Policy Associate – Clean Energy

Policy Associate Position

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Policy Associate whose focus will be on clean energy. The position can be based in Nebraska, Iowa, or Minnesota. The successful candidate will work to identify policy gaps, research potential solutions, and work to promote policy priorities related to clean energy issues.

Who we are

The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non-profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates. The Center’s work is rooted in principles of diversity and inclusion. Additional information can be found at www.cfra.org.

What you’ll do

The Policy Associate reports to the Policy Manager or Senior Associate and will work to identify policy gaps, build relationships, and solve challenges through collaboration. The Policy Associate is responsible for the following:

• Identify policy gaps and potential solutions.
• Track clean energy development in your target region.
• Engage with constituents and other stakeholders to gather input and feedback.
• Engage with elected officials and their staff to educate and promote policy priorities.
• Author reports, fact sheets, blogs, opinion pieces, and action alerts.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to work plan development and grant proposals to support policy work.
• Draft organizing appeals to grassroots constituents including an initial contact email, action alert, or call script.

Who you are & keys to success (the must-haves)

To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:

1. Relationship-building
2. Drive to achieve results
3. Inclusive leadership and management
4. Setting and managing priorities
5. Commitment to racial equity and social justice

If you were here right now, you would be:

• Meeting regularly with the Policy team members to develop strategies to meet program priorities and work plan goals.
• Using your advocacy skills to influence key policy-making decisions.
• Providing clear communications to unique audiences through reports, white papers, and opinion pieces that you researched and authored.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and grassroots constituents.
• Meeting with and educating elected officials and their staff.

You have experience with:

• Keeping up-to-date on developments and diving into the details.
• Researching, uncovering resources, and getting answers that impact issues.
• Writing opinion pieces, white papers, and/or reports.
• Educating, advocating, and advancing ideas or issues.

What else you should know

This is a full-time non-exempt position based in an existing, newly established, or home office in Nebraska, Iowa, or Minnesota. Occasional travel required. Salary range: $47,000-$58,000 with top-notch benefits.

The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to apply

Send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Apply by clicking here. In the cover letter, please include how your personal and/or professional experiences have positioned you for success in this role and any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or Racial Equity-related work, skills, or expertise you want us to know about. Let us know how you heard about this position and why you want to work for the Center.