Policy Advocate, New Jersey

Overview

NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C. 

POSITION SUMMARY  

NRDC is seeking a Policy Advocate to join the Northeast Regional team of the Climate and Energy Program. Our team is committed to transitioning to a clean energy economy and addressing energy and environmental inequities through partnership, building the environmental movement and ambitious, effective policies. This position will be an integral part of the program’s advocacy success and requires: a commitment to advancing a just, equitable, and sustainable clean energy future in New Jersey; working collaboratively and in a team-based setting with both internal and external partners; the ability to represent NRDC with decision-makers and in the media and other public forums with credibility and enthusiasm; and, the willingness to travel to Trenton and other NJ localities to advance NRDC’s policy goals. The position will be based in New York City or in New Jersey with an expectation to travel to NRDC’s NYC office on occasion for team meetings, etc., as needed. 

The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).  

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: 

• Serve in a leadership role to develop, build support for, and advance a broad portfolio of equitable climate and clean energy policies, including power sector decarbonization, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation and building electrification. 
• Build durable partnerships and collaborate with state clean energy coalitions and a network of allies, including the environmental community, environmental justice organizations, frontline and community groups most impacted by environmental injustices, utilities, consumer and low-income advocates, labor, the faith community, and clean energy businesses. 
• Develop and nurture relationships with state decision-makers and elected officials; 
• Provide written and oral advocacy to further NRDC’s priorities with the New Jersey legislature, the executive branch, the Board of Public Utilities and state agencies; 
• Conduct policy research and analysis to develop and support positions; 
• Represent NRDC at conferences and serve as the key New Jersey spokesperson in the press for NRDC’s climate and clean energy mission, including partnering with the Communications team to respond to media requests and develop advocacy materials to amplify NRDC’s message; 
• Collaborate with a multi-faceted internal team of policy, campaign, and communications experts to advance a diverse portfolio of policy initiatives. 
• In partnership with the Climate and Energy department’s Regional Director, Northeast and other staff, set strategic goals and priorities, budgets, and timelines; effectively manage the state budget; and deploy consultants and partners to meet project timelines and objectives. 
• Be a central part of a strong and collegial team that is focused on collaboration, approaches advocacy with innovation and optimism, and is committed to leveraging the full range of expertise within NRDC and among its partners to drive change. 

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.  

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience:   

• Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent combination of education and direct experience) required. Law degree, master’s degree or other related advanced degree (Law degree preferred) preferred. 
• 4+ years of work experience related to energy, climate, or environmental policy, with a preference for experience in New Jersey. 
• Experience intervening in utility commission and related regulatory proceedings is preferable. 
• Experience navigating diverse stakeholders, building consensus on policy issu