Director, Power Sector Policy & Strategy, U.S. Region

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 1,000 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?

Overall Function

The Director will play a lead role on a growing US team, helping to shape EDF’s vision for effective and equitable federal and state climate policy, particularly advancing strategies to reduce carbon pollution as well as health-harming air pollution from the electric power sector. Under direction of EDF’s Associate Vice President, US Climate, the Director will help shape and implement EDF’s evolving power sector decarbonization strategy, with responsibility for day-to-day advocacy activities including research and policy development, legislative and regulatory engagement, and collaboration with electric power companies, consumers, and other key stakeholders in the clean energy transition. The Director will have a specific focus on securing ambitious reductions in carbon pollution from the electric power sector, the linchpin to achieving the U.S. economy-wide NDC.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and refine EDF’s approach for achieving significant carbon emission reductions in the power sector by the end of the decade.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders, including policymakers and staff, electric power sector representatives, and NGO and community partners.
• Work with analytical team to identify and coordinate necessary research and technical priorities; interpret results and leverage findings to advance advocacy goals.
• Coordinate and manage efforts of EDF staff and consultants across multiple programs in a matrixed organization; collaborate seamlessly with external partners critical to the program’s success.
• Speak on behalf of EDF in key external forums and establish a reputation as a go-to resource for policy makers and other stakeholders.
• Write and prepare white papers, reports, policy briefs, and communications materials aimed at external audiences; draft internal decision memos, policy documents, testimony, talking points; contribute to funding proposals and reports.
• Coordinate closely with EDF’s legal and regulatory team on climate, clean air, and clean energy progress under existing law.
• Participate 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 ten years professional experience in climate and/or energy policy, meaningful expertise in 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 government officials, environmental NGOs, industry representatives and other key stakeholders.
• Strong familiarity with the nationwide climate and energy policy landscape including performance standards and emissions trading programs, and a working knowledge of key power sector issues including federal Clean Air Act regulations, familiarity with state-level climate and clean energy policy design, and power market dynamics.
• Interest in and experience navigating intersecting issues, including environmental justice, equity, public health and worker and consumer 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.

Please include a Cover Letter with your submission.