Associate, Impact and ESG

About Energize Capital

Energize Capital is a leading investor in climate solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Energize seeks to scale sustainable innovation by partnering with the builders and operators shaping the future. To date, Energize has funded 30 companies and deployed more than $750 million through its venture capital and growth equity strategies. The firm manages more than $1.4 billion in assets and is backed by institutional, strategic and impact investors including Invenergy, CDPQ, Credit Suisse, GE Vernova, Xcel Energy, Caterpillar, HASI and more.

Position Overview

Grow your career with the close-knit, entrepreneurial team at Energize Capital while contributing to our mission of investing in climate solutions that enable sustainable innovation. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate to support the ongoing development and execution of our market-leading impact and ESG approach. This individual will play a critical role in assessing the social and environmental impact of our portfolio companies and ensuring alignment with global sustainability standards and frameworks. The Associate will work closely with the investment team, portfolio companies, and external stakeholders to drive value through responsible investing and impact measurement. This role will report to the Head of Portfolio Services, Impact and ESG.

This is a full-time position located in Chicago. Interested candidates must be based in Chicago or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

Manage impact and ESG reporting
- Manage portfolio impact and ESG data collection, including defining metrics, overseeing data collection and undertaking quality review
- Lead the creation of Energize’s annual ESG and impact report to communicate our approach and key metrics to investors and other stakeholders. This includes drafting content, compiling relevant data and guiding design
- Complete ad hoc reporting requests as needed, including required reporting to external industry stakeholders and collaborations (e.g. UN PRI, EDCI)
- Support calculation of Energize carbon footprint and procurement of offsets
Drive impact and ESG diligence for new investments
- Support the integration of impact and ESG factors into the investment process and conduct ESG risk and opportunity assessments for potential investments
- Collaborate with the investment team to ensure alignment with ESG & impact criteria
Facilitate connectivity to impact and ESG networks
- Support relationships with ESG and impact thought leaders, industry organizations, and standard-setting bodies (e.g. VentureESG, UN PRI)
- Manage Energize impact and ESG networks including the Climate Tech Impact and ESG working group and Energize’s LP Impact and ESG Advisory Board
Collaborate with portfolio companies on impact and ESG
- Provide ESG advisory support to portfolio companies, helping them to implement sustainability strategies and improve ESG performance
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices across portfolio companies related to ESG initiatives
- Create benchmarking reports to support improvement on ESG issues
Support execution of Energize’s ESG strategy
- Drive execution of internal ESG Initiatives, including setting goals, measuring progress and supporting Energize’s DEI efforts
- Assist in refining and enhancing the firm’s ESG and impact policies, ensuring they are aligned with industry best practices and evolving regulations
- Conduct research on emerging trends in ESG and impact investing to continuously improve the firm’s approach. Monitor regulatory and industry developments in ESG and impact investing, providing guidance to the firm on necessary updates or compliance need

Qualifications

At least 3 years of experience in ESG, impact investing, sustainability consulting, or a related field, ideally within the private equity, venture capital, or investment management sectors
Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks and experience with ESG reporting (e.g. SASB, EDCI, UN PRI)
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate ESG data into actionable insights
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience in preparing high-quality visual reports for senior stakeholders
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to simultaneously keep track of multiple projects and deadlines
Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Passion for sustainability, responsible investing and making a positive impact
Interest and excitement for emerging technologies, sustainability and the venture capital ecosystem

Preferred Skills

Demonstrated experience in impact measurement and reporting
Experience working with companies to develop and implement sustainability strategies
Proficiency in data analytics tools and sustainability software is a plus (e.g. carbon accounting, ESG reporting, etc.)

Benefits

Energize Capital is proud to offer employees a wide range of benefits to support personal well-being, growth, and professional development. Benefits include but are not limited to:

Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and HSA from day one of employment
401k matching
Generous paid time off in addition to 10 company holidays and a flexible winter holiday schedule
Market-leading parental leave policy and family planning benefits
Health club reimbursement
Continuing education stipend
Option to work remote Fridays
Lunch provided on in-office days

Energize Capital embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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