Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Program Manager, Industry
at ClimateWorks Foundation
🏢 About ClimateWorks Foundation
ClimateWorks Foundation is a unique philanthropic organization that amplifies the power of funders to combat global climate change. With a focus on strategic grantmaking and systems change, it offers the opportunity to work at the nexus of policy, industry, and philanthropy. If you are passionate about driving real-world impact through collaboration and innovation, ClimateWorks provides a platform to influence global climate action.
About This Role
As Senior Program Manager for Industry, you will lead grantmaking and strategy for decarbonizing the iron and steel sector and enabling energy infrastructure. This role is impactful because heavy industry is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, and your work will directly accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions by coordinating funders, grantees, and industry stakeholders. You will shape multi-year plans and build relationships that drive systemic change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Hub team to align on priorities, followed by reviewing grant proposals or conducting site visits with potential grantees via video calls. You could then meet with funders to discuss co-investment opportunities or join a webinar on emerging steel decarbonization technologies. Afternoons might involve strategic planning, analyzing progress metrics, or drafting a memo for senior leadership on ecosystem coordination.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who ClimateWorks Foundation Is Looking For
- 8-12 years of experience in program management, with a focus on climate, energy, or industrial decarbonization, and a proven track record of leading complex, cross-organizational initiatives.
- Deep technical expertise in iron and steel decarbonization, including knowledge of technologies like green hydrogen, direct reduction, and carbon capture, as well as understanding of policy and market dynamics.
- Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders from philanthropy, government, and industry, fostering trust and alignment.
- Strategic thinker who can operate autonomously, prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and translate high-level goals into actionable grantmaking plans.
📝 Tips for Applying to ClimateWorks Foundation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with industrial decarbonization, especially in iron and steel, and quantify your impact (e.g., 'Led $10M grant portfolio that reduced emissions by X tons').
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your technical knowledge of steel decarbonization technologies to ClimateWorks’ mission and the Hub’s goals.
Showcase examples of building and managing senior-level relationships across sectors, such as with government officials or industry executives.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and independently by mentioning past experience in distributed teams and self-directed project management.
Research ClimateWorks’ current grantmaking areas and mention specific initiatives or partners you admire, showing you’ve done your homework.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your technical expertise in iron and steel decarbonization and how it aligns with the Hub’s strategic priorities.', 'Highlight your experience in leading large, multi-stakeholder programs and your ability to coordinate across philanthropic, governmental, and industry actors.', 'Convey your passion for climate philanthropy and your understanding of how strategic grantmaking can accelerate systemic change.', 'Mention your resourcefulness and ability to work with minimal supervision, providing a concrete example of a complex project you managed independently.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review ClimateWorks’ annual reports and strategy documents to understand their overall philanthropic approach and how the Industry Hub fits in.
- → Study the specific initiatives and partners they fund in the iron and steel space, such as the Steel Breakthrough or Mission Possible Partnership.
- → Familiarize yourself with key industry players and technologies (e.g., HYBRIT, Boston Metal) to speak knowledgeably during interviews.
- → Understand the landscape of climate philanthropy, including major funders and their priorities, to show you grasp the broader context.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t specifically address iron and steel or ClimateWorks’ philanthropic model.
- Overlooking the remote nature of the role—failing to demonstrate self-discipline and experience working asynchronously across time zones.
- Focusing too much on policy advocacy rather than grantmaking and program management, as this role is about funding and coordination, not direct advocacy.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to ClimateWorks Foundation!