Context: Plans, convenes and implements the strategies and activities of the Beyond Coal campaign’s efforts at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and in regional wholesale electricity markets to develop rules and policies that support and accelerate the phase out of coal and gas as part of a just and equitable transition towards a decarbonized economy. Coordinates with relevant campaign staff and other stakeholders. Develops and advocates for policies and programs that deliver timely significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions tied to Sierra Club’s overall goals to eliminate fossil fuels from the economy while contributing to a powerful climate justice movement.
Scope: The Senior Campaign Representative is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of Beyond Coal climate and justice strategies at FERC and in wholesale electricity markets, with a particular focus on PJM Interconnection and ISO-New England, to retire coal plants, stop new gas plant proposals, increase clean energy, and advance a just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. In consultation with staff, volunteers and partners, the Senior Campaign Representative will advocate for positive changes to market mechanisms that achieve campaign outcomes and align with state and national goals. The Senior Campaign Representative will also foster robust collaboration across teams, campaigns and assigned Sierra Club chapters, produce educational materials, reports and research, and serve as a technical resource to Sierra Club staff and volunteers. Acts as a project manager and manages the day-to-day operation of the campaign, including convening teams, managing and stewarding resources, conducting regular planning, and developing a team culture of mutual accountability and support.. Represents the Sierra Club to government officials, the media and other organizations through testimony or lobbying activities. Represents the Campaign in negotiations and settlements in the assigned area. Supports fundraising efforts when appropriate. Takes appropriate action to ensure that program goals and objectives are met.
- Within a collaborative framework and in consultation with key stakeholders, leads and facilitates the development and implementation of a strategic campaign plan, goals and objectives for the Sierra Club’s efforts to secure the transition ofe the electric sector to 100% clean energy. A primary focus of this job will be on activities occurring in wholesale electricity markets, with a particular focus on the activities occurring in PJM Interconnection and ISO-New England. Develops , executes and manages a strategic campaign in collaboration with Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program, Chapter, Communications Department, Organizing and On-line Organizing capacities, Sierra Club programs, and volunteer leadership to ensure the execution of a campaign to win measurable yearly progress in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy and equitably scale clean energy solutions.
- Identifies and addresses issues arising at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators that impact frontline communities and within labor. Works with state-based campaign teams, , elected and appointed decision-makers, consumer groups and executives in the clean energy industry to advance Sierra Club priorities and develop strategies that ensure a just and equitable transition to clean energy.
- In collaboration with state-based campaign teams and external partners, drafts campaign policy positions and advocates before local, regional, state and federal decision-makers. Cultivates productive relationships with key policymakers and their staff at FERC and RTO/ISOs, and other stakeholders, including wholesale market participants.
- Supports and provides senior level professional expertise to staff and volunteers. Provides training on FERC and wholesale market issues to staff and volunteers.
- Works with Communications department staff on media outreach activities related to the campaign. Serves as Sierra Club spokesperson to media outlets and promotes volunteer and partner organization media exposure.
- Implements Sierra Club best practices regarding the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing, justice, equity, and inclusion. Works to ensure that volunteers and state-based teams assume meaningful roles in the campaign.
- Writes, edits, and reviews educational and advocacy materials.
- Provides analysis and support for campaign budget and quarterly forecasts.
- In cooperation with Advancement, participates in donor and foundation solicitation and cultivation, including meeting with funders and preparation of funder presentations, proposals, and reports.
- Represents the Sierra Club to the general public and to strategic allies, including at RTO/ISO stakeholder meetings and conferences.
- Builds, maintains and leads, or participates, in strategically aligned coalitions and coalition efforts.
- Supports Sierra Club’s power-building goals by ensuring campaign strategies and activities are designed to build a base of leaders and increase and deepen strategic partnerships. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring Sierra Club participates in strategically aligned coalitions and coalition efforts.
- Handles miscellaneous projects and duties as assigned.
- 3-5 years of experience as a campaigner in issue advocacy as a senior representative, or in a comparable position in another organization that includes substantial experience planning and managing a state or regional level legislative, administrative or similar campaign, including developing strategy, organizing, lobbying, media relations, fundraising, program/employee management, project management, budget planning and management, and working with senior level political and business leaders.
- Advanced knowledge of wholesale electricity markets, FERC rules and regulations, RTO/ISO governance structures and procedures, state/regional energy policy and regulatory landscape. Knowledge of clean energy industry and technology a plus.
- Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability in public speaking and media presentation.
- Substantial experience and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
- Demonstrated familiarity with and commitment to incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into campaign process and outcomes. Demonstrated cultural competence.
- Demonstrated leadership experience working within a team structure.
- Sense of humor, patience, strong emotional intelligence, and demonstrated ability to create rapport and inspire trust.
- Takes initiative to identify and act on new opportunities and provide creative, timely problem-solving.
- Project management and meetings facilitation skills.
- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.