Energy and Environmental Justice Policy Associate

Background

The NW Energy Coalition is an alliance of over 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, progressive utilities and clean energy businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia. We promote the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, consumer protection, equitable and affordable clean energy services for all consumers, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Energy policy is critical to the Northwest’s economic and environmental health. The Coalition ensures that utilities, state governments, and the region pursue clean and affordable energy strategies to meet energy needs and reduce climate pollution. The Coalition is committed to addressing the equity impacts of the existing and future energy system and the need for more inclusive decision-making as part of ensuring that the benefits of a clean energy economy accrue to all in our communities.

Job description

This position will analyze, develop and advance clean energy policies that further the mission of the NW Energy Coalition in Oregon state. The position will conduct outreach to community-based organizations involved or interested in energy policy in an effort to understand the energy concerns of low-income and communities of color and then inform and strengthen the Coalition’s policy efforts to support community-led solutions. This position will advocate for strong utility programs, supportive state and local policies, and regulatory drivers that support investment in clean energy solutions for the state and communities. This position will work closely with the Coalition’s existing members and conduct outreach to non-member groups to ensure that the voices of low-income consumers and communities of color are brought to the table and represented in energy policy decisions. This position will actively participate, with all staff, in developing an internal diversity, equity and inclusion plan for the Coalition.

This position will report to the Policy Director and is located in Portland, Oregon.

Principal duties and responsibilities

  • Represent the Coalition in regulatory, agency, legislative and community proceedings.
  • Conduct outreach to Coalition member and non-member organizations working on low-income, consumer protection, and environmental justice issues; listen to their concerns regarding energy and climate issues in Oregon.
  • Build capacity and grassroots partnerships to effectively engage in and influence state policy and regulatory initiatives.
  • Mobilize and inform the above groups on energy issues and opportunities that are critical to their constituents.
  • Advocate for durable and effective policies and programs that ensure energy services are affordable and equitable for all customers and that solutions support community needs.
  • Participate on utility and government advisory committees as appropriate.
  • Work with outreach and communication staff in mobilizing Coalition member organizations and community activists for public hearings and related public involvement.
  • Work with the executive director, Board, and staff to develop and implement an internal diversity, equity and inclusion plan for the organization.

 

Qualifications

Required:

  • At least two-years of experience in public policy and regulatory work or equivalent life experience
  • Experience working with low-income and other environmental justice communities and their advocates
  • Knowledge of energy, environmental justice and climate issues
  • Excellent public speaking skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
  • Ability to travel throughout the state of Oregon, and occasionally, throughout the Northwest

Salary and benefits: Full-time salaried position. Salary $46,000 – 52,000 DOE. Excellent benefits include generous medical, dental and vision insurance, four weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays and employer-matching retirement plan. NWEC is an equal opportunity employer.

Position is open until filled. Application review is ongoing. In order to help us efficiently process applications and to ensure that your application is received, please observe the following:

  1. Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to Elena Door at elena@nwenergy.org.
  2. In the subject line of your e-mail: “Your Name, OR Associate”
  3. In your cover letter us know how you found out about the position.