Job Details

Director of Global Impact, WRI Polsky Energy Center

LeadershipWorldwide

To be considered, please apply directly to Arthan Careers who is managing this search for WRI: Director of Global Impact, WRI Polsky Energy Center (L9) - Arthan | Career Page. Applications submitted on the WRI career page will not be considered.

This is a hybrid position requiring 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in the US, UK, Netherlands, or India. Existing work authorization is required at application submission, as WRI cannot sponsor visas. US applicants must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition

The WRI Polsky Center delivers pragmatic, scalable solutions for a clean, abundant, affordable, and reliable energy future. It collaborates with governments, utilities, companies, financial institutions, and civil society to modernize grids, unlock financing, source critical minerals responsibly, and build a future-ready workforce. Our approach combines expert research, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging WRI's global presence to:

• Generate evidence-based analyses on barriers and solutions.
• Engage influential actors to co-create and implement solutions.
• Leverage WRI's global reach and expertise on land use, oceans, urban development, climate, economics, finance, and governance.

About WRI

Founded in 1982, WRI is a nonprofit global research organization addressing critical environmental and development challenges across seven focus areas. With over 1,800 staff in 60 countries, WRI delivers high-quality research and collaborates with leaders to create impactful solutions.

About the Role

The Global Director of Impact for the Energy Program will oversee global delivery, stakeholder engagement, research, and program implementation to ensure alignment with WRI's goals and maximize impact. This high-visibility role involves leading the Impact and Delivery team, including 4-5 senior leaders, and participating in the WRI Polsky Energy Center Global Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive impact on energy transition globally.
• Lead research, engagement, communications, and PMEL teams.
• Support annual planning, funder reporting, and budgeting.
• Manage strategic partnerships with external organizations.
• Ensure effective leadership and talent management.
• Monitor and report on strategy milestones and outcomes.
• Establish communication priorities and plans.
• Coordinate within global and country teams to ensure alignment.

Qualifications

• Master's in Economics, International Relations, Energy Policy, or MBA.
• At least 15 years of experience, including 5+ years managing high-impact teams internationally.
• Expertise in energy transitions, climate policy, negotiations, with experience in developing countries preferred.
• Leadership experience in strategy, resourcing, and operations.
• Strong interpersonal and influential skills at executive levels.
• Systems thinking, fundraising, and budget management experience.
• Willingness to travel internationally (~30%).
• Entrepreneurial, data-driven, emotionally intelligent, and culturally adept.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $164,000 - $197,000, commensurate with experience. WRI offers a competitive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plan, and flexible work arrangements.

What We Offer

• Access to WRI's global network and learning opportunities.
• Impactful work with career development prospects.
• Work-life balance through flexible hybrid work model.
• Medical, dental, vision coverage, and retirement benefits.

*WRI is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or other protected statuses.*