Clean Energy Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council
Overview
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America’s bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our staff of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and internationally from our offices in New York; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Santa Monica; San Francisco; Bozeman, Montana; and Beijing.
Position Summary
NRDC is seeking an experienced Clean Energy Advocate to work with the Congressional Affairs & Partnerships team in our Washington, DC office. This position will be focused on administrative and Congressional policies to advance clean energy research and development, deployment incentives and standards. A strong background in clean and renewable energy policy development is essential. Prior advocacy experience is desired in addition to experience working with diverse stakeholders.
Since March 2020, NRDC’s offices have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until circumstances allow us to fully re-open, we will continue to support staff with remote working arrangements. Upon formal re-opening, fully-remote arrangements are not guaranteed and will be (i) limited and (ii) based on institutional objectives.
Responsibilities
- The advocate will collaborate with team members to develop power and other energy sector policy proposals to increase the deployment of renewable and other clean energy technologies in a safe and sustainable manner (both new legislation and policy proposals under existing law).
- The advocate will collaborate with other team members on outreach to policy makers and a wide range of other stakeholders.
- Strengthen, develop and nurture relationships with policy-makers and elected officials, and build durable partnerships with a network of allies
- The advocate must be willing and able to handle a wide range of policy topics and formulate new ideas and responses quickly.
- The advocate will need to represent NRDC in diverse coalitions, at public events and with the media.
- Be a central part of a strong and collegial team that is focused on collaboration, approaches advocacy with innovation and optimism, and is committed to using the full range of expertise within NRDC and among its partners to drive change.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate or advanced degree in political science, energy/environment policy, law or a field relevant to the position.
- 5 years or more experience working with state and/or federal policy makers on energy policy (clean energy-related policy and/or legal experience are a plus).
- Exceptional writing, research, and oral presentation skills.
- Excellent academic and professional record.
- Ability to interpret scientific and technical concepts.
- Experience building and cultivating relationships at the governmental, regulatory, or legislative levels.
- Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for teamwork, including demonstrated success in navigating diverse coalitions, building consensus on policy issues and driving toward positive outcomes within a team, in a coalition, and with other external partners;
- Broad-based interest in climate and clean energy work, including the ability to quickly get up to speed on NRDC’s policy and campaign priorities.
- Capacity to work efficiently, and independently representing NRDC with maturity, judgment, and professionalism.
To learn more and apply, click here.
