Rhode Island Energy Policy Advocate

The Green Energy Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization celebrating its 40th anniversary with a mission to harness the power of consumers to speed a just transition to clean energy. Our 18 employees are based in Boston and Providence. We combine consumer-facing programs with public policy advocacy at the state and local levels in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The programs we have for consumers include green electricity, heating, rooftop solar, Shave the Peak, energy efficiency, heat pumps, and an electric vehicle program called Drive Green.  For more information, visit www.greenenergyconsumers.org.   

Overview 

The Rhode Island Energy Policy Advocate will be a key person on our Advocacy Team, working to influence state-level legislative and regulatory energy policy, mostly in Rhode Island, and some in Massachusetts.  Our work focuses on decarbonizing transportation, buildings, and electricity.  The Advocate would report to the Executive Director and collaborate with highly qualified colleagues and allies.   

Green Energy Consumers is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both internally and externally. We advocate for policies that bring the many benefits of clean energy to all, including communities that have been historically overburdened and underserved.   

The successful candidate for this position will possess knowledge of energy and climate policy, be effective at working with coalitions, and have the ability to persuade policymakers in state government to advance our policy agenda.   

Responsibilities 

Responsibilities for this position will include, but are not limited to: 

• Lobbying legislative and executive branches; 
• Representing the organization in all relevant policy discussions, coalitions, advisory bodies, etc.; 
• Cultivating partnerships with climate, energy, environmental, labor, and community stakeholders; 
• Researching, drafting, and presenting organizational positions; 
• Assisting with newsletters, website material, social media, emails, blogs, and webinars; 
• Supporting fundraising by assisting in grant writing and reports to funders; 
• Occasional travel within Rhode Island and Massachusetts; and, 
• All other duties as requested by the executive director.  

All of the above will focus on Rhode Island but will occasionally involve work in Massachusetts as well.  

Qualifications 

Qualified candidates should have a bachelor's degree in environmental or energy studies, public policy, or a related field and relevant work experience, preferably in the energy/environmental industry.  Candidates should also be able to demonstrate:   

• Passion for climate action; 
• Knowledge and experience with public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation, building, and electricity sectors; 
• Roots in Rhode Island, meaning residence and familiarity with the geography, politics, and communities; 
• Research experience; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills (I.e., must display confidence, practice diplomacy, etc.)  
• Excellent written and oral communications skills; 
• Skill in presentation composition and engaging diverse audiences; 
• Analytical and technical capabilities, with close attention to detail; 
• Ability to work independently, with initial guidance; 
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously;  
• Flexible and adaptable demeanor; 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Suite); 
• The ability to work well in a team; 
• Valid driver’s license; 
• Ability to work from our Providence office as necessary and attend in-person meetings at the State Houses in Providence and Boston; 
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.  

Preferred qualifications include: Master’s degree in relevant field and/or experience with clean energy and climate policies.  

This position is full-time, 37.5-40 hours per week, with flexible hours to accommodate occasional weeknight and weekend meetings. We work in hybrid mode (sometimes from our Providence office, sometimes at RI State House and other government offices, and sometimes remote). 

Green Energy Consumers is an equal opportunity employer, and seeks to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital or civil union status, military service, citizenship, or any other characteristics and traits protected under applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.