The application period has closed. Thanks!
________________________
Job Title: Energy Transition Advocate
Location: Helena, Montana (some potential flexibility if an applicant has strong knowledge in energy-related issues)
Type: Permanent, full time after 1-year probationary period
Reports to: Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
Travel: Some overnight travel, both in-state and out-of-state required
Compensation: $50,000 to 55,000/year. MEIC offers a competitive benefits package that includes: paid vacation and holiday leave, sick and family leave, and health insurance. Staff typically work 32-hour work weeks during the summer, with 36-40+ hours during peak work periods, such as the biennial Legislative Session. Additionally, retirement account contributions begin after two years of employment, and sabbatical leave is available after seven years of employment.
To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references into a single PDF file (preferably) and email to jobs@meic.org. The position is open until filled. Interviews expected to begin mid-April.
Position Background: The Energy Transition Advocate helps to develop and implement MEIC’s energy-related campaigns, which aim to address the climate crisis and accelerate an equitable transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. This includes public advocacy, education, outreach, organizing, and developing and implementing energy transition programs, as well as lobbying local and state government officials and the legislature. The Advocate can also expect to work with utilities and the Montana Public Service Commission to restore and protect a clean and healthful environment for all Montanans. Issues include, but are not limited to, helping to develop and implement strategies to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy (renewable energy and storage, conservation and energy efficiency), largely through utility and transmission planning; building decarbonization; and clean transportation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Related Activities: 60%
- Assist in the development and implementation of science- and technology-based campaigns and programs that result in adoption of innovative and equitable policies and rules that accelerate the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, energy storage, and clean transportation.
- Assist in utility-related proceedings including, but not limited to, resource planning, rate-setting, utility solicitation, and utility commission decision-making processes.
- Help spur Montana renewable energy development by helping to advance regional and west-wide energy markets and transmission grid development.
- Work with other individuals and organizations to pressure utilities to move toward clean energy resources.
- Help local governments adopt and implement plans that create a higher reliance on clean and sustainable energy resources.
- Research and advocate for environmentally-protective outcomes regarding nuclear, hydrogen, electric vehicles, building codes, and cryptocurrency.
- Coordinate with state, regional, and national organizations and individuals to develop public policies promoting energy efficiency and responsible and equitable clean energy development.
- Assist in an equitable transition towards electrification of buildings and transportation in Montana.
Organizing and Outreach: 30%
- Work closely with MEIC’s Directors of Communications & Engagement and Campaigns & Advocacy to develop and implement grassroots education and advocacy programs to build support for clean energy.
- Work in collaboration with MEIC staff, conservation partners, MEIC members, clean energy developers, nontraditional allies, government officials, Native American tribes, and others to develop and implement strategies to increase reliance on clean energy.
- In coordination with other staff, help prepare written and visual materials, such as policy papers, fact sheets, presentations, action alerts, newsletter articles, and social media communications.
- Develop strong working relationships with news media, including reporter education and speaking at press events. Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement media and social media campaigns.
- Represent MEIC at conferences, events, meetings, and other public speaking engagements on issues consistent with MEIC’s strategic plan.
- Stay up-to-date on current environmental, technical, and political events.
Legislative Lobbying: 25% in odd-numbered years when the Montana legislature meets. Less than 5% for federal lobbying.
- Serve as a registered lobbyist during Montana Legislative Sessions, interim legislative committees, and special sessions. These duties include but are not limited to conversing with legislators and other stakeholders, research, drafting legislation and fact sheets, outreach to members, testifying at hearings, and representing MEIC in a favorable and professional manner.
- Periodically lobby federal officials on federal legislation. These duties include but are not limited to conversing with federal elected and non-elected officials and other stakeholders, research, writing fact sheets and articles, and conducting outreach to members.
Administration: 10%
- Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement social media strategies.
- Write and review member alerts for events and issues.
- Write newsletter articles, blogs, and social media materials.
- Participate in staff and board of directors meetings.
- When requested, participate in staff hiring and evaluation processes.
- Share with other staff the responsibility for answering the telephone.
- Track work time and submit monthly time reports in a timely manner.
- Assist with fundraising.
- Assist in preparation of the organization’s annual budget.
- Participate in board meetings, retreats, and member events.
- Comply with Board policies as necessary.
- Participate in the preparation of annual and long-range plans.
- Help maintain a safe, collegial, clean, and productive work environment.
KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, & SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree is required. A graduate degree or comparable work in a related field is preferred.
- Three years of experience in clean energy or climate-related policy work is strongly preferred. However, MEIC encourages applications from those with a passion for the energy transition and who meet the other qualifications even though they may not yet have extensive experience in the energy arena.
- Understanding of Montana’s energy system and its connection to the climate crisis.
- Keen awareness of Montana’s political landscape, especially as it pertains to environmental and energy issues and policies.
- Experience and/or understanding of the importance of community organizing and outreach to accomplish climate goals.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and justice, and an understanding of how these values intersect with environmental issues.
- Excellent communication skills. Strong and persuasive public speaking and writing skills. Capacity to understand technical energy issues and translate them into accessible, engaging language.
- Social and emotional intelligence.
- Highly-motivated and self-starter with the ability to work independently and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
- The ability to lead, collaborate, and work effectively in a team environment.
- Comfortable with confrontational advocacy and resilient in high stress conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to think and act quickly, strategically, and enthusiastically.
- Legislative lobbying experience preferred but not required.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work on many projects at the same time.
About MEIC:
The Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental advocate founded in 1973 and is dedicated to a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. MEIC is a fun, fast-paced, and cutting-edge environmental organization with a long history of success in protecting Montana’s clean air, clean water, healthy landscapes, and climate. MEIC works on a broad range of environmental issues impacting Montana, particularly the climate crisis, fossil fuels, clean energy, environmental justice, air and water pollution, hardrock mining, and sustainable communities.
MEIC is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and fast-paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. MEIC will not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (“protected classes”). MEIC will make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability in compliance with federal, state, and local law.
To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references into a single PDF file (preferably) and email to jobs@meic.org. The position is open until filled.
