Associate, Level I, II or III

Los Angeles, CA 

This is a full-time, hybrid position  

About the position  

Better World Group (BWG) seeks a full-time Associate that will support the firm’s variety of practice areas including Clean Air, Transport and Climate Justice; Energy; and Rights of and Connection to Nature. In this role, the Associate will play a key role assisting with national and state-wide coalitions and campaigns that aim to advance equitable and ground-breaking climate policies. Our aim is to change systems by transforming culture ensuring that benefits, resources, and economic opportunities reach communities of color and Indigenous communities, especially those most affected by environmental injustice. 

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of clean transportation and energy, conservation and climate change while working on projects that promote equity and environmental justice. 

Major areas of responsibility 

Coalition and Campaign Support 

• Ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to build consensus and advance multi-sectoral climate policy 
• Assist in the development and implementation of campaigns aimed at advancing clean transportation, clean energy, conservation, climate and environmental justice. 

Policy advancement 

• Support efforts to advance policy related to clean transportation, clean energy, conservation, climate and environmental justice.  
• Conduct policy research and analyzes complex data to craft policy proposals and tell compelling stories 
• Engage with key partners, decision-makers, and networks to stay up to speed on existing issues in the energy, equity and environmental spaces along with policy solutions 
• Track local, state, and national policy development focused on climate and environmental justice 

Research and Writing 

• Draft talking points, public comments and other relevant materials, specifically with respect to legislative and regulatory venues 
• Research and write memos and comment letters 
• Prepare presentations 

Project coordination 

• Provide project managers with coordination support for complex campaigns, coalitions, or projects 
• Assist in defining project scopes and goals, including setting targets for milestones, adhering to deadlines, and identifying necessary resources 
• Coordinate internal efforts when issues require collaboration with colleagues 
• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners, decision-makers, and networks, and participates in relevant external activities 

Other duties 

• Contribute to a work environment and culture that is centered on equity and belonging 
• Raise the visibility on various climate and environmental issues across that impact communities of color and indigenous communities by writing newsletter articles, blogs, and social media 
• Ability and willingness to travel, as needed, to meetings and conferences throughout the state and possibly other locations 

Experience 

Candidates must have at least two years of full-time relevant work experience, in two or more of the following areas:  

• State policy coalitions and campaigns 
• Clean transportation 
• Climate and conservation policy 
• Clean energy 
• Environmental and racial justice 
• Public lands 
• Climate change adaptation policy 
• Meeting and coalition facilitation  

An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be accepted. 

Skills 

Successful candidates must possess: 

• Demonstrated critical and strategic thinking abilities and have a detail-oriented and proactive approach to problem solving 
• A growth mindset to use available resources and feedback to continually develop expertise in their role and facilitate team learning 
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely convey complex topics 
• Effective facilitation skills, including the ability to lead group discussions, support collaborative decision-making, and encourage participation from all team members 
• Approach problem solving with an eagerness to learn and a fearless attitude towards exploring new topics on a regular basis  
• Organizing and campaign development experience 

Compensation and Benefits 

Salary range: Salary based on relevant experience; $70,000 - $80,000 annually.  

Benefits: 

• The firm will cover you and your qualified dependents for healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision, with a total monthly premium equivalent to that of Kaiser Permanente Platinum HMO A. You may select coverage from options available via CalChoice.  
• The Firm also provides Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance as well as a Flexible Spending Account option (pretax benefits used for unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent care cost, etc.)  
• Participation in the Firm's 401 (k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan from your first day, with the Firm’s contributions of 3% of your compensation per plan year (subject to vesting requirements) regardless of how much you elect to contribute.  

Paid time off:   

• Holidays: 18 paid holidays (12 federal and/or state holidays and 1 additional day from a list of inclusive cultural, religious holidays or your birthday), and 5 paid holiday days for the last week of December from Christmas to New Year’s. 
• Vacation Days: 10 vacation days per year of employment with 1 additional day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 15 days. Vacation day hours are accrued with each pay period. 
• Sick Days: 5 days per calendar year, available from your first day. 

*New benefit* Better World Group is piloting a 2024 Flexible Fridays schedule (similar to a reduced work week). This position is full-time, requiring a minimum of 32 hours/week in 2024, with the possibility of a pilot benefit extension.  

Additional benefits: We provide an annual professional development budget starting at $800. For staff who commute to BWG’s office, we pay for Metro Rail Passes.  

Application Process 

We seek candidates with the relevant qualifications and experiences described above and who can demonstrate a strong commitment to racial, environmental, and climate justice. In your cover letter, please provide examples of your past experiences, highlighting your contributions towards progress or achievements in any of these areas. This could include, but is not limited to, your previous involvement in initiatives, programs, or projects that aim to address and rectify disparities, advocate for equitable practices, and/or facilitate conversations for just outcomes. 

To apply, please submit upload the following materials on our website. The maximum file size is 10 MB. If you are experiencing issues uploading your application to the hiring platform, please contact careers@betterworldgroup.com. No phone calls, please. 

1. Cover letter 
2. Resume 
3. Writing sample (if part of a group project, indicate sections written by the applicant) 
4. Presentation sample 
5. Three professional references 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning September 9, 2024. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until filled. Those interested in are encouraged to apply as early as possible.  

About Better World Group 

BWG works across all sectors to develop forward-thinking, transformative strategies that address complex problems. Our clients - philanthropies, non-governmental organizations, and local and state government agencies - turn to us for our ability to craft and implement creative strategy, convene diverse stakeholders, and build consensus towards equitable and sustainable outcomes. BWG is a Latina-owned small business located in Downtown Los Angeles. 

BWG is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Better World Group requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, absent a legal exception for reasonable accommodation. Unvaccinated new hires have a 30-day grace period after their start date to get fully vaccinated or, if eligible, obtain a reasonable accommodation.

Benefits: 

• The firm will cover you and your qualified dependents for healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision, with a total monthly premium equivalent to that of Kaiser Permanente Platinum HMO A. You may select coverage from options available via CalChoice.  
• The Firm also provides Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance as well as a Flexible Spending Account option (pretax benefits used for unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent care cost, etc.)  
• Participation in the Firm's 401 (k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan from your first day, with the Firm’s contributions of 3% of your compensation per plan year (subject to vesting requirements) regardless of how much you elect to contribute.  

Paid time off:   

• Holidays: 18 paid holidays (12 federal and/or state holidays and 1 additional day from a list of inclusive cultural, religious holidays or your birthday), and 5 paid holiday days for the last week of December from Christmas to New Year’s. 
• Vacation Days: 10 vacation days per year of employment with 1 additional day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 15 days. Vacation day hours are accrued with each pay period. 
• Sick Days: 5 days per calendar year, available from your first day. 

*New benefit* Better World Group is piloting a 2024 Flexible Fridays schedule (similar to a reduced work week). This position is full-time, requiring a minimum of 32 hours/week in 2024, with the possibility of a pilot benefit extension.  

Additional benefits: We provide an annual professional development budget starting at $800. For staff who commute to BWG’s office, we pay for Metro Rail Passes.