Funding Research Specialist

ABOUT CFS

Climate Finance Solutions (CFS) is a global consultancy that helps companies and organizations secure large-scale grant funding to develop and scale their high-impact climate solutions. The CFS team has a strong track record of success, having secured over $800 million in grant funding for its clients. CFS is mission-driven, aiming to provide equitable access to the climate funding ecosystem. It is focused on supporting high-impact, climate-related ventures, and training and growing high-potential hires to develop the next class of leaders in climate.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

This position has significant growth potential, and will provide the candidate a unique opportunity to leverage their proven grant management skills to help develop an ambitious venture in an under-resourced part of the climate industry. As detailed below, it is important for the applicant to not only have relevant experience and a strong skill set, but also to want to be part of a business that can deliver on this potential and fulfill the vision of CFS. To that end, the applicant should be mission-driven, a self-starter, and highly capable of executing not only the day-to-day duties, but also capable of driving impactful initiatives throughout the development of the CFS enterprise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• The Specialist is responsible for the essential beginning stages of the grants management lifecycle, namely identification and assessment of funders and funding opportunities
• The work consists of and requires deep engagement with and understanding of  the grant and non-dilutive funding ecosystem to compile, analyze, and curate opportunities that support the acceleration of climate solutions
• The Specialist will be the primary driver of CFS’ comprehensive Funding Ecosystem Map process, which is designed to identify the funding opportunities that have the highest probability of being successfully awarded and are most well-aligned with each individual client
• This work will be undertaken collaboratively with the Director of Funding Research, other members of the Funding Research Team, CFS clients, funders, and ecosystem partners
• This position will also be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines to streamline and improve the Ecosystem Map process and other CFS initiatives
• The Specialist will manage crucial tools in the Ecosystem Mapping process, including databases (e.g., Airtable), project management platforms (e.g., Asana), and custom Interactive Funding Pipelines

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) required; graduate degree preferred. Research administration certificate preferred
• At least 1-3 years of experience in grants identification, grant writing, grant management, research administration and/or research compliance
• At least 1-3 years of experience with quantitative or qualitative research, or other systematic investigation processes
• Extraordinary attention to detail, as well as excellent writing, communication, organization, and execution skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to write and/or speak comfortably with individuals in all roles, including executives, staff, and scientists. People management experience is preferred
• Desire to learn with evidence of problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills
• Ability to work on multiple deadline-driven projects while producing high-quality output
• Experience in climate, energy, and/or life sciences and grants across multiple sectors preferred
• Database management experience preferred
• At least one favorite animal purrfurred
  

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY

Climate Finance Solutions values diversity and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment. We firmly believe that a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential for addressing the complex challenges of climate change. We promote climate and social justice through our climate projects and within our own team. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities––including women/non-male folks, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, indigenous people, and people with disabilities––to apply to positions within the company. CFS is a member company of Empowering Diversity in Clean Tech (EDICT).

COMPENSATION: $40 - 80 per hour, commensurate with experience