Join our Team as Managing Director of Policy and Research
About SEEC Institute
Founded in 2024, SEEC Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to accelerating practical, ambitious solutions to climate and environmental challenges by strengthening connections between Congress, the private sector, researchers, advocates, and other key stakeholders.
The Institute works across four core pillars: policy development, convenings and events, congressional travel and international engagement, and staff professional development. Rather than operating as a traditional think tank or advocacy organization, SEEC Institute focuses on building practical policy infrastructure, trusted relationships, and cross-sector collaboration that help Members of Congress and congressional staff navigate complex policy challenges and advance meaningful environmental progress.
Position Overview
The Managing Director of Policy and Research will lead and shape SEEC Institute’s domestic policy and research strategy while overseeing the Institute’s broader policy portfolio, including coordination with international programming and policy work, which is led by the Director of International Policy.
This is a senior strategic role focused on helping define what effective congressional-facing climate and environmental policy infrastructure can look like in practice. The Managing Director will help guide the next phase of SEEC Institute’s policy work by developing high-impact initiatives, managing research and policy projects, overseeing consultants and working groups, and ensuring the Institute remains responsive to the evolving needs of our key stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is intellectually broad, strategically grounded, operationally capable, and deeply familiar with how Congress actually functions. They should understand both the opportunities and limitations facing congressional offices and be able to design policy initiatives, convenings, working groups, and resources that are useful.
This role is not centered on producing white papers for their own sake or engaging in advocacy campaigns. Instead, the Institute’s policy work focuses on practical tools, collaborative problem-solving, relationship-building, congressional education, and cross-sector engagement that help advance pragmatic and constructive ideas and policy conversations.
The Managing Director of Policy and Research will report directly to the Executive Director and supervise the Director of International Policy, along with outside consultants and research vendors.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Leadership
Help define and execute SEEC Institute’s long-term policy and research strategy across domestic and international issue areas, in conjunction with the Director of International Policy
Identify opportunities where SEEC Institute is uniquely positioned to provide value within the climate and environmental policy ecosystem.
Develop policy initiatives and collaborative structures that strengthen Congress’s ability to engage proactively with climate and environmental challenges.
Help shape the Institute’s next iteration of domestic policy work and stakeholder engagement following the conclusion of current flagship initiatives.
Team Leadership and Management
Supervise and support the Director of International Policy and help ensure strong coordination between domestic and international policy work, as well as SEEC Institute’s other activities.
Manage and mentor additional policy staff, interns, fellows, or temporary team members as appropriate.
Provide day-to-day management, prioritization, and guidance across the Institute’s policy and research workstreams.
Help create clear structures, timelines, and accountability systems that allow projects and initiatives to move efficiently from concept to execution.
Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and solutions-oriented team culture.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support
Maintain strong relationships with relevant congressional and non-governmental stakeholders.
Help design and oversee policy resources, congressional education initiatives, and staff support tools.
Serve as a strategic thought partner to congressional and other stakeholder offices navigating emerging policy challenges and opportunities.
Ensure SEEC Institute’s policy work remains educational, practical, responsive, nonpartisan, and useful.
Working Groups, Convenings, and Programming
Design and oversee cross-sector working groups and collaborative initiatives bringing together Congress, academia, industry, nonprofits, and other stakeholders.
Help expand and replicate successful SEEC Institute models for policy collaboration and expert engagement.
Support policy-focused convenings, retreats, trainings, and professional development initiatives for staff and partners.
Work collaboratively across the Institute’s travel, events, policy, and professional development pillars.
Research and Project Management
Oversee research projects, consultants, and external partners across a broad range of climate and environmental policy topics.
Ensure research outputs and policy initiatives are strategically aligned, actionable, creative, and responsive to stakeholder needs.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and workstreams while maintaining strong organizational discipline and follow-through.
Help prioritize organizational resources and policy opportunities for maximum strategic impact.
Organizational Leadership and External Engagement
Help strengthen SEEC Institute’s reputation and credibility across Congress, academia, philanthropy, civil society, and the private sector.
Represent the Institute in meetings, convenings, and external discussions as appropriate.
Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture and support broader Institute priorities as needed in a small-team environment.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Significant professional experience in climate, energy, environmental, or related public policy work.
Strong understanding of Congress and the legislative process, particularly congressional staffing structures and institutional dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multiple competing priorities simultaneously.
Experience managing research projects, consultants, working groups, or cross-sector collaborations.
Excellent judgment, communication skills, and relationship-management abilities.
Strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to connect policy work to institutional and organizational goals.
Ability to work independently while maintaining close coordination with colleagues and partners.
Commitment to collaborative, nonpartisan, solutions-oriented work.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in Congress, particularly in a senior House or Senate policy role.
Existing relationships with congressional offices, policy organizations, researchers, industry stakeholders, and environmental or energy leaders.
Experience designing or managing convenings, policy collaboratives, fellowship programs, or congressional education initiatives.
Familiarity with both domestic and international climate and environmental policy landscapes.
Compensation and Work Environment
This is a hybrid position based in Washington, D.C., with regular in-person meetings, events, and congressional engagement expected. Some domestic and international travel may be required.
Salary for this position is expected to be $160,000- $180,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. SEEC Institute also offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits, and generous paid time off.
To Apply
To apply please send an email with one pdf attachment containing a resume and cover letter to info@seecinstitute.org with the subject ‘Your Name- Managing Director of Policy and Research Application.’ Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
SEEC Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.