NRDC is seeking an Advocate to join our Western Energy and Energy Efficiency for All project (EEFA) teams. This position will develop and oversee California strategies, policies, funding proposals, and long-term advocacy solutions to drive the deployment of affordable energy efficiency, health measures, renewable energy, and other clean energy resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve living conditions for low-income families. It will also support NRDC’s expanding focus on ensuring access to quality jobs and that the transition out of a fossil fuel dependent energy economy will be just and equitable for all communities.
Our Western Energy team advocates for deep cuts to carbon pollution by ending our dependence on dangerous, climate-warming fossil fuels that pollute the air and water and harm public health and communities. We work for clean energy solutions that will lower consumer energy bills, create jobs, and build our economy.
EEFA unites people from diverse sectors and backgrounds to collectively make multifamily affordable buildings healthy, as well as energy- and water-efficient, to improve housing in low-income communities so they can receive their share of environmental and economic benefits. We build power to change policies and practices by seeding and supporting coalitions in 12 states including California as well as providing a platform through a national network so diverse sector leaders can convene, learn from one another and develop collective solutions.
- Advance building policies for existing single and multifamily residential properties, especially for low- and moderate -income customers, as well as small and medium businesses in California underserved communities by:
- Leading NRDC advocacy through direct engagement with utilities (public and private), the Legislature, the Governor’s office, local boards or city councils, and with the energy and climate agencies, including direct advocacy with Commissioners and staff.
- Improving existing policies or developing new ones, such as energy data transparency, benchmarking, savings targets, and other related energy efficiency policies needed to ensure a robust and successful program.
- Creating and overseeing diverse coalitions of housing, energy, and environmental justice advocates to advocate for these policies.
- Collaborating with government, private, and non-profit stakeholders and allies to build support for new energy-saving policies and to develop effective proposals.
- Coordinate energy affordability efforts across California.
- Collaborate with other NRDC efforts to support a skilled workforce as well as to ensure a just and equitable transition from fossil fuel energy sources such that NRDC’s clean energy policies also lead to quality jobs for all.
- Undertake quantitative and qualitative analyses in the form of research papers, fact sheets, blogs, or other materials to support successful advancement of NRDC’s objectives.
- Lead NRDC’s work at the California Legislature, including analyzing bills or writing bill proposals.
- Author comments, testimony, and briefs as well as represent NRDC at all relevant hearings.
- Manage contracts for multiple consultants providing program advocacy support.
- Support fundraising efforts at the regional, state, and local level.
- 5 years minimum of related professional experience.
- Familiarity with energy efficiency, affordable housing, and coalition-building preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Coalition-building and partnership engagement skills
- Ability to handle multiple work streams and competing deadlines under pressure.
- Self-starter who can work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Team player with a professional manner, positive attitude, and sense of humor.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and work discretely with sensitive information.
- Willingness to travel frequently within California.
- High proficiency with Microsoft office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.