Advocate, 100% clean energy

Work for Progress

Job Description

Environment Massachusetts Clean Energy Advocate

Environment Massachusetts is hiring a Clean Energy Advocate to lead our program to transition Massachusetts from fossil fuels to 100% clean, renewable energy from sources like the sun and wind.

About Environment Massachusetts
 
Environment Massachusetts is a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization and a project of Environment America, a national network of 30 state environmental groups with one mission — to change our country and our world to be a greener, healthier place.

Our recent victories include:
  • Passing a landmark climate law that will expand the use of wind and solar power, require all cars sold in Massachusetts to be electric vehicles by 2035, and allow up to 10 cities and towns to adopt local policies requiring new buildings to use fossil fuel-free heating and appliances.
  • Requiring public notification when untreated sewage is released into our rivers and coastal waters.
  • Securing millions of dollars in funding to help get the lead out of drinking water in schools and daycare centers.

In every campaign we run, we put the earth first. Nothing else matters if we don’t have a healthy planet. Restoring and protecting the environment is our only mission. We also know that lasting progress for the planet comes one challenging step at a time. We have a bold vision of a greener world. But we know that making a difference often requires compromise. We also know that, to make progress sustainable, we need to reach out to everybody, not just the people who already agree with us. 

Our clean energy program

Most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels, harming our health and warming our climate. But that’s changing. For years, Massachusetts has been one of the top states in the country for clean energy. We believe Massachusetts should set its sights on 100% renewable energy for electricity, heating, and transportation -- the three sectors that are responsible for the vast majority of fossil fuel use in our state. We should take steps right now toward a greener, healthier world, one in which we rely only on pollution-free sources of energy.

In order to put Massachusetts on a path to 100% renewable energy, our top priorities include:
  • Installing the equivalent of one million solar rooftops — 10 gigawatts of solar capacity — in Massachusetts by 2030.
  • Requiring new buildings to be built with all-electric heating and appliances, and setting strong standards to require existing office and apartment buildings to transition off of fossil fuels.
  • Putting more electric vehicles on the road, and expanding the state’s network of EV charging stations.

Qualifications

We are seeking a Clean Energy Advocate who will lead the next phase of our program for 100% renewable energy. You’ll work together with leaders at the Public Interest Network with decades of experience on clean energy policy and state-level advocacy, including Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts; Johanna Neumann, Senior Director for the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America; Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG; and Tony Dutzik, Associate Director of Frontier Group.

At Environment Massachusetts, we’re looking for people who are into making a difference, not making a statement. That means being strategic about how to win. It means focusing on results, not rhetoric. It means recognizing that, even though the stakes are incredibly high, progress happens one step at a time. And it means working with anybody – Republican, Democrat or other – at any level of government or business, to deliver more clean energy, clean air and water, open space and wildlife, and action on climate.
 
The work is not for everybody. You grind out every victory. You don’t make big bucks. You put the team and mission first. 

Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch written and verbal skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. At least 3-5 years of organizing, advocacy, or policy experience, which may include grad school, is preferred. Candidates with more experience are encouraged to apply.

Representative Responsibilities 

  • Build and run powerful coalitions: Reach out to like-minded organizations and affected constituency groups to demonstrate support for our campaign goals. Run weekly or monthly coalition meetings with groups that have committed to work together on our campaigns.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on Facebook and Twitter for your campaign.
  • Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with champions in the state legislature. Make a convincing case to legislators who are undecided on a particular vote. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you’ve been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win. 
  • Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
  • Identify and cultivate donors: Reach out to foundations and major donors and ask them to fund your campaign.
  • Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.

This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.

Compensation and benefits

The target annual compensation for this position is $36,000-$42,000 in the first year. Candidates on the low end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. Environment Massachusetts offers a competitive benefits package. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location

Boston, MA preferred

To apply


Things to know when you apply

Why work for Environment Massachusetts? Here are ten reasons: https://environmentamerica.org/why-work-with-us/

Environment Massachusetts is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://environmentamerica.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Environment Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.