Job description
Please be aware of recruiting scams!
All legitimate communication from our recruitment team will come from an official calstart.org email address via email, we will not text you about a role you have not applied to or shown interest in. We will not perform any interviews via text or Zoom chat.
CALSTART does not ask for any fees or personal information such as social security numbers or bank details during the recruitment process.
About Us:
CALSTART is a mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all.
For over 30 years, it’s been CALSTART’s mission to develop, assess, and implement large-scale, zero-emission transportation solutions to mitigate climate change and support economic growth. CALSTART works with businesses, organizations, governments, and communities to create real-life impact toward clean air and equitable access to clean transportation for all. CALSTART provides scientific, technical and policy support for regulatory development and clean technology and infrastructure acceleration.
About The Role:
CALSTART is seeking an experienced, visionary, and mission-driven Director of Innovative Financing to lead and expand our strategy for accelerating the adoption of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles through innovative financing, robust TCO (total cost of ownership) analysis, and forward-thinking economic solutions. As a key member of CALSTART’s Trucks and Off-Road leadership team, this role will drive cross-sector initiatives, influence policy and market design, and cultivate national and global partnerships that unlock capital and de-risk fleet transition.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead CALSTART’s strategic approach to MHD truck financing and fleet economics, integrating market analysis, financing tools, and policy insights to drive large-scale adoption of zero-emission trucks.
- Develop and guide thought leadership on innovative financial models, including vehicle-as-a-service, credit enhancements, leasing structures, and ESG-aligned capital deployment.
- Oversee the evolution of TCO modeling and tools, ensuring robust methodologies that support internal projects, external partners, and government policymaking.
- Advise policymakers, public agencies, and financial institutions on effective incentive programs and capital deployment strategies.
- Cultivate partnerships with OEMs, fleets, financial institutions, and public entities to develop pilot programs and scalable finance initiatives.
- Lead high-impact projects and secure funding, including multi-stakeholder program design, funding applications, and deliverable oversight.
- Represent CALSTART nationally and internationally as a subject matter expert, contributing to major conferences, working groups, and consortia.
- Manage and mentor staff, contributing to talent development and team growth within the Trucks and Off-Road division.
What You’ll Bring To The Table:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business, public policy, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
- 8–10+ years of experience in clean transportation, structured finance, public-private partnerships, or fleet strategy.
- Proven success leading initiatives that combine financial modeling, stakeholder engagement, and real-world implementation.
- Deep understanding of MHD vehicle markets, clean energy finance, and policy levers influencing fleet decision-making.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects.
Desired Qualifications:
- Expertise in innovative financing mechanisms for clean vehicles or infrastructure.
- Existing relationships with financiers, fleets, OEMs, and/or public agencies in the transportation decarbonization space.
- Familiarity with ESG investment frameworks and clean transportation funding landscapes.
$117,000 - $140,000 a year
CALSTART values transparency and strives to provide as much information regarding compensation as possible. The salary range for this role is $117,000 - $140,000. We determine pay based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, education, internal equity and other factors relevant to the job.
We understand that not everyone will match the above qualifications 100%. If your background isn’t perfectly aligned but you feel you would be a great addition to the team, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re a tight-knit team of world-class innovators, business minds, and change agents who believe passionately in our mission and put our team ahead of self. We are committed to the continued development and growth of our employees and invest in your success!
We care about your personal well being as much as your professional success and offer generous benefits to full time employees including: 100% company paid comprehensive health benefits for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance, Retirement plan with generous company contributions, FSA for Health and Dependent Care, 3 weeks of vacation time in the first year of employment, 11 paid company holidays, paid sick time, paid family leave, and more!
Our inclusive environment focuses on making 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.
