Transportation and Energy Policy Advocate

The North Carolina Justice Center is a progressive research and advocacy organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and protecting the rights of low-income individuals in North Carolina.

For over 25 years, the Justice Center has been on the front lines in the courts, at the legislature, in the media, and in communities advocating for positive changes for poor and working North Carolinians. The Justice Center has played a primary role in most of the state’s major policy debates and successfully litigated hundreds of individual cases and class actions.

Position Overview

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a full-time Transportation and Energy Policy Advocate to support the Consumer, and Energy Project of the NC Justice Center. They will provide policy analysis and advocacy related to transportation electrification, energy efficiency, clean energy, utility policy, and other energy and housing related topics. One area of focus for this position will be on transportation topics, including equitable transition to electrified transportation, transportation-related air pollution, infrastructure strategies, mass transit, alternate forms of transportation such as biking, and ride sharing program, barriers to electric vehicle ownership, and electrification of public transit, school buses, freight, and delivery fleets.

This position will also include advocacy on our broader energy policy areas related to promotion of affordable safe housing, energy efficiency and renewable energy in NC, including energy insecurity, energy efficiency, weatherization, urgent repair, and payment assistance funding and programs. The Transportation and Energy Policy Advocate will serve as a resource for advocates and partners across the state, coordinate campaigns related to these issue areas, coalition-building, media outreach, research, and writing.

Specific Responsibilities Include: 

• Conduct policy research and evaluate effective strategies for promoting electrification of transportation in NC that benefits low-income communities.
• Develop and maintain expertise on issues related to transportation and energy policy that impact low-income individuals and communities; remain up to date on advancements in energy-related technology, state, and local policy developments, and changing federal policy landscape.
• Monitor and advocate in the NC General Assembly on legislation related to transportation and energy policies that impact low-income individuals and communities.
• Meet with government officials and stakeholders and attend and testify at legislative or public agency meetings.
• In coordination with our Communications team, grow awareness and understanding of key transportation and energy issues via messaging, storytelling, traditional media (press releases, media alerts, press events), email campaigns, social media, website content, newsletters, and action alerts.
• Participate in and lead a diverse coalition of advocates, including transportation advocates, partners from community-based organizations, environmental and environmental justice organizations.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, community members, elected officials, decision makers, allies, stakeholders and others.
• Engage in advocacy and work to reduce energy insecurity in communities of color and low-income communities by improving programs related to energy efficiency, weatherization, urgent repair, to renters in multifamily and single-family homes and eligible single-family homeowners and increase the availability of LIEAP and CIP and other related programs.
• Participating in and or monitor Duke Energy / Utility Commission rate filings and participate in working groups and collaboratives.
• Work collaboratively with other Justice Center projects and advocates to coordinate cross project advocacy where appropriate.
• Other duties that may be assigned to meet Justice Center advocacy needs.

Qualifications

• We’re looking for someone with a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Planning, Law degree, or the equivalent experience in transportation or other energy policy areas.
• Candidates must have minimum of two years of advocacy experience in transportation, energy, sustainable development, environmental or other similar policy issues.
• A successful candidate will have strong communication skills including writing, speaking, and listening to a wide range of audiences, including state officials and community members.
• Candidates must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work on multiple projects independently and with others, ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• They will have interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of colleagues, funders and state and federal officials as well as enthusiasm for collaboration and learning from colleagues.
• A successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and racial equity.

Required skills:

Superior computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite as well as Adobe Creative Cloud Suite; experience working with electronic communications and social media platforms is required.

Benefits:

The Justice Center offers skilled and committed co-workers, a competitive salary (minimum $49,345/annually DOE) and superior benefits to enhance staff quality of life including but not limited to: six weeks paid time off, paid parental leave, thirteen holidays, $100 monthly parking stipend, retirement plan contribution and match, FSA, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage. This position is in the Justice Center’s bargaining unit, represented by the National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local 2320.

To Apply

This position is open immediately. To apply please complete an application by using the following link: North Carolina Justice Center – Transportation and Energy Policy Advocate (paylocity.com)

The Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for available positions. NCJC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.