Geothermal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With 30 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world.

Superhot Rock (SHR) geothermal technology has the potential to provide abundant, affordable, carbon-free energy at a scale capable of supporting both economic development and deep decarbonization. CATF's Superhot Geothermal Program works across the innovation ecosystem to accelerate commercialization by advancing policy, supporting technology demonstration, strengthening market conditions, producing influential analysis, and building the international coalitions needed to bring next-generation geothermal technologies to scale.

As Program Director, you will lead CATF's global strategy for geothermal, working at the intersection of technology, policy, investment, and market development. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, build trusted partnerships across industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and civil society, and help identify opportunities where collective action can accelerate commercialization more effectively than individual efforts.

You will also serve as an important public voice for CATF while helping elevate the visibility and influence of technical experts across the program, ensuring CATF's impact extends far beyond a single individual.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape one of the world's most promising clean energy solutions while accelerating the deployment of clean, firm energy needed to support a growing, decarbonized global economy.

• Strategic Leadership & Vision - Develop and execute a long-term strategy for CATF's Geothermal Program, identifying emerging opportunities that accelerate commercialization and maximize climate impact.

• Program Development & Execution - Translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes through effective planning, project oversight, resource allocation, and delivery across a growing portfolio of initiatives.

• People Leadership & Capability Building - Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of staff and consultants while building organizational capabilities and supporting career growth across the program.

• Industry Coalition Building - Serve as a trusted convener and honest broker across industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and civil society, fostering collaboration among stakeholders with diverse interests.

• Commercialization & Market Acceleration - Advance the policies, financing mechanisms, market conditions, and technical collaborations needed to move next-generation geothermal technologies from demonstration to widespread deployment while addressing barriers such as permitting, workforce development, supply chains, standards, and testing infrastructure.

• Thought Leadership & Public Influence - Represent CATF through executive briefings, conference presentations, media engagement, publications, congressional testimony, and participation in major domestic and international forums while elevating the visibility and influence of the program's technical experts.

• International Partnership Development - Cultivate strategic relationships with governments, investors, multilateral institutions, research organizations, and international partners to accelerate global commercialization and deployment efforts.

• Fundraising & Organizational Stewardship - Partner with CATF's Development, Finance, and Operations teams to secure philanthropic support, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and ensure strong operational execution across the program.

You are a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who thrives in building new initiatives, navigating ambiguity, and turning bold ideas into measurable results. You bring strong judgment, technical credibility, and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups while aligning people around a shared vision.

You are equally comfortable influencing senior decision-makers, developing high-performing teams, and translating complex topics into practical, compelling solutions. Above all, you are motivated by CATF's mission to advance climate solutions in a high-energy world.

• Master's degree or higher in business, energy systems, energy policy, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in business development, policy development, technology development, energy innovation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives within industry, government, nonprofit, academic, research, or other mission-driven environments.
• At least 3 years of people management experience, including developing and supporting high-performing teams.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving outcomes through influence as well as formal authority.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships across industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and civil society.
• Exceptional written, verbal, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex technical topics for non-technical audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead effectively in evolving and ambiguous environments.
• Ability to collaborate successfully in a virtual work environment and travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.

• Experience developing, drilling, constructing, operating, commercializing geothermal energy projects or closely related subsurface energy projects where equivalent expertise is directly transferable (e.g., oil and gas).
• Firsthand understanding of the technical, commercial, and operational challenges associated with bringing geothermal projects from concept to execution or comparable experience delivering complex subsurface energy projects.
• Experience raising philanthropic funding and managing multimillion-dollar program budgets.
• Familiarity with international energy policy, clean energy markets, or multilateral climate and energy initiatives.
• Experience working across regions and stakeholder groups to advance complex technology commercialization efforts

Build the future of clean, firm energy while helping accelerate one of the most promising climate technologies from innovation to global impact.

• A mission-driven role supporting the commercialization and global deployment of next-generation geothermal energy technologies.
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration across CATF's Clean Power, Policy, Markets, Development, Communications, and international program teams, as well as leading external stakeholders around the world.
• A collaborative and intellectually curious culture where diverse perspectives are valued and bold, practical solutions to climate change are encouraged.
• A flexible remote working environment within a global organization operating across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and international forums.
• For U.S.-based candidates, the expected salary range for this position is $200,000 - $225,000 USD annually. CATF hires globally, and compensation for employees outside the United States will be determined using country-specific salary structures and paid in local currency. In all cases, final compensation is based on relevant experience, alignment with the role's requirements, geographic location, and internal equity considerations.
• An excellent benefits package that supports the health, wellbeing, and financial security of our employees.
• Benefits aligned to your country of employment.

If you've made it this far, you should go ahead and apply. You don't need to meet every requirement to be a strong candidate. If this role aligns with how you like to work and the kind of impact you want to have, we encourage you to submit your application.

Clean Air Task Force is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.