Job Description
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: The Connected Grid Initiative (CGI) is a multi-funder collaborative and field catalyst working to advance electric transmission solutions for the future. CGI exists to unlock U.S. grid capacity and enable the deployment of clean power at scale for a stronger, more reliable, and more affordable grid for all Americans. CGI’s theory of change focuses on overcoming critical barriers to transmission development by supporting transmission advocates at the federal level and across all regions of the country to accelerate transmission planning, paying, permitting and development. In less than 3 years since CGI’s inception, CGI has built a substantial grantee network consisting of more than 90 partners including both national and local organizations with varying specializations. CGI is supported by more than a dozen key philanthropies and individuals with a shared mission: to unlock U.S. electric transmission solutions and expand grid capacity for the benefit of all Americans. THE OPPORTUNITY: The CGI Program Manager would play a lead role in developing and executing grantmaking strategies to advance CGI’s goal of expanding electric transmission infrastructure at the scale and pace to service pressing national needs. They would also serve as ambassadors for CGI in building and resourcing a network of philanthropic partners, advocates, and policy leaders who advocate for solutions to transmission challenges. Key responsibilities include strategy development, grant sourcing and diligence, grantee relationship management, and supporting impact evaluation and reporting. The CGI Program Manager will join a program team consisting of the CGI Deputy Director and three other Program Officers. The position will report to CGI’s Deputy Director and work closely with the entire CGI team. The CGI Program Manager will lead the management of an existing initial portfolio of ~10 grantees across geographic regions, with particular focus in building authentic voices for right of center engagement. The CGI Program Manager will monitor, engage, and evaluate their grantee portfolio against organizational priorities and adjust funding and strategies as needed to maximize outcomes. The CGI Program Manager will also be responsible for guiding network coordination of strategic communications across the CGI ecosystem. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Grantmaking, Portfolio Management, and Relationship Development Develop, implement, and manage grantmaking strategies to advance transmission solutions across the country. This includes: Ownership of strategy, grantmaking, and grantee engagement of topical specialization(s), including coordination with and informing strategic implementation in other Program Officers’ regions Identify and address emerging needs and gaps in the field and source “best-fit” opportunities for CGI’s portfolio through consistent engagement with peer funders, partners, and grantees, including understanding the ecosystem of actors and advocates. Develop quarterly funding recommendations that are supported by thorough vetting and due diligence analyses for grantmaking opportunities that advance CGI’s goals, prepare materials for and make presentations to CGI’s Grants Committee to secure approvals for funding recommendations in accordance with CGI grantmaking processes. Align grantmaking with CGI metrics and goals and demonstrate progress towards meeting goals. Build and actively manage relationships with CGI current and prospective grantees to provide guidance, thought partnership, and connections across the transmission advocacy space. Bring big ideas that challenge the status quo and advance CGI’s mission. Maintain a high level of transmission expertise by staying up to date on recent transmission developments; be able to share insights, perspective, and thought leadership. Ecosystem Collaboration In partnership with grantee communicators and contractors, develop and implement a coordinated communications strategy for the CGI network across priority regions or campaigns Serve as the go-to communications resource for grantees — facilitating information sharing across the network and ensuring alignment around messaging, messenger, and timing Oversee strategy and prioritization of information available to grantees on CGI’s information hub platform — identify gaps in data or resources, and work with CGI Program Officers and grantees to develop needed content or tools Lead and coordinate a biweekly Communicators Working Group Zoom meeting with approximately 70 stakeholder attendees Lead and coordinate a monthly Transmission Taskforce Zoom meeting, including identifying and preparing speakers, communications with attendees, and ensuring inclusivity and participation of all relevant grantees and funders Monitor and track grantee external communications — flag and circulate relevant news and developments; develop and track metrics to measure the CGI network’s media footprint and overall communications impact Develop and maintain shared communications resources and collateral Communications Strategy & Storytelling Identify opportunities for grantee storytelling campaigns and strategic communications initiatives Ensure alignment across the ecosystem on key transmission messaging Participate in non-transmission communications efforts, ensuring transmission related work is integrated and showcased as appropriate Establish and manage a network speaker’s bureau and/or rapid response communications team Develop and maintain funder-facing materials — e.g. one-pagers, collateral in InDesign or Microsoft Office, quarterly newsletter development, support rapid response to funder requests Internal Collaboration, Reporting and Team Engagement Provide strategic input to development and implementation of program measurement and evaluation to inform CGI’s grantmaking strategies. Provide inputs into CGI reporting and evaluate performance of grantees to inform opportunities for further development and grantmaking and to deepen programmatic impact. Participate in quarterly in-person team meetings, annual grantee conferences, and funder gatherings. Utilization of organizational system tools, such as Salesforce, Zoom, and OneDrive, to enable coordinated, timely and transparent sharing of information. Willingness to travel up to 20%. Key Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for candidates with a post-graduate degree. 5+ years of experience working in energy, non-profit energy advocacy or philanthropy, consulting, transmission planning/development, or electricity policy. Demonstrated track record of planning and executing communications strategies, including earned media campaigns, and coordinated storytelling. Demonstrated ability to develop, present, and execute a cogent strategy. Strong research, writing, and analytical capabilities, including the ability to communicate complex issues concisely. Comfort working collaboratively across teams, partners, and external stakeholders — including grantees, funders, program staff — to align messaging and coordinate communications efforts. Strong ethical judgment, discretion, and commitment to consistency and brand integrity — capable of representing the organization and managing sensitive communications with care. Willingness to perform duties across all aspects of CGI’s grantmaking operations, as necessitated by a lean team; similarly, excitement to collaborate with and mutually support other aspects of CGI’s core mission including funder engagement. Experience with U.S. policy on electric power, transmission, and grid modernization is strongly desired. Ability to manage multiple priorities, campaigns, and deadlines simultaneously — strong project management, organization, and attention to detail. Familiarity with remote work tools and platforms — Teams, Zoom, social media platforms, and basic office software. Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working in a dynamic environment — able to respond to emerging opportunities, adjust priorities, and adapt strategic intervention accordingly alongside colleagues and partners. Strong writing, editing, and content development skills (newsletters, op-eds, talking points, web copy, social media or blog content) tailored to a variety of audiences. Workplace, Compensation & Application Workplace & Travel: This is a fully remote role. All team members work from home offices and typically travel up to 20% for in-person team meetings, grantee events, conferences, and industry events. Compensation: Multiplier provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary ($155,000 starting salary) based on experience and qualifications, excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy. Multiplier and CGI are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to [email protected]. Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy.