Community Energy Resilience Director

Duties and Responsibilities

The Community Energy Resilience Director leads the Community Energy Resilience (CER) Initiative, working to create a cleaner, more reliable and resilient electricity system for California, prioritizing clean energy development in vulnerable communities that suffer the most from air pollution and power outages. In addition, this position is responsible for supporting and promoting policy that builds community resilience in response to the impacts of climate change, including wildfire, heat, drought, and sea level rise.  Responsibilities include fundraising, budgeting, strategic planning, communications, policy recommendations, and coordinating with staff and contractors in the following areas:  

• Legislative: Monitoring related legislation being considered by the California legislature and the US Congress; drafting and advocating for California legislation to advance CER goals; working with in-house and contract lobbyists and partner organizations to get initiative priorities through the legislature and signed by the governor;
• Regulatory: Monitoring related California Public Utility Commission proceedings and California Energy Commission developments and programs, and directing The Climate Center (TCC) participation in CER-related proceedings, including drafting and filing comments with the relevant agencies;
• Coalition Building: Developing and maintaining coalitions of organizations supporting Community Resilience and CER legislative and regulatory policy goals; organizing in person and zoom meetings as needed;  
• Policy Development: Tracking trends in the industry and among relevant coalitions and partners and proposing policy that will support the goals of Climate-Safe California; and analyzing the policy of key partners; writing factsheets, FAQs, flyers, position papers, and white papers that explain CER policy priorities;
• Communication: Assisting the communications team by writing blogs, social media posts, bill summaries, op-eds, and producing webinar and event content on Community Resilience and CER:
• Project Development: When relevant to refining or demonstrating TCC policy priorities, building the capacity of, and supporting the development of local community efforts in community energy resilience planning which leads to construction of community energy resilience projects in vulnerable communities;
• Responsible for annual workplan and budget for the Community Energy Resilience initiative;
• Helping write, execute on, and do the reporting for public and private grants;
• Other work assigned by the CPO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least seven years of related work experience
• Strong understanding of the distributed renewable energy landscape including vehicle to grid integration and both policies and technologies
• Demonstrated acumen in climate science, policy, and environmental justice principles
• Familiarity with the California legislative and regulatory process and experience with policy advocacy
• Able to think strategically and plan based on desired outcomes
• Experience working in coalitions and building partnerships toward a common goal
• Experience working with or in the clean energy industry
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle competing priorities
• Self-motivated and ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Highly organized and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Any fundraising/grant experience is a plus
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and online platforms necessary for a remote work environment 

Salary Range and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $90,000 to 125,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include: 

• Paid vacation of 3 weeks per year to start
• 7 scheduled holidays, plus winter break (Dec. 25-Jan. 1) and 2 floating holidays
• Paid sick leave of 13 days per year
• Medical, Dental and Vision (100% employee premium and 50% dependent premium paid by The Climate Center)
• 401k retirement savings with annual employer match, budget permitting
• Life insurance

At The Climate Center, we care about and support each other in the workplace setting. We also recognize that each employee has a whole life that includes time outside of work. The Climate Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We value diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. 

Application

Required for consideration is a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in making a difference on climate change along with a resume. Three to five references will be required for applicants moving beyond the first interview. The position will remain open until filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you!