Consumers for a Better Grid Outreach Specialist

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is seeking a full-time, mid-level Consumers for a Better Grid Outreach Specialist. CUB is a nonprofit created by the Illinois legislature “to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of all the citizens of this State by ensuring effective and democratic representation of utility consumers.” We work for more inclusive decision-making at the obscure regulatory bodies whose actions have a direct impact on our utility bills. Through CUB’s Consumers for a Better Grid campaign, we hold grid operators, like the PJM Interconnection, accountable to consumers, states, and a clean, affordable energy future. The Consumers for a Better Grid Outreach Specialist will support work in Illinois and across the PJM footprint, helping grassroots and state-based groups in their efforts to engage.

Why people like to work at CUB:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401K with company match.
• Generous PTO.
• Extra week of vacation for all staff, Dec. 24 through Jan. 1.
• Hands-on experience at a respected, hard-working nonprofit once praised as the “gold standard” of consumer groups nationwide.

Position details:

• Salary range: mid-to-upper $60,000s
• This is a one-year position that may be extended, contingent on funding.
• Option to work as a salaried CUB staff member or on a contract basis.
• Option to work 32 hours or 40 hours/week.
• This position is fully remote, with the option to work in CUB’s Chicago office if desired.
• Strong preference for candidates located in Illinois, Washington DC, or Maryland.
• Reports to Consumers for a Better Grid Campaign Director.

Responsibilities:

• Join coalition calls on a regular basis to be the liaison on PJM matters and advise on tactics and strategy.
• Perform outreach to potential partners.
• Present on issues to a wide array of grassroots and state-based groups. Run a regular update call for same.
• Support grassroots and state-based groups directly by reviewing and drafting materials, such as Op-Eds, talking points, and sign-on letters.
• Provide support, materials, and updates for interested state leaders. This may include travel for education sessions.
• Research and write public-facing materials, such as blogs, as needed.
• Liaise with communications partners to ensure that messages are aligned with overall strategy.
• Manage Consumers for a Better Grid social media; develop digital media products.
• Maintain and update Consumers for a Better Grid webpage.
• Assist Campaign Director as needed.
• Some travel to stakeholder and/or PJM meetings may be required.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years work experience.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree.
• Values alignment: Commitment to and passion for public interest work. Commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Technical chops: Familiarity with RTOs (or desire to learn) and the U.S. energy and utility landscape.
• Campaigns and outreach experience: Experience developing, managing and implementing issue advocacy campaigns, particularly in the fields of energy, environmental and/or consumer affairs. Strong knowledge of tactics. Excellent people and collaboration skills, with experience working in diverse coalitions. The ability to build, maintain, and support trust and strong partnerships.
• Communications skills: Ability to grasp and translate complex technical topics into plain language. Strong writing and proofreading skills. Experience with social media and digital content creation a plus.
• Strong management, communication and organizational skills. High personal integrity.
• Proficiency with Google products (Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations), Microsoft Office, and Zoom.
• Proficiency in Spanish a plus.

Application requirements:

• Deadline: April 12, 2026.
• Please submit as a single PDF:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Nonfiction writing sample (published works preferred)
  • If available, include links to any campaigns or digital materials you have developed
• Submit to apply@forabettergrid.org as a single PDF with the subject line: [Your Last Name] Outreach Specialist Application.
• Submit any clarifying questions to info@forabettergrid.org. In fairness to all applicants, please note that we do not grant informational interviews during an active hiring process.

No phone calls please.

Why people like to work at CUB:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401K with company match.
• Generous PTO.
• Extra week of vacation for all staff, Dec. 24 through Jan. 1.
• Hands-on experience at a respected, hard-working nonprofit once praised as the “gold standard” of consumer groups nationwide.

Position details:

• Salary range: mid-to-upper $60,000s
• This is a one-year position that may be extended, contingent on funding.
• Option to work as a salaried CUB staff member or on a contract basis.
• Option to work 32 hours or 40 hours/week.
• This position is fully remote, with the option to work in CUB’s Chicago office if desired.
• Strong preference for candidates located in Illinois, Washington DC, or Maryland.
• Reports to Consumers for a Better Grid Campaign Director.

Fluency in English; proficiency in Spanish a plus.