Policy Advisor, U.S. Climate Alliance

Job Details
Description

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $100,000.

Position Overview
The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing America’s net-zero future with state-led, high-impact climate action. The Alliance Secretariat helps its member states and territories accelerate climate action by providing a broad range of technical, analytical, policy, and capacity assistance and resources. It also coordinates engagement with the federal government and national partners to drive solutions across government in support of an ambitious, durable national climate framework. For more on the Alliance, visit www.usclimatealliance.org.

The U.S. Climate Alliance seeks a Policy Advisor to support governors’ offices in the advancement of electricity sector and carbon pricing policy solutions. This position serves as primary advisor to Alliance members on relevant state and federal policy matters; manages day-to-day efforts of the Electricity Policy Working Groups and relevant cohorts; supports activities of the State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative; provides guidance to states in the development and implementation of relevant state-level policies and programs; maintains relationships with sectoral national partners in the nonprofit and advocacy communities; tracks sector-based policy actions at the state and federal levels and regularly updates members; advises on and supports sector-based technical assistance projects; and collaborates with the Alliance’s federal affairs team to facilitate state engagement on key federal rules and actions. They may also be expected to advise on additional policy sectors as assigned.

The Policy Advisor reports to the Policy Director and works as part of a broader team that includes Alliance states, consultants, and external partners.

The position is based in Washington, D.C., with consideration for remote work in the contiguous United States (hybrid schedule).

Essential Functions
Provide policy guidance to states and track relevant policy developments

Support Alliance members in the development, adoption, and implementation of state-level policies and programs related to the electricity sector and carbon pricing, identifying opportunities to raise ambition where possible

Provide Alliance states with expert guidance, tools, and resources to act on emerging policy opportunities and demonstrate political and sectoral leadership

Contribute to the Alliance’s policy tracking efforts by conducting research, actively monitoring relevant updates at the state and federal levels, and supporting regular updates to the Alliance’s Policy Database

Oversee technical assistance projects that support specific-sector policy priorities, including by managing vendors, ensuring grant deliverables are met, and supporting state policy activities based on project outcomes

Help states identify and secure sources of federal, private-sector, and philanthropic resources to accelerate policy advancement in the electricity sector and on carbon pricing. Maintain relationships with relevant national partners in the nonprofit and advocacy communities

Advise on additional policy sector(s) as assigned and provide back-up coverage for at least one additional sector

Coordinate multistate working group(s), initiatives, and convenings

Manage day-to-day efforts of the Electricity Policy Working Group and subject-specific cohorts, including developing and leading standing meetings and regular communications

Support activities of the State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative, in partnership with the Policy Director

Consult with states on areas of focus, agenda development, and identification of action items and key barriers

Engage stakeholders and key external partners to scope and implement projects

Track and follow up on action items

Generate policy option papers, resource guides, letters, communications materials, and other major Alliance deliverables

At the request of Alliance states and Secretariat leadership, draft briefing papers and/or guides for states that analyze policy development and opportunities in the electricity sector and on carbon pricing. Make recommendations that are ambitious, politically feasible, and technologically possible

Conduct policy research, analyze key sector trends, and draft chapters of the Alliance’s annual report that outline progress towards our climate goals

Collaborate with the Alliance’s federal affairs team in the development and submission of multistate or coalition-wide letters to the federal government

Help draft remarks, talking points, and other relevant communication materials

Contribute to products that help Alliance states improve quantification of opportunities, measure progress towards policy goals, and quantify the co-benefits of action

Conduct research and analysis and draft material for Alliance products across other sectors as needed

Shape content and strategy for Alliance-wide meetings, workshops, and events

Work with Secretariat leadership, Alliance states, and outside experts to prepare meeting content and materials for Alliance meetings and events

Actively participate in the Alliance’s Semiannual Governor-Office Team Meetings in the spring and fall, including supporting on any sector-specific sessions and developing sector-specific content as needed

Contribute to invitation lists and key partner outreach for Alliance meetings and events

Support fundraising for relevant policy efforts

Identify funding needs to execute on Alliance states’ electricity sector and carbon pricing goals

Support the development team in cultivating relationships with current and prospective funders

In partnership with the Alliance’s development team, help write and submit grant applications for additional sources of philanthropic funding

Assist with relevant grants

Provide technical expertise, as needed, in the management of Alliance philanthropic grants that support activities on electricity and carbon pricing. With the operations team, manage spending against relevant budgets for these grants

With the operations and UNF contracts team, review new contracts and grant agreements to advance activities on the electricity sector and carbon pricing

Evaluate and contribute to funding award decisions for state technical assistance projects. Provide expertise, oversight, and support for relevant technical assistance projects that are funded by the Alliance

Perform other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria
Bachelor’s degree with substantial work experience in climate, energy and/or environment policy. Preference may be given to candidates with a master’s degree

4-7 years of professional experience in related policy areas

Demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing U.S. policy solutions that reduce pollution, address climate change, and increase climate resilience

Works effectively as part of a small, collaborative team and adapts to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment

Shows initiative and problem-solving skills when confronted with challenges

Exhibits flexibility and professionalism while executing a wide range of tasks

Engages diverse partners diplomatically and exercises discretion when working with sensitive information

Manage competing priorities and deadlines with strong organizational skills

Thinks critically and produces high-quality products tailored to different audiences with minimal direction

Experience working with governments required; direct experience engaging with or within state-level government strongly preferred

Demonstrated ability to conduct research and analysis, develop presentations and briefing memos, and brief senior leaders

Adaptability to changing circumstances and eagerness to learn new policy areas

Familiarity with relevant U.S. climate-related datasets and tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with demonstrated ability to organize, analyze, and visually present information

Ability to work under pressure and handle stress

Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy

Benefits & Compensation
For full-time, U.S. benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)

dental insurance

vision insurance

flexible spending accounts

403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution

group term and supplemental life insurance

short-term disability

long-term disability

back-up care

employee assistance program

Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.

Qualifications
Education

Required: Bachelors or better.

Pay or shift range: $90,000 USD to $100,000 USD

Learn more here