, AI ethics, and responsible AI adoption, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience partnering with cross-functional teams (programs, advocacy, development, etc.) to drive change.
  • Strategic thinker with a track record of leading initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Tips for Applying to Clean Air Task Force

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in data strategy, AI implementation, and cross-functional collaboration, using metrics where possible.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to CATF's mission and the role's focus on organizational effectiveness, not just technical skills.

3

Research CATF's current projects and publications on data and technology to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge.

4

Since it's a remote role, emphasize your ability to work effectively in a distributed team and your experience with virtual collaboration tools.

5

Highlight any experience with change management or fostering a data-driven culture, as this is key to the role.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for climate change and how your data/AI skills can specifically amplify CATF's impact.", 'Your experience in developing data/AI strategies that have improved organizational decision-making or efficiency.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.', "Your alignment with CATF's pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and commitment to exploring all potential climate solutions."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review CATF's website, particularly their 'About Us' and 'Our Approach' sections, to understand their strategic priorities and technology focus areas.
  • Read recent CATF reports or blog posts on topics like carbon capture, hydrogen, or advanced nuclear to see how data might play a role.
  • Look into CATF's org structure and any public information about their use of technology or data (e.g., job postings, news articles).
  • Follow CATF on social media and check their LinkedIn page for recent updates and insights into their culture and work.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess CATF's current data maturity and what would be your first steps to develop a data and AI strategy?
2 Describe a time you successfully implemented an AI or data initiative in a complex organization. What were the challenges and outcomes?
3 How do you ensure responsible and ethical use of AI, especially in a nonprofit context?
4 How would you build buy-in from program staff who may be skeptical of AI or data-driven approaches?
5 What are some emerging AI technologies that could be relevant to climate advocacy, and how would you evaluate their potential for CATF?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference CATF's specific mission or this role's unique responsibilities.
  • Don't overlook the 'Organizational Effectiveness' context; focus on how you can improve operations, not just on technical data science.
  • Avoid emphasizing profit-driven goals; highlight how your work benefits mission-driven outcomes and social 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 Clean Air Task Force!