Spark Climate Solutions Job Summary

Job Title:Director of Agricultural Policy
Location: Remote (must be in or near Washington D.C. area for travel)
Closing Date: Open until filled
Contract: Full-time, annual salary $140,000 – $165,000 with comprehensive benefits

Job Summary

Spark Climate Solutions is seeking an experienced Director of Agricultural Policy to lead strategy and execution for initiatives aimed at reducing livestock methane and agricultural nitrogen emissions.

This strategic leadership role involves policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy to influence federal policies, programs, and legislation that accelerate climate solutions in agriculture.

About Spark Climate Solutions

Spark is a science-driven, philanthropic non-profit dedicated to accelerating progress on critical climate challenges.

Focused on super pollutants like methane and nitrous oxide from agriculture, Spark builds the fields, policies, and markets needed for impactful climate solutions.

Its team includes scientists, policy experts, and innovators committed to shaping today’s climate landscape for a safer tomorrow.

Position Overview

The Director of Agricultural Policy will be responsible for shaping U.S. federal policy strategies for Spark’s Livestock Enteric Methane Mitigation and Agricultural Nitrogen Transformation programs.

The role involves drafting proposals, legislative language, and analytical memos, as well as engaging with Congress, federal agencies, trade associations, and producer groups.

The position reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with program directors and the policy team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of multi-year federal policy strategies supporting Spark’s program goals
Draft legislative proposals, policy memos, and supporting documents for RD&D, deployment, and legislative actions
Engage with Congressional offices, USDA, EPA, and other federal agencies on appropriations, rulemaking, and policy initiatives

Build and maintain coalitions with trade associations, producer groups, and other stakeholders
Provide strategic advice on international and state-level policy engagement where impactful
Represent Spark at policy briefings, forums, and conferences
Collaborate with cross-program teams to ensure policy alignment and effective advocacy

Ideal Candidate Profile

Minimum 10+ years of experience in agricultural policy, with demonstrated success in federal policy development and influence
Deep understanding of the farm bill, USDA programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP), and appropriations cycles
Strong network of relationships within Hill staff, USDA, EPA, trade associations, and NGOs

Excellent writer capable of producing legislative language, technical memos, and stakeholder materials
Strategic thinker able to plan long-term policy pathways and adapt to evolving political landscapes
Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and stakeholder groups
Passionate about climate change and addressing super pollutants from agriculture

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience or Master’s degree (MPP, MPA, JD) with 8+ years
Track record in federal agricultural policy development and advocacy
Existing relationships within agricultural policy circles
Ability to translate scientific content into credible policies for technical and political audiences
Sound strategic judgment and collaborative working style

Preferred Experience

Direct experience with livestock methane or nitrogen policy
Working at the intersection of agriculture and climate
Familiarity with international agricultural climate policies
Experience in fast-paced nonprofit or startup environments

Why Join Spark Climate Solutions?

Join a nimble, impact-focused organization dedicated to urgent climate action.

Be part of a team of innovators working to accelerate high-impact climate solutions, influencing policies that can transform agricultural emissions reduction efforts globally.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference on some of the most pressing climate challenges.

Eligibility & Location

Open to candidates authorized to work in the United States. This is a fully remote position, requiring proximity to Washington D.C. for frequent travel.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $140,000 – $165,000 annually
Benefits include: 90% health coverage, 75% dependent coverage, 401k matching, generous PTO, sick leave, parental leave, annual national park pass, and more

Six-Month Goals

Develop a comprehensive U.S. agricultural policy landscape for methane and nitrogen programs
Build relationships with Congressional offices, USDA, EPA, and trade associations
Drive at least one federal policy proposal per program