Washington (Senior) Policy Manager

Renewable Northwest seeks a Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager to represent the organization in Washington state and to support legislative, regulatory, and coalition-building activities with the goal of strengthening and expanding clean energy infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. The Renewable Northwest office is based in Portland, OR. This position is remote but must be located within a 1.5 hour drive of Olympia, WA. Occasional travel across the west is required. The position will be filled at either the Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager level, based on experience and qualifications. Descriptions of qualifications and job responsibilities for each are provided below.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

POLICY MANAGER

• Represent Renewable Northwest as the lead on policy issues in Washington.
• Represent Renewable Northwest in the Washington State legislature and assist policy efforts in other states as necessary.
• Support Renewable Northwest colleagues engaged in electric utility planning processes and regulatory proceedings before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
• Analyze and develop utility, state, and regional renewable energy policy proposals.
• Collaborate with contract lobbyists, consultants, member organizations, and policymakers to advance policy proposals; educate policymakers on the barriers to and benefits of renewable energy.
• Convene Renewable Northwest colleagues, member organizations, and other partners to build coalitions in support of transmission and renewable energy development; conduct briefings and respond to information requests as needed.
• Develop trust and maintain relationships with Renewable Northwest colleagues, external partners, policymakers, regulators, the broader environmental community, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Grow personal aptitude and contribute to the team’s combined expertise on topics such as renewable energy policy, renewable energy siting, energy and emissions regulation, transmission, regional markets, and integrated resource planning.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER

• Able to perform the above responsibilities with minimal direction.
• Oversee the work of consultants and have the opportunity to directly manage interns and mentor associates.
• Serve as project manager for the state by overseeing or having awareness of all the happenings in the state, how they are related, who is responsible, and how the work fits the organization’s strategic plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

POLICY MANAGER

• Knowledge of the bulk electric system, energy policy issues, the utility regulatory process, or land use principles.
• Experience and knowledge of Washington state policy and legislative processes.
• Combination of college level coursework and 2-3 years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings; OR
  • A graduate degree in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
• Stellar writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage multiple tactical projects while advancing cohesive overarching strategy.
• Ability to work efficiently, yet strategically, within tight deadlines.
• Must be passionate with a productive work ethic.
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint and Google Apps (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail).
• Preferred: experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER

In addition to the above Manager Qualifications:

• An advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
• 4+ years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes but is not limited to: work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings.

ABOUT RENEWABLE NORTHWEST

Renewable Northwest is a regional nonprofit clean energy advocacy organization whose mission is to decarbonize the region by accelerating the transition to renewable electricity. Renewable Northwest serves four Northwest states – Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Member organizations include leading renewable energy businesses, environmental organizations, consumer groups and other renewable energy sector affiliates. Renewable Northwest offers a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding workplace where staff collaborates with members and allies to move the Northwest away from fossil fuels toward a clean energy future. Employees hold individual responsibility for respective focus areas, but are well supported by fellow staff who collaborate closely across policy, regulatory and industry sectors. Visit the Renewable Northwest website for additional background information.

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION

Renewable Northwest values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position, including people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, people with lived experience, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Renewable Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Renewable Northwest offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental plan for employee and family members
• Unlimited PTO after 1 year of employment
• Paid family medical leave
• Flexible work schedule
• Employer contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan