Deputy Director, Non-Incentive Programs

About CALSTART

CALSTART is a mission‑driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all. For over 30 years, it has worked with businesses, organizations, governments, and communities to develop and implement large‑scale zero‑emission transportation solutions.

About The Role

The Deputy Director, Non‑Incentive Programs leads the Clean Fuels & Infrastructure team in delivering high‑impact, non‑incentive zero‑emission transportation initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director, the role translates portfolio strategy into actionable workplans, oversees complex projects from planning to delivery, and ensures consistent, high‑quality outcomes. The Deputy Director serves as a central integrator across technical, policy, and market‑facing teams while maintaining a focus on execution, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead execution of non‑incentive clean transportation projects, managing day‑to‑day delivery across grid integration, utility engagement, market development, and infrastructure planning.
• Supervise and develop staff (3–4 CALSTARs), providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Translate portfolio strategy into actionable project plans, workplans, and roadmaps in collaboration with the Senior Director.
• Coordinate with policy, Light‑Duty, Innovative Mobility, Truck and Off‑Road, Drive to Zero, Data and Analytics, Demonstration and Technical Assistance, Member Engagement, and Business Development teams to ensure alignment and high‑quality delivery.
• Track milestones, KPIs, and outcomes; proactively identify risks and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Support utility‑ and grid‑focused initiatives and corridor‑planning strategies for zero‑emission transportation infrastructure.
• Engage external stakeholders and partners, representing CALSTART in meetings and discussions.
• Contribute to non‑incentive business development through proposal development, partnership coordination, and new opportunity advancement.

What You'll Bring To The Table

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in clean transportation, energy, utilities, infrastructure development, or closely related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in business management, engineering, environmental science, public policy, energy, transportation, or a related discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects or programs with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables.
• Direct experience with non‑incentive zero‑emission transportation initiatives, including infrastructure planning, utility engagement, grid‑related projects, or corridor development for light, medium, and heavy‑duty vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure.
• Formal people‑management or supervisory experience, coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Cross‑functional collaboration with technical, policy, market development, and member‑facing teams.
• Strong project and program management skills, managing scopes, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, conveying complex information clearly.
• Stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills, especially with utilities, partners, and members.
• Judgment and decision‑making skills, providing analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.
• Experience tracking milestones, KPIs, and outcomes using project management or collaboration software.
• Competency with common productivity and collaboration platforms.
• Execution & Delivery: consistently delivers high‑quality work on time and within scope.
• People Leadership: applies inclusive leadership practices and supports team growth.
• Collaboration: builds trust and alignment across diverse teams and partners.
• Continuous Improvement: identifies opportunities to strengthen processes, transparency, and performance.
• Accountability: takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes at individual and team level.

Desired Skills

• Master’s degree in engineering, energy systems, transportation planning, environmental policy, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Formal training or certifications in project management, leadership development, systems thinking, or change management beyond core requirements.
• Experience leading or supporting large‑scale, multi‑jurisdictional infrastructure or market transformation initiatives.
• Prior involvement with utility planning processes, regulatory proceedings, or grid modernization efforts related to transportation electrification or hydrogen infrastructure.
• Experience in proposal development, partnership strategy, or business development in a consulting, nonprofit, or public‑sector setting.
• Familiarity with national, state, or regional clean transportation policies and emerging market trends.
• Comfort working in matrixed organizations and navigating ambiguity in fast‑evolving technical, regulatory, or market environments.
• Experience facilitating workshops, stakeholder convenings, or collaborative planning processes.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor emerging leaders and support succession planning within teams.
• Strong systems‑level thinking, connecting strategic goals to operational execution.
• Adaptive leadership style with a continuous‑improvement mindset.
• High EQ, diplomacy, and ability to build trust across diverse internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 10–20%) for meetings, site visits, and conferences.
• Ability to adjust work schedules to meet with teams in other time zones.

Compensation

Salary range: $105,630 – $120,260 per year, based on skills, experience, and education.

Benefits and Perks

CALSTART offers full‑time benefits including 100% company‑paid comprehensive health, dental, vision, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, and life insurance. Retirement plan with generous company contributions, FSA for health and dependent care, three weeks of vacation in the first year, 11 paid company holidays, paid sick time, paid family leave, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CALSTART is an equal‑opportunity employer. We make decisions based on merit without regard to race, color, hair texture, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, LGBTQIA+ status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process; final hiring decisions are made by humans.

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