Senior Manager, State Climate Policy & Strategy

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?

Application Details

We kindly request that individuals interested in this role include a cover letter, as well as any supplementary writing/work samples (optional), with their application submissions.

Location

While Midwest or Eastern US-based candidates are preferred, location is flexible - this position can be performed on either a hybrid arrangement out of any EDF office or 100% remotely from home within the United States.

Responsibilities

EDF has long been a leading voice on the design of U.S. climate policy, 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. team continues to be at the center of policy analysis and legislative and regulatory advocacy, 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

The Sr. Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy will play a critical role on a growing US team, providing critical policy expertise while helping to shape and execute EDF’s strategy to secure high-ambition climate policies capable of locking in greenhouse gas pollution reductions at scale. Under the direction of EDF’s Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, the Sr. Manager will have responsibility for day-to-day advocacy activities in targeted states to secure adoption and implementation of state programs designed to drive emissions reductions consistent with achieving a 50-52% cut in greenhouse gas pollution economy-wide by 2030, and to ensure that states are leading the equitable transition to a clean energy future. Key policy approaches include putting firm limits on carbon pollution, deploying market-based mechanisms that incentivize carbon-free energy resources, and policies to prioritize reductions in conventional pollutants in disproportionately impacted areas.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Manager will work with the state climate team to develop and implement strategies to secure ambitious state and regional policies, including bringing strong policy expertise to state-level efforts. Primary activities include:

• Leverage climate and energy policy and strategic expertise to advance priority state and regional advocacy campaigns.
• Work with analytical team to identify and coordinate necessary research and technical priorities; interpret results and leverage findings to advance advocacy goals.
• Help build and refine advocacy strategy and sharpen a theory of victory in key states. 
• Coordinate efforts of EDF staff and consultants across multiple programs; collaborate seamlessly with external partners critical to the program’s success.
• Communicate effectively across internal and external teams.
• Lead engagement with state officials and staff, representatives from the electric power sector and other regulated industries, NGO and community partners, the media, and other stakeholders.
• Speak on behalf of EDF in key external forums; establish a reputation as a go-to subject matter expert for policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s justice and equity strategies and 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.
• 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.
• Proactively leverage emerging opportunities and adapt to challenges.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• At least eight years of relevant experience in climate or energy policy, advocacy, or campaigns and demonstrated expertise in these areas. 
• Bachelor’s degree required, with specialization in policy, economics, or other areas related to energy and climate preferred; advanced degree in related field or comparable substantive expertise preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to navigate high-level, high-stakes engagement with senior state officials, environmental NGOs, industry representatives and other key stakeholders. Strong existing relationships with these stakeholders and decision-makers in one or more states a plus.
• Strong familiarity with advocacy strategy, issue campaigns, and organizing.
• Strong familiarity with the broad climate policy landscape, particularly at the state level and meaningful expertise in one or more energy or climate policy area. A working knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions trading programs a plus. 
• Ability to navigate intersecting issues, including environmental justice, equity, public health and worker protections. Past experience working on environmental justice and equity, energy transition, and related issues strongly preferred.
• 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%)

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.