Energy Justice Policy Specialist

West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. Published: March 25, 2021
Location
NYC, New York
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Energy / Outreach / Advocacy / Policy

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Description

West Harlem Environmental Action Inc. a/k/a WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan community-based, membership organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.

We use community organizing, community-based participatory research and evidence-based policy advocacy campaigns to create systemic policy change at the federal, state and local levels of government.

WE ACT is locally and nationally known for its work on children's environmental health, community-driven climate resiliency, healthy homes campaigns government accountability, and community-based environmental health research partnerships. 

Position Overview

WE ACT seeks a full-time Energy Justice Policy Specialist to work closely with WE ACT’s Executive Director and Director of Policy to develop strategic, unified, and sustained advocacy to achieve equity in policy and practice. The Energy Justice Policy Specialist will influence city and state executive, legislative and agency actions and educate legislators/officials on energy policy and energy justice.

The advisor will coordinate WE ACT’s energy-related policy agenda items that support an equitable transition away from fossil fuels and evaluate renewable energy investment opportunities in communities with environmental justice concerns. They will advise on community-based energy justice issues and issues regarding renewable energy, fossil fuel infrastructure, public service commission matters, rate cases, utility affordability, and more.

The Energy Justice Policy Specialist defines and formulates WE ACT’s energy policy positions, builds broad-based support for these positions, and promotes WE ACT’s presence and the presence of an environmental justice perspective in policy formation.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement components of our annual public policy agenda to advance energy justice for the organization.
  • Staff task forces and other collaborative initiatives and projects.
  • Lead and participate in policy-setting forums and government relations activities.
  • Provide strategic advice on public policy issues to the Executive Director, Director of Policy and other WE ACT staff.
  • Strengthen and support the overall public policy development capacity of the organization and the community we serve.
  • Monitor and provide strategic advice, policy briefings, and recommendations on legislative change and policy issues at the state and municipal levels.
  • Develop and implement the organization’s public policy agenda based on existing priorities and ongoing consultations with WE ACT staff and key stakeholders in the environmental, environmental justice and environmental health movements.
  • Lead or participate on task forces and collaborative initiatives to develop effective public policy solutions to energy transition issues.
  • Organize and lead community-based planning initiatives including facilitating workshops, developing planning materials, and strategically engaging in the public planning process to promote equity in land use and development.
  • Identify and work with key partners to advance the organization’s energy justice policy agenda.
  • Address urgent energy policy issues as they arise.
  • Build community and government awareness on key policy issues through public education, government relations, collaboration with frontline community leaders, and media strategies.
  • Create forums for dialogue with government officials, funders, agencies, and donors on topics impacting environment, environmental justice and environmental health in communities of color.
  • Provide leadership to WE ACT programs/projects.
  • Work on departmental and organizational teams and projects.
  • Advise the organization about “sign-on” letters addressing current or future energy policy issues.

Skills

  • At least 3 years of experience in energy policy and law, environmental justice policy, or related field.
  • A deep understanding of energy policy, literature, and law; environmental policy and law; environmental justice concerns and perspectives; city, state, and federal politics; and New York political leadership.
  • Recognizes ways that race, and other identities (historically and presently) intersect and play out in the work, especially for clients and community members, and has demonstrated the ability to apply racial justice lens to their work.
  • Experience working in diverse communities.
  • Excellent public speaking and writing skills required.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to work in a team of community organizers, policy advocates, and Researchers.
  • Strong sense of ownership over goals.
  • Spoken Spanish preferred but not required.

Compensation

  • Salary [SJ1] commensurate on experience. 
  • Full Medical benefits, vision and dental available.
  • 401K Program available after 6 months of employment for pre-tax contribution.

To Apply

  • Plesae click "Apply" below to email application materials. 
  • Telephone calls will not be accepted.
  • Include cover letter, resume, three references, and daytime contact information.

WE ACT is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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