Coordinator, Western Clean Energy Advocates

Western Grid Group (WGG), a non-profit advocacy organization, works to expand access for clean energy resources, state by state and across the western US. We seek an independent contractor to coordinate development of the Western Clean Energy Advocates (WCEA) coalition. Information about WCEA, its members, goals, principles and its Clean Energy Vision is available on the Western Grid Group website, www.westerngrid.net.

Western Grid Group work focuses on transmission planning and policy; on renewables integration and electric system operation; and on related energy policy issues. WGG works collaboratively with wind, solar, geothermal and energy efficiency companies and trade associations, environmental and consumer groups, state and federal regulatory agencies, and the Western Governors Association.

WGG principals have more than 50 years' state regulatory experience, and more than 40 years' geothermal, solar and wind project development and trade association experience. They include former commissioners and chairmen of the public utility commissions in CO, MT, NM, NV, OR and UT. Originally formed as West Wind Wires in 2003, WGG now operates as a sponsored project of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT), a 501 (c )(3) public charity. WGG work is funded by foundations and government contracts.

Position Overview:

The goals of this position are to:

• Develop the coalition into an influential voice for adoption of policies to advance clean energy.
• Build environmental, rural, consumer, and business group support for renewable energy development and siting, and more effective working relationships between renewable energy generators and environmental, rural interests, consumer representatives and business groups.

Responsibilities:

The Coordinator will work with WGG and Coalition members to:

• Coordinate development and adoption of a strategy for achieving WCEA goals, broad buy-in to and implementation of that strategy.
• Coordinate meetings and support the work of the WCEA Communications Committee, including the development of coalition messaging and graphics.
• Convene monthly web meetings, quarterly in-person meetings (preparing meeting agendas and materials) that make coalition activities relevant to member priorities, expand members' knowledge of clean energy development, and deepen interaction among members.
• Prepare and use meeting follow-up materials to track and to drive coalition work.
• Support development of WCEA's Clean Energy Vision (CEV), and use the CEV to help expand the coalition and achieve policy goals
• Assist development and implementation of CEV packaging and messaging to promote the CEV and related policies.
• Coordinate outreach to expand the coalition. Recruit additional constituencies as members.
• Assist with formation of committees, as needed, to accomplish WCEA goals.
• Serve as main point of contact for work of the coalition.

The Coordinator will work with WGG's administrative director, who will manage coalition member services and logistics.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience organizing a campaign or coalition.
• Demonstrated experience building trust and improving working relationships among campaign or coalition members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated experience articulating a campaign or coalition's core messages.
• Experience representing a campaign or coalition to the media.
• Knowledge of energy and environmental policy a strong plus.

Location and Travel:

Western Grid Group (WGG) directors work from their offices in 8 western states, and WGG maintains no central office location. Much of the organizing work to be performed will be done via telephone, e-mail and the internet. Travel is estimated to require approximately 2, 2-day trips per quarter, to participate in WCEA in-person meetings; WCEA committee meetings; and related WCEA and foundation meetings.

Time Commitment:

This is a half-time position (approximately 85 hours/month). Like other WGG staff, the WCEA Coordinator is an independent contractor and not an employee.

Compensation: Compensation consists of cash only and does not include paid holidays, vacation or medical benefits. Compensation is $40,000. The contractor is expected to provide his/her own computer, internet connection, phone and other equipment necessary to perform the work.

To Apply:

Please e-mail a letter explaining your interest in this work, your resumé, and an example work product pertinent to the responsibilities of this position to Alicia Healey, Western Grid Group.

This announcement posted February 2011; applications accepted until the position is filled.