Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator

Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes science, economics and the use of market mechanisms where appropriate to reach well-crafted, durable solutions. We build teams of scientists, economists, lawyers and other professionals to investigate the scientific causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that contribute to them. In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxic chemicals, and wildlife), we seek practical and equitable solutions, founded on science, that policy makers, the private sector and others can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Position Overview: 

The Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator, based in our Houston field office, will be an integral member of Environmental Defense's regional Climate and Air team, based in Austin. The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary setting to formulate and implement outreach strategies to promote energy efficiency other clean energy technologies in the Houston region, as part of a larger multi-year effort to significantly increase the amount of these resources deployed throughout Texas. 

The successful candidate will 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 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: 

• Conduct outreach to local governments to promote adoption of more energy efficient building codes for new construction and efficiency measures within public buildings.       
• Conduct outreach to large businesses and other major electric consumers to promote adoption of best practices including energy efficient technologies, demand response, and combined heat and power.       
• Build, develop, and grow strategic coalitions and other relationships vital to the success of the project.       
• Monitor ongoing activities related to energy policy in the Houston area; communicate key events to other Environmental Defense 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 in the Houston area, including serving as local spokesperson on clean energy issues, as needed.       
• Represent Environmental Defense in meetings and on relevant committees.       
• Work with Environmental Defense staff in Austin and other offices to design voluntary, legislative, contractual or technical solutions for implementation over a three-year period.

Qualifications: 

• Master's level degree, preferably in energy or environmental policy or management required or equivalent experience.       
• Two years or more of work experience in energy policy, environmental management, policy analysis, environmental advocacy, or related fields.       
• Working knowledge of energy efficiency and current issues relating to energy and air quality in Texas 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 in a field office 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.       
• IBM PC computer proficiency, experience with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.       
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

Location:  

The candidate will principally work independently out of a field office in Houston, but will also maintain close liaison with staff in Austin and other Environmental Defense offices. 

Compensation:  

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package. 

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: 

Cheryl Pickard, Human Resource Generalist
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

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