About ClearPath, Inc

ClearPath’s mission is to accelerate American innovation to reduce global energy emissions. To advance that mission, we develop cutting-edge policy solutions in the areas of clean power, advanced manufacturing, and carbon innovation. An entrepreneurial, strategic nonprofit, ClearPath (501(c)(3)), collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders on innovations in nuclear energy, carbon capture, hydropower, natural gas, geothermal, energy storage, critical minerals, and heavy industry to enable private-sector deployment of critical technologies. Started in 2014 by entrepreneur Jay Faison, ClearPath engages in the direct education of policymakers within the White House, Congress, Executive Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior, and regulators.

ClearPath team members believe in small government, free markets, and American entrepreneurship. Those principles form the basis for how the team analyzes proposed clean energy and climate policy.

ClearPath Values:

• Teamwork: We empower each other to accomplish our shared mission.
• Purpose: We believe the principles of limited government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility are essential to achieving our mission.
• Ownership: We empower teammates to visibly own and achieve goals.
• Adaptability: We are open to new, complex ideas and test our assumptions to lead change and advance our mission.
• Curiosity: We have a proactive desire to learn, grow, and improve ourselves, our ideas, and our mission in a thoughtful and focused way.
• Credibility: We agree that being trustworthy and believable is everything for building and maintaining influence.

Job Summary

The Program Director for Agricultural innovation will join ClearPath’s policy team, contributing to the development of organizational positions and recommendations across a portfolio focused on agricultural technology innovation, expanding and improving conservation, and USDA modernization policy. This role will support ClearPath’s efforts to advance federal policies that scale the tools and technologies needed to maintain U.S. competitiveness in agricultural productivity and enhance rural prosperity.

The portfolio includes policies to maximize productivity by creating solutions to on-farm challenges, including animal diseases, pests, and weather conditions, support permitting and regulatory improvements, and foster private-sector deployment with financial incentives. This team member will write and track legislation, lead stakeholder engagement, and communicate ClearPath’s recommendations to policymakers and industry partners. This team member will also be responsible for leading and expanding ClearPath’s Conservative Agricultural Innovation Coalition, whose goal is to make American agricultural innovation a top priority for conservative stakeholders and elevate policy opportunities in Washington through farmer and industry insights, coordinated advocacy and a strong and unified conservative voice.

This position reports directly to ClearPath’s Head of Policy.

Job Description

Research & Analysis:

• Independently own and manage ClearPath’s policy portfolio on agricultural innovation;
• Provide high-level, quick, and in-depth analysis of research, policy and industry trends;
• Produce concise research insights and written products pertaining to legislative, regulatory and innovation activities across the federal government;
• Leverage subject matter expertise and network to inform research priorities;
• Support rapid response initiatives when questions arise on Capitol Hill; and
• Develop educational materials and events for Capitol Hill.

Strategic Thinking & Execution:

• Independently follow existing organization and team strategy and develop new strategies to implement organization-wide goals;
• Prioritize, execute and raise the visibility of ClearPath’s agriculture policy agenda. This includes identifying the "white space" and leveraging it as an opportunity for growth;
• Independently identify policy opportunities and help develop strategies alongside ClearPath Government Relations team for advocacy;
• Exhibit superb critical thinking and problem-solving skills; they will have a proven ability to grasp “big picture” concepts as well as granular complexities;
• Help develop and manage an agriculture focused program budget, make recommendations for sector based philanthropic prospects, grants and contracts;
• Build teams of subject matter experts, both internally and externally to advance ClearPath agriculture priorities; and
• Manage Policy Managers, Policy Advisors, Fellows, and Interns to advance projects within the agriculture innovation portfolio.

Communications, Relationship Building & Influencing:

• Lead ClearPath’s conservative Ag Innovation Coalition, manage relationships with ClearPath’s agriculture consultants, and recruit aligned members.
• Communicate and help others communicate complex ideas clearly, simply and convincingly, internally and externally to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• Publish “thought leadership” (i.e. blogs, white papers, op-eds) while speaking on the record with reports or at public events to elevate conservative ambition for agricultural innovation;
• Build new relationships with USDA, DOI, DOD, and DOE to educate on our agricultural innovation priorities;
• Attract, cultivate, and manage collaborative relationships with key stakeholders; represent ClearPath externally in a credible manner and with ease; and
• Lead rapid response initiatives when questions arise on Capitol Hill and the Administration about ClearPath’s issues.

Capabilities

• Strategic Thinking – exhibit ability to develop and help drive a shared understanding of a long-term vision.
• Communication – generate a shared commitment to the organization, build morale, and encourage ownership of mission, goals, and values.
• Managing Innovation – create opportunities by fostering an environment open to new or radical alternatives to traditional methods, approaches, and products.
• Business Acumen – make sound business decisions based on a strong understanding of the company’s mission, strategic goals, and relevant policies, as well as best practices in one’s own discipline or functional area.
• Fact–Based Management – view the organization as an open system, synthesize information from diverse sources, come to conclusions, and make decisions that are rational and based on sound evidence.
• Driving Results – motivate individuals to achieve and exceed goals by establishing accountabilities, clarifying performance expectations, agreeing to high standards and measures, monitoring and reviewing performance, and providing timely and relevant feedback.
• Planning and Priority Setting – identify the priorities, processes, and practical actions that are necessary to achieve an objective or realize an idea.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, and/or PhD with a science or applied science degree (engineering, geology, environmental science, etc.) or a related field (agriculture, environmental or energy policy, etc.).
• 10 years of experience in a highly related field - clean energy industry, economics, finance, and/or policy experience.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Comfort with technology and ability to quickly learn new systems.
• A professional and personal commitment to ClearPath's mission and values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior extensive (10+ years) of experience working with American agriculture groups, technology developers, farm groups, and the USDA.
• Familiarity with key agricultural stakeholders in Congress, including the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Compensation + Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay you contribute
• No vacation policy - take what you need whenever workflow and coverage allows, with manager approval
• Fully stocked office kitchen in newly renovated office on Capitol Hill

At ClearPath, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe our team is the key to making an impact and fulfilling our mission. ClearPath is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To Apply

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