Grid Specialist

NCEL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers a nonpartisan network of state environmental leaders to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment. We believe that the key to advancing sound policy in the states is well-informed legislatures with strong champions who can advocate on behalf of the environment, develop shared strategies, and collaborate with their peers across the country on shared learning and action.

Position Overview

The Grid Specialist will lead NCEL’s state policy work on topics relating to energy, utility, and transmission. The ideal candidate will be an outgoing network-builder who enjoys outreach and collaboration. The candidate will have a passion for policy advancement and be highly skilled at verbal and written communication. They will be adept at tracking grid policy developments at the federal, regional, and state level and identifying pressure points for legislator engagement. They will enjoy planning webinars, organizing strategy sessions, hosting in-person issue briefings, and collaborating with advocacy partners on shared energy goals. This position will require up to 25% travel for meetings and events.

Responsibilities

Project Coordination and Strategy

• Coordinate initiatives and events for legislators around critical energy policy concepts and identify new opportunities for legislator engagement.
• Highlight ways to incorporate public interests into transmission planning including environmental justice, tribal consultation, and conservation.
• Identify long term strategies for engaging legislators around grid policy in each U.S. RTO region.
• Collaborate & build out new relationships with key local, state, regional, and national NGO partners.
• Provide grant writing in support of fundraising efforts and engage with new and existing funders on program activities.
• Represent NCEL at advocacy coalition meetings.

Policy Analysis Research, Analysis, and Communication

• Track and analyze legislative trends and share updates with NCEL members and key allies.
• Develop materials including fact sheets and briefing books on specific issues.
• Development of website content including legislative spotlights and blog posts related to policy developments.
• Phone, email, and in-person outreach to state legislators to support policy work.
• Recruitment of state lawmakers to join the network.
• Identify ways to engage new legislators in energy policy who have shown interests in other topics like environmental justice, tribal sovereignty, climate change, and conservation.
• Facilitate information-sharing and coaching among NCEL members.

Meetings and Events

• Organize regional events to convene legislators around transmission policies specific to targeted state contexts.
• Work with partner organizations to plan local events such as in-state meetings or site tours related to program work.
• Conduct visits to state capitals during the legislative session to meet with legislators and host briefings.
• Follow up with legislators after meetings and events and provide continued support.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.
• Three to five years of experience in policy or political organizing. Working knowledge of policies related to grid, transmission, and/or utilities.
• Commitment to or interest in environmental justice and equity work
• Experience working with elected officials and/or on campaigns is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to convey complex information in simple terms.
• Must have experience in Google applications and basic database management.
• Ability to work independently with strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel to events across the country.

Compensation

• The salary for this position is $72,000
• NCEL offers a generous benefits package including a 401(k) with employer contributions, employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, and 15 vacation days in the first year of employment.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a single PDF document with your resume and a brief cover letter with the subject line “Grid Specialist Application”.  
• All submissions will be treated confidentially.
• The deadline to apply is September 8, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

NCEL is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to women and people of color. NCEL makes hiring decisions without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. NCEL does not lobby for or against any state or federal legislation.