Rhode Island Policy Advocate

Green Energy Consumers Alliance•Providence, RI

5d•$31 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

Green Energy Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower consumers and communities to speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world. We fulfill our mission by combining consumer-facing programs with public policy advocacy at the state level in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We have twenty employees in offices in Cambridge, MA and Providence, RI. We work in multiple clean energy sectors: renewable energy, heating, transportation, energy efficiency, grid modernization, and more. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both internally and externally. We advocate for policies that bring the many benefits of clean energy to all, including communities that have been historically overburdened and underserved. We have a variety of funding sources – grants, commissions, contracts, donations, but our dominant source of revenue is earned income through our green electricity program. The Rhode Island Policy Advocate will be a key person on our Advocacy Team, working to influence state-level legislative and regulatory energy policy, mostly in Rhode Island, and some in Massachusetts. The Advocate would be a registered lobbyist in the state of Rhode Island working on our behalf. Our work focuses on decarbonizing transportation, buildings, and electricity. The Advocate would report to the Executive Director and collaborate with highly qualified colleagues and allies. The successful candidate will be effective at working with coalitions, legislators, and executive branch staff; knowledgeable about energy and environmental policy; curious; and determined. The position could be either at the associate or coordinator level and will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master’s degree in environmental or energy studies, public policy, or a related field and relevant work experience, preferably in the energy/environmental industry.
Passion for climate action
Knowledge and experience with public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation, building, and electricity sectors
Roots in Rhode Island, meaning residence and familiarity with the geography, politics, and communities
Research experience, preferably in the energy field
Excellent interpersonal skills (I.e. confidence, diplomacy, etc.)
Excellent written and oral communications skills
Skill in presentation composition and engaging diverse audiences
Analytical and technical capabilities (meaning, ability to understand economic/quantitative research papers), with close attention to detail
Ability to work independently, with initial guidance
Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously
Flexible and adaptable demeanor
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
The ability to work well in a team
Valid driver’s license
Ability to work from our Providence office as necessary and attend in-person meetings at the State Houses in Providence and Boston
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.

Responsibilities

Participate in and represent the organization in all relevant Rhode Island policy discussions, coalitions, advisory bodies, etc.
Lead coalitions relating to decarbonization as assigned.
Engage in advocacy on state legislative efforts and regulatory activity related to energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, renewable energy development, and equitable clean energy and climate policy.
Lobby legislative and executive branches on organizational priorities and state climate policy.
Work some evenings, particularly during the legislative session (January – June) to lobby the floor and attend hearings and events.
Nurture and cultivate strategic partnerships with Rhode Island climate and energy stakeholders, including media representatives.
Research and draft organizational positions on state climate and energy policy.
Draft and present testimony at public hearings and meetings.
Assist with member and prospect communications, especially related to advocacy with newsletters, web site material, social media, emails, blogs, webinars, and podcasts.
Support organization events (i.e. renewable energy tours, annual meetings, etc.)
Assist in grant writing and reports to funders.
Occasional travel within Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
All other duties as requested by the executive director.
All of the above will focus on Rhode Island but will occasionally involve work in Massachusetts as well.