About Us

Driven by a passion to solve the climate crisis, The Sunrise Project U.S. is a team of experienced change-makers with a mission to scale social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. With affiliated programs and staff in Australia and Europe, we have developed a unique model of grant making and campaigning that supports networks of organizations to drive powerful change towards our mission.

We have a dynamic and nimble organisational culture. We’re serious about supporting our people to thrive as we tackle the urgent climate challenge.

We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives will help us build stronger strategies, teams and movements. We take the broadest possible view of diversity and encourage First Nations people, people of color, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. You can find out more here. 

Our vision is to have a more democratic, fair and just financial system that benefits the many and not the few. The overall goal of the Financial Regulation Program is to change the rules and structures of the financial system, including through regulation, to phase out carbon intensive financing and ensure monetary policy accelerates clean energy investment  in line with 1.5 degrees. The United States is a key and influential geography in achieving this goal. 

About The Role

This is a senior role that will develop policy proposals, in coordination with our networks, to support increased accountability, oversight and regulation of financial flows to fossil fuels in the U.S. The U.S. regulatory environment is complex and there are many challenges that this role will need to navigate. You will be required to build high level contacts and relationships with key agencies, institutions and collaborate closely with the rest of the network.

The role will track developments, scope new opportunities and work closely with our Strategy Director and Senior Strategists to ensure our interventions are as effective as possible.

This role will work with a growing coalition focused on driving U.S. federal policy and regulations through key institutions including Treasury, the Federal Reserve, the SEC and others. In addition to policy expertise, the ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge of effective campaign and advocacy strategy to achieve our regulatory goals. Ideally you will also bring a global perspective and be able to feed into global strategy and policy. 

About You

You’re deeply passionate about solving the climate crisis. You understand financial regulation but you’re driven by the desire to achieve impact, not to write the perfect policy. . You’re a big picture systems thinker who understands power and how a wide range of different organizations and strategies can combine to achieve large-scale system change. You also have networks and a deep understanding of how U.S. federal policy and key agencies operate.

You’re a strong facilitator, have a collaborative mindset and know what it takes to bring together networks to drive real world change. 

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant policy developments at the U.S. Treasury, Congress, Federal Reserve (Fed), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and other federal and state financial regulatory agencies in order to help design comprehensive strategies for shifting financial regulation to serve the green transition. 

• Identify political and policy processes and emerging issues and opportunities, work with the team to leverage these opportunities for impact.

• Write white papers, reports, letters, testimony, and comments on proposed rules., as well as compelling briefs and summaries of progress that can be used for internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage strategy execution across a wide variety of partners and allies and support coalition priorities.

• Build and maintain key relationships and partnerships to leverage action and enact change, including with financial institutions, industry groups and network partners. 

• Represent the campaign in public forums, including network calls and meetings, conferences, and in the media when necessary.

• Align work plans with Sunrise’s mission, values and OKRs.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience    

• Significant experience working in and knowledge of the overall landscape of financial regulation in the U.S. and strategic insight about where regulatory work could be relevant for achieving climate impact.

• Understanding of U.S. financial regulators’ roles in the international fora and ability to develop advocacy plans to influence U.S. positions.

• Excellent written, digital and verbal communication skills, including advanced relationship building, facilitation and convening skills.

• Experience in translating policy debates into  compelling narratives that aim to engage audiences other than financial experts.

• Experience developing and executing advocacy and campaigning strategies in collaboration with other groups.

• Proven ability to work well in small teams in a fast paced and evolving environment.

• High level of initiative, analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems.

• A passion for taking action on climate change and a deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Job requirements

• Full working rights for the United States.  The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.

• Employment background checks may be required.

• Attending local in person partner actions may be requested.

• Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be required.

• COVID-19 vaccinations may apply in accordance with legislation &/or Sunrise policy

How Sunrise supports its staff:

The Sunrise Project U.S. is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. We have the following in place to help us achieve that:

• 401(k) & employer match

• 100% employer paid health, vision and dental coverage

• Five weeks of vacation leave

• Birthday leave (if it’s your birthday, you get a day off)

• Cultural & solidarity leave

• Gifted leave (over Christmas and New Year)

• Paid parental leave (subject to conditions)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible work policy, including hybrid remote home/office

• Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000 (or local equiv) for home workspace and IT equipment + $800 US (or local equiv.) every 2 yrs + up to $75/mth US (or local equiv) phone/data/internet.

• Commitment to supporting your professional development (up to $2000 py

• Coaching and management support with regular 1:1 meetings

• Performance reviews & feedback to support you & the team to reflect and grow

• A co-developed initial 3 month work plan to ensure you have clarity on your role and responsibilities

How to apply for this job

We recognize that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience. When assessing candidates we look at more than the jobs you've been paid to do but the range of ways you've picked up skills and knowledge throughout your life. This is why we assess candidates on how well they respond to application questions and don’t require a cover letter.