Sr. Manager, State Climate Policy, US Region

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

EDF has long been a leading voice on the design of U.S. climate policy and a champion of market-based solutions to environmental issues, including programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. We helped design the sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade program; were instrumental in passing and implementing California's emission trading system under its AB32 law; and played a lead role in the effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation in the U.S. Congress in 2009-2010. EDF's U.S. Climate team continues to be at the center of this policy analysis and development, incorporating economic, scientific, and legal expertise to secure effective and equitable policy change at the state, federal, and regional levels to curb climate pollution.

Overall Function

Under direction of EDF's Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, US Climate, the Sr. Manager, U.S. Region will undertake advocacy activities in targeted states to secure adoption and implementation of state programs to put a firm limit on carbon pollution, and achieve those limits through flexible market-based mechanisms that also reduce conventional pollutants in disproportionately impacted areas.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Manager will work with the US Climate team to develop and implement strategies to secure ambitious state climate policies.  Primary activities include:

• Help build and refine strategy and theory of victory in key states.
• Coordinate efforts of and communicate effectively with EDF staff and consultants across multiple programs, and collaborate seamlessly with external partners critical to the program's success.
• Lead the engagement with state officials and staff, electric power sector representatives, NGO partners, the media, and other stakeholders.
• Proactively leverage emerging opportunities and adapt to challenges.
• Speak on behalf of EDF in key external forums, and establish a reputation as a go-to resource for policy makers and other stakeholders.
• Engage in fundraising support activities and collaborate on proposals and reports required by grantors or other requesting parties.
• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• At least eight years of relevant experience in climate policy, advocacy, or campaigns.
• Advanced degree in policy, economics or law in areas related to energy and climate preferred, or comparable substantive expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate high-level, high-stakes engagements with senior state officials, environmental NGOs, industry representatives and other key stakeholders.
• Strong familiarity with the climate policy landscape, particularly at the state level, and a working knowledge of key power sector issues. A working knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions trading programs a plus.
• Interest in and experience navigating intersecting issues, including environmental justice, equity, public health and worker protections.
• Working knowledge of the analytical tools used in assessing emission reduction potential, pathways, and costs, and ability to critically evaluate the inputs and outputs of such analysis and to use results to inform advocacy efforts.
• Keen strategic capacity, and ability to develop and refine as needed an optimized strategy given technical, policy, legal, and political considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects with numerous team members in a fast-paced working environment, and a high capacity for working collaboratively across multiple programs.
• Clear, concise and engaging verbal and written communicator.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Travel required (20-30%).

Minimum Salary

USD $90,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $100,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.