Director, Hydrogen, Europe

The Director, Hydrogen, Europe will lead programmatic efforts to expand the role of clean hydrogen in key sectors across Europe, including refining, ammonia, steel, methanol, and heavy-duty transportation. This role will focus on the development and promotion of policy and coalitions at the EU-level and in key Member States, as well as the advancement of appropriate R&D, demonstration, and deployment programs. The Director will also be instrumental in shaping and advancing CATF’s work on industrial decarbonization and transportation decarbonization, ensuring the responsible deployment of zero-carbon fuels in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, aviation, and marine shipping, which are critical to achieving long-term climate goals.

The Director will be a strategic thought leader on CATF’s hydrogen efforts, responsible for shaping the future direction of the European program, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring financial stewardship through effective fundraising.

• Develop and refine a comprehensive vision for the Hydrogen Program in Europe, aligning it with global efforts to promote zero-carbon fuels, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization.
• Set medium- and long-term goals (2-5 years), identifying key outcomes and developing strategies and tactics to achieve them, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, refining, chemicals, aviation, and marine shipping.
• Establish near-term objectives (12-24 months) and guide the execution of the program to meet these goals.
• Collaborate with CATF leadership and other programs to continually refine CATF strategies for international hydrogen production, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization to maximize global decarbonization impact.

Project implementation

• Secure and allocate resources required for program execution, including staff, consultants, technical experts, and communication support.
• Build and maintain relationships with external coalitions and key stakeholders, particularly within Brussels and major European Member States, with a focus on industrial and transportation sectors crucial for decarbonization.
• Oversee staff and consultants to ensure high-quality work, providing regular feedback and managing performance.
• Lead advocacy and communications efforts, working closely with CATF’s Advocacy and Communications teams to promote the agendas for hydrogen, industrial decarbonization, and transportation decarbonization in Europe.
• Act as a spokesperson for the program in media, governmental, and stakeholder forums, while designating other CATF staff as appropriate.

Subject matter expertise

• Serve as CATF’s in-house expert on zero-carbon fuels and industrial decarbonization in Europe, maintaining deep knowledge of technical, political, economic, and market issues.
• Stay informed about key developments in Europe and other regions (e.g., the U.S.) to guide policy recommendations and strategic decisions, particularly for industrial sectors and transportation end-uses with complex decarbonization needs.

Budget management

• Work closely with CATF’s finance team to develop the annual budget for the Hydrogen Program in Europe.
• Track and manage monthly expenses to ensure the program operates within its financial constraints.

Fundraising and financial stewardship

• Lead grant fundraising efforts in liaison with the Development team.
• Develop proposals, budgets, and grant reports.
• Contribute content for specific fundraising campaigns, including awareness-building initiatives, working closely with the Development and Communications teams.

External communications

• Engage with external audiences in support of CATF’s hydrogen policy agenda through media appearances, public speaking engagements, and targeted written communications.
• Represent CATF in stakeholder forums and discussions with key players in the zero-carbon fuels sector.

Internal relationships and partnerships

• Collaborate closely with CATF’s Europe Advocacy and the communications team, as well as other project leaders and technical experts across Europe and the United States.
• Work with European partner organizations to develop and execute public policy strategies that align with CATF’s goals for the Hydrogen and Industrial Decarbonization Programs.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, energy policy, environmental science, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leadership in program management, with a focus on energy transition, hydrogen, zero-carbon technologies, industrial decarbonization, or transportation decarbonization.
• Strong technical expertise in zero-carbon fuels, industrial decarbonization and/or transportation decarbonization, combined with the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes in Europe.
• Excellent managerial skills with demonstrated success in leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering results.
• Experience in fundraising and grant management.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the media.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with global teams
• Fluency in English; knowledge of other European languages is a plus.
• Passion for CATF’s mission.

Compensation and Location: