State Policy Associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), part of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), seeks a qualified state policy associate. This new position will advocate for state policies that phase out fluorescent lighting in favor of LED alternatives that contain no mercury, reduce energy costs, and cut climate emissions. This effort is part of a coordinated international effort to accelerate the replacement of mercury-containing fluorescent lighting with much more energy-efficient alternatives, building on successful enactment of this policy in Vermont and California in 2022.
ASAP organizes and leads a broad-based coalition effort that works to advance, win, and defend new appliance, equipment, and lighting standards that cut emissions that contribute to climate change and other environmental and public health harms, save water, and reduce economic and environmental burdens for low- and moderate-income households. ASAP is housed at ACEEE.
About ACEEE:
ACEEE conducts independent analysis and develops transformative polices to build a vibrant and equitable economy that uses energy more productively, protects the environment, and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of everyone.
Our organizational culture is collaborative and team-oriented with a strong commitment to its mission. Staff work at an energetic pace within a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment with an emphasis on professional growth and development. There is a high degree of workplace flexibility, with an emphasis on results, making ASAP and ACEEE an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work. ACEEE is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion while weaving equity into our research and policy work.
Position description:
The associate works as part of a small team working to cut energy waste and mercury pollution, and help limit the impacts of climate change, by advocating for clean lighting standards that eliminate the most common type of mercury-containing light bulbs. The person in this position will identify new partners, build support for policy change, and provide technical assistance, working with environmental and energy efficiency advocates, state legislators, governors’ offices, state agency officials, and other stakeholders.
The associate reports to the ASAP state policy manager and regularly uses sound judgment to make decisions independently. This job provides an opportunity to create real change by shaping and advancing a new policy that can deliver big reductions in environmental mercury and save energy and money at the same time.
Major responsibilities include:
- Develop state-level advocacy campaigns for advancing and winning new clean lighting standards in coordination with new and existing allies.
- Become a trusted expert by acquiring in-depth knowledge of lighting markets, lighting technologies, and state and federal policy options for regulating lighting products.
- Lead all aspects of ASAP’s efforts (outreach, education, communications, coalition building, etc.) to win clean lighting standards in targeted states.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Build and mobilize coalitions of allies in targeted states to support state clean lighting policy campaigns.
- Acquire expertise about the lighting market, lighting technologies, and state policy options for regulating lighting products.
- Develop deep and lasting relationships with key partners, including other advocacy groups that represent a range of interests and perspectives (e.g., low-income consumers, environmental justice, business, public health) and state policymakers and legislators.
- Provide technical and policy support to policymakers and other stakeholders regarding clean lighting standards.
- Work as part of coalitions in states to achieve objectives.
- Submit written comments on clean lighting policy proposals, including state legislation.
- Testify to state legislative committees (in-person and/or remotely).
- Produce written and web-based content (e.g., fact sheets, blog posts, social media content) to educate and build support for clean lighting standards.
- Represent ASAP at conferences and policy meetings.
Expectations:
The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and convey technical material to non-technical audiences, listen carefully to others to gain a full understanding of issues, and perform multiple tasks independently. Strong candidates will have an awareness of and respect for diverse cultural and individual values, the ability to recognize and respond to opportunities in order to reach a goal, and the willingness to work as part of a team to achieve objectives.
Qualifications:
Required education and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant work experience, master’s degree a plus.
- Familiarity with state legislative and/or regulatory processes.
- Excellent oral communication and writing skills, including giving presentations.
- Demonstrated experience with state or federal legislative advocacy campaigns, including working in coalitions and/or with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and complete tasks independently to achieve goals.
- Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office.
Preferred:
Familiarity with energy, climate, and/or toxic substances public policy.
Preferred start date: November or until a suitable candidate is found. This position is located in Washington DC, Mid-Atlantic or Northeast states, or can be remote.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range is $50,000 - $74,659. ACEEE’s generous benefits package includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage; a 403(b)-retirement plan; transportation and bike share benefits; three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks thereafter.
To apply: Use the link below to use the Paylocity Recruitment portal. Be sure to send a cover letter, resume, and brief (1-2 pages) writing sample. We do not accept phone calls.
Please let us know how you heard of this opening.
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), which is based at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), is an organization dedicated to advancing appliance and equipment energy-efficiency standards as a means to save energy, reduce global warming emissions and other environmental impacts, improve energy security and cut consumer energy costs.
ACEEE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, class, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. ACEEE is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in its organization and encourages applicants with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.