Head of Partnerships - State of Carbon Dioxide Removal

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the CDR institution building activities for the ground- breaking State of Carbon Dioxide Removal (SoCDR) initiative as it enters into a new phase. The SoCDR team is seeking an incisive and dynamic Head of Partnerships, to disseminate SoCDR messages at senior levels around the world and to establish a longer-term institutional structure for CDR tracking and capability building around the world.

Building on the insights and processes from the SoCDR project, the successful candidate will work with stakeholders to explore and refine the concept of an international carbon removal institution designed to accelerate responsible CDR through providing continued data and advice. Working closely with international organizations, governments, and others, the Head of Partnerships will play a pivotal role in shaping the future path of CDR.

Based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Head of Partnerships will be part of the SoCDR core team, alongside the Program Manager, Communications and Events Lead, and the Data Lead. The role holder will operate under the guidance and direction of the Executive Team, composed of members from the lead institutions: the University of Oxford, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the University of Maryland, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They will also identify, and work closely with, high-level policy champions in government and international organizations to move the agenda forward. The selected candidate would need to be willing to travel internationally regularly.

The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is emerging as a crucial and high-profile component of climate action. Yet until recently, data on CDR development was patchy and highly dispersed, making it hard for policymakers, investors, journalists and researchers to understand it and make informed decisions.

The State of CDR was created to solve this problem. Emerging as a collaboration among leading researchers around the world, the State of CDR aims to establish a reliable, independent, open and scientific assessment of the state of play.

The first edition of the State of CDR was published in January 2023, with the second following in June 2024. The reports have succeeded in estimating current global CDR deployment, and the gap between CDR proposed by countries and pathways to meet global climate goals. They have also quantified the development of CDR research, innovation and public perceptions. In generating this analysis, the initiative has created an international author community of over 50 experts, improved data availability through a new open-access data portal and set a new standard of communication through an innovative approach with expert editors and visual developers. All reports and data are freely available via the website https://www.stateofcdr.org.

The SoCDR project is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, ensuring that the key facets of CDR development continue to be monitored and disseminated, openly and reliably, to improve decision-making over the coming crucial decades. We will deliver this through an expanded team covering four activity streams - data collection and provision, report authoring, communications and engagement and institution building.

Responsibilities
- Research and develop a concept paper outlining the institutional needs for CDR data provision and capability building internationally, in consultation with the Executive Team.
- Identify and engage other individuals with the leadership, networks, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to drive the creation of new international organizations.
- Work collaboratively with these champions to promote the concept of a new institution globally, creating momentum for its formal establishment.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Mission Innovation, the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), national government officials, and other relevant actors to foster a collaborative, supportive dialogue.
- Design a sequence of workshops to convene these stakeholders, gather their feedback, and refine the concept in response to their inputs, with support from the Communications and Events Lead.
- Contribute to the development of a detailed roadmap and structure for an institution (or institutions) to meet these needs, specifying its responsibilities, governance model, and long-term resourcing requirements.
- Work towards securing initial financial commitments from core potential members (primarily governments), with the goal of achieving sustainable funding by the end of this phase of the project.
- Draft key materials to support engagement with potential funders and partners, including detailed proposals, briefing documents, and presentations, working with the Executive Team.

• 40% Evaluates existing strategies and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program enhancement
• 40% Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures
• 10% Plans and directs staff implementation of new and existing business outreach events, programs, communications, and research activities
• 5% Monitors portfolio activity and market share and disseminates updates to leadership and appropriate entities
• 5% Assists with implementing the unit personnel resource allocation plan including hiring, training, supervision, and resolution of personnel issues

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree

Required
Master's Degree
preferably in public policy, environmental science, engineering, or related field by the start date of the position

Required:
- Two years of experience in international policy, governance, or institutional development, particularly in areas related to carbon removal, climate mitigation, or renewable energy.
- Demonstrated potential to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives towards a shared goal, including securing engagement from senior representatives from governments and international organizations.
- Evidence of ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across countries, including agencies, governments, NGOs, and industry leaders.
- Demonstrated excellence with written and verbal communication skills (for example, experience in drafting concept papers, leading workshops, and presenting to senior decision-makers).

Preferred:
- Established network of contacts within the fields of climate or energy.
- Fluency in one or more languages beyond English; particularly Spanish, French, German, Mandarin or Arabic.

All requirements must be met by the position start date.

Full or Part Time: 50% - 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)
The typical starting salary for this position is $75,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background

Lili Gagliano
lili.gagliano@wisc.edu
608-890-4747
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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