Renewable Energy Specialist

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967, focuses on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches.

You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Position Overview: 

The Renewable Energy Specialist, based in our Austin office, will be an integral member of Environmental Defense Fund's regional Climate and Air team. 

The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary setting to formulate and implement strategies to promote renewable energy in the region, as part of a larger multi-year effort to significantly increase the amount of these resources deployed throughout the nation.   

Responsibilities: 

The successful candidate must have the requisite experience and discretion to make independent decisions regarding priorities and specific actions to be taken, in the context of the organization's overall goals and in consultation with other Environmental Defense Fund staff members. 

The job requires working with a variety of concerned parties, including government, private industry, grassroots organizations, and others to achieve measurable environmental results. 

More specifically, the selected candidate's responsibilities will include:

• Build, develop, and grow strategic coalitions and other relationships vital to the success of the project.
• Monitor ongoing activities related to renewable energy policy; communicate key developments to other Environmental Defense Fund staff; help decide in which activities to actively participate; and identify new strategic opportunities.
• Help develop and take lead in the implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, including serving as spokesperson on renewable energy issues, as needed.
• Represent Environmental Defense Fund in meetings and on relevant committees.
• Work with Environmental Defense Fund staff in Austin and other offices to design voluntary, legislative, contractual or technical solutions for increasing the deployment of renewable energy. 

Qualifications: 

• Master's level degree is preferable, with focus in energy or environmental policy or management. Candidates without a graduate degree will be considered based on qualifying experience.
• 2 years or more of work experience in energy policy, environmental management, policy analysis, environmental advocacy, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of renewable energy, especially solar is required, and current issues relating to energy and air quality in Texas and the nation is preferred.
• Demonstrated advocacy skills, organizing experience, and public speaking preferred.
• Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.
• Results-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think strategically.
• Ability to work both independently and as a leader or member of teams in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues and partners of varied background and experience;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, experience with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Term:  This is a 2 year term position scheduled to start on July 1, 2008 and end on May 31, 2010.

To Apply: 

Email, mail or fax cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Cheryl Pickard, PHR, Human Resources Generalist.

Environmental Defense Fund
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.