ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY 

Established in 2015 by Bill Gates and a coalition of private investors concerned about the impacts of accelerating climate change, Breakthrough Energy supports the innovations that will lead the world to net-zero emissions. We are building on the proven model of public-private partnerships that Gates has already used to transform health, education, and public welfare around the world. Breakthrough Energy is a network of entities and initiatives, including investment funds, nonprofit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts linked by a common commitment to scale the technologies we need to achieve a path to net zero emissions by 2050. We are encouraging the development of new net-zero energy technologies, championing policies that speed innovation from lab to market, and bringing together governments, research institutions, private companies, and investors to expand and enhance clean-energy investment. 

Breakthrough Energy embraces diversity and recognize our responsibility to provide a diverse and inclusive work environment. We value the benefits that arise from a diverse organization and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employees of all backgrounds can collaboratively work and serve Breakthrough Energy’s mission. This is extended to all areas of the employee lifecycle and experience, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotions, career development programs, and benefits. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. 

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

Reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 means transforming our entire physical economy, and that will require accelerating the innovation pipeline at an unprecedented pace. We have to invest heavily now to bring down the costs of critical clean technologies. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst aims to help bridge funding gaps to launch commercial stage demonstration projects by bringing together stakeholders – developers, buyers, and financiers – to increase the availability and scale of low-carbon technologies. In doing so, we seek to reduce the green premium and displace fossil-based technologies in favor of cost effective, climate positive alternatives.

Breakthrough Energy is seeking an Associate to join as a key member of the Catalyst Project Finance team. The position will be responsible for managing investment due diligence, structuring complex transactions, and supporting program strategy, design, and execution. This role will require the ability to manage multiple deadlines, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, develop, and manage the investment diligence and approval process, and help expand the reach and scope of the team’s projects and goals. This position will serve as a liaison to other Breakthrough Energy programs to help coordinate cross cutting collaboration and partnership opportunities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Create project finance models for internal and external parties to evaluate climate technology projects during various stages of development, construction, and operation (including construction financing, tax equity, and sponsor equity)
• Support the commercial due diligence process for potential investment opportunities, including coordinating with third party advisors and internal Catalyst team members
• Develop investment profiles, committee approval memos, and financial and climate impact analyses
• Support the development of our Emerging Climate Technologies Framework to quantify the impact of funding and investment into emerging climate technologies, including long term emissions reductions
• Support investment closing process, including coordinating reviews and approvals across multi-functional teams, to bring the transaction to financial close under tight timeframes
• Coordinate with technology and project developers to inform Breakthrough Energy’s investment decisions
• Coordinate with key internal stakeholders to ensure proper project management and maintain key milestones
• Set up systems and files to ensure that all project and program information is appropriately documented and tracked

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and experience in investment banking, energy, tax equity/equity investing, or management consulting with a preference of at least 2-3 years of relevant experience
• Experience building and maintaining financial models related to investment, financing, or development of infrastructure assets at the project company level a plus
• Familiarity with climate change, decarbonization technologies, climate policies, and key stakeholders required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Knowledge of green hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, direct air capture, and/or long duration energy storage is a plus
• Familiarity with energy project finance structuring and documentation, risk identification, and risk mitigation strategies a plus
• Experience creating marketing materials, including teasers, CIMs, and managing data rooms
• Must exhibit a high level of detail to avoid mistakes and provide accuracy
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, innovative, entrepreneurial environment
• Dependable and reliable, excellent at taking initiative, can work independently without close supervision, and be a supportive team member
• Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders
• Expertise in Excel and PowerPoint; proficient using MS Outlook and Word
• Bachelor’s degree required
• New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco Bay Area, or Seattle metro areas are preferred locations

Breakthrough Energy will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Craig Staples at craig@breakthroughenergy.org.