Director, Innovative Financing - Trucks

Summary

Join CALSTART as their Director of Innovative Financing and lead their strategy in accelerating zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle adoption. You will develop and guide innovative financial models, oversee TCO modeling and tools, advise policymakers and financial institutions, cultivate partnerships, lead high-impact projects, and represent CALSTART as a subject matter expert. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field (Master's or MBA preferred), 8-10+ years of relevant experience, proven success in leading initiatives combining financial modeling and stakeholder engagement, and a deep understanding of MHD vehicle markets and clean energy finance. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement plan, paid time off, paid family leave, and more. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Preferred 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

Benefits

• 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