Public Policy Manager

Join us at Gradient, where our purpose is to revolutionize home comfort while championing environmental sustainability. Our mission is to combat the escalating challenge of climate change by redefining how homes are heated and cooled. Today, the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems surpasses that of the entire transportation sector, and without intervention, this trend is set to escalate drastically. At Gradient, we believe that ensuring comfortable living spaces shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet. We envision a future where every individual can enjoy the luxury of a comfortable home without contributing to carbon emissions. Our high-efficiency, low-carbon heat pump is just the beginning of our journey toward fully decarbonizing buildings. By joining Gradient, you’ll be at the forefront of a movement to make sustainable living accessible to all, ensuring healthier communities and a brighter, greener future.

As a Public Policy Manager, you will be an instrumental member of the team in charting strategic opportunities, developing new governmental and community partnerships, and interfacing directly with federal, state, and local officials. You will join a team of visionaries seeking to quickly expand Gradient’s reach in a heavily outward facing and strategic role. Gradient’s products are uniquely well-suited to decarbonize the old multifamily buildings that are found in frontline and LMI communities, and you will play a critical role in ensuring (through government and utility policies) that the company’s products reach these communities.

This is a remote or hybrid role, with a preference for candidates located in Washington, DC, New York City, or Northern California.  Starting the role in a contract rather than full time basis may be an option if amenable to both the candidate and the company.

We are looking for….

Responsibilities: 

• Research, analyze, and unlock incentives for a new generation of residential comfort products 
• Drive refrigerant policy at federal, state and municipal levels to ensure that the next generation of refrigerants doesn't repeat the mistakes of CFCs and HFCs
• Build and execute a policy engagement strategy aimed at developing new opportunities directly with government and utility partners, creating the policy conditions necessary for broader company growth
• Keep abreast of and advise on important changes in regulatory and legislative matters in key venues (federal, target states and cities)
• Build and nurture relationships with government leaders, partners, businesses, organization and other prospective partners to carry out legislative strategy and strategic development
• Source, apply for, and manage government grants that support company business goals
• Collaborate with building decarbonization industry associations to remain aware and engaged on current initiatives and industry developments
• Track and communicate policy trends and regulatory proceedings to Gradient growth and product teams to inform commercial strategy and product design decisions

Desired Qualifications

• 7+ years of government relations or public policy experience within government agencies, utilities, the energy or cleantech domains, and/or relevant nonprofits, public interest groups, companies, or industry associations
• Familiarity with the history, recent progress, and future trends in energy efficiency and climate regulations (such as IRA/BIL, appliance standards, building codes, building performance standards, etc)
• Thorough understanding of energy efficiency regulatory constraints (such as cost-effectiveness criteria, fuel-switching policies, etc)
• Strong relationships within the energy efficiency community (including with regulators, utilities, consultants, REEOs, etc)
• Preference for some experience applying for and managing grant funding
• An analytical and strategic mindset with the ability to drive the company toward high-impact initiatives and efficient growth 
• Availability to travel up to 25% of the time depending on business needs

Benefits 

• Equity
• Medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance
• 401k (employee 
• Paid parental leave
• Professional Development Stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO 
• Relocation package ( out of state applicants only ) 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong because we believe that people do their best work when they can show up every day as their authentic selves. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Gradient is an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.