Program Associate
The Climate and Clean Energy Program Associate works with the Climate Policy and Outreach Specialist and the Texas Director to implement grasstops and grassroots strategies and conduct research to support the initiatives of Public Citizen’s Texas office. This include implementing climate action plans in Austin and San Antonio, achieving the equitable transition to 100 percent renewable energy for Austin Energy and CPS Energy, getting pro-clean energy directors elected to the Pedernales Electric Cooperative board of directors, supporting building electrification to reduce dependence on natural gas, and other clean energy and climate initiatives. Climate justice principles are integral to this work. The program associate will advocate for changes necessary to reduce environmental burdens on vulnerable communities and give all Texans the opportunity to benefit from clean energy, sustainable transportation and a healthy environment.
Public Citizen is a national non-profit consumer organization that works in Texas on energy and climate policy. This is a grant contingent position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support local and statewide campaigns through grassroots organizing in Central Texas communities.
- Promote civic engagement in Public Citizen campaigns by developing relationships with and motivating residents, businesses and organizations to contact decision makers, vote, participate in civic events, and contact local media.
- Prepare organizing materials, issue updates, action alerts, and media materials needed to implement issue campaigns in coordination with the Climate Policy and Outreach Specialist.
- Research a variety of topics to support climate and energy policy and organizing objectives.
- Work with the Climate Policy and Outreach Specialist to maintain and provide content for relevant listservs.
- Public speaking in public forums such as Austin City Council meetings.
- Help organize and facilitate coalition and other meetings.
- Phone banking and canvasing as needed to support relevant campaigns.
- Help draft multiplatform social media content, blog posts, and press releases.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: College degree preferred but not required. Candidates without a degree should have significant professional experience in organizing. Organizer training (Green Corps, Center for Third World Organizing, Midwest Academy, etc.) preferred.
Work Experience: At least two years of organizing, strategic advocacy, and/or electoral experience at the state, national or international level.
Skills: Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Highly proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Familiar with databases; familiar with basic office equipment. Design skills a plus.
Knowledge: Familiarity with issue or electoral campaigning. Working knowledge of climate and energy issues a plus.
Capabilities: Ability to juggle multiple tasks and manage time, prioritization, project tracking and follow-through; ability to work well with a wide range of people; comfortable building deep relationships with activists via phone and email; ability to adapt to challenging situations on a daily basis; excellent attention to detail; ability to undertake projects with minimum supervision. High energy and enthusiasm.
Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to the public interest and promotion of the goals of Public Citizen's Texas office.
Location: Applicant must live in or be willing to move to the Austin area. Work will be a mix of remote and in-person and will require some travel within Central Texas, and occasionally to other parts of the state.
SALARY and BENEFITS: $61,068 – $81,367
Competitive salary bases on relevant experience and qualifications and generous benefits package. Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements). One year grant contingent position,
- Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children
- Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days
- 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
- Sabbatical after 10 years of employment
- Student loan reimbursement program
TO APPLY:
Send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample to kwhite@citizen.org. Please put Climate and Clean Energy Program Associate in the email’s subject line.
Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply. Public Citizen employees are proud members of SEIU Local 500.
About Public Citizen’s Texas office:
Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent the public interest in Congress, the executive branch and the courts. We fight for openness and democratic accountability in government; for social and economic justice in globalization and trade policies; for clean, safe and sustainable energy; for strong health, safety and environmental protections; for safe, effective and affordable medicines and health care and for the right of consumers to seek redress in the courts. We have six divisions based in our Washington, D.C. offices and an office in Texas.
The mission of Public Citizen’s Texas office is to empower citizens to be effective advocates for a healthy environment and against corporate and governmental irresponsibility. Since 1984, the Texas state office has worked to combat global climate change, promote the use of clean renewable energy, phase out the use of fossil fuels, reduce air and water pollution, and end environmental injustices. We work with numerous partner groups, including other national and state nonprofits and local organizations and community groups. Public Citizen’s Texas office has achieved important victories on climate, energy efficiency, renewable energy, air quality, and waste issues over the past 31 years. We contributed to legislation that led to Texas’ wind boom, established the first in the nation efficiency portfolio standard, established statewide building energy codes, and broadened the rights of Texans to utilize rooftop solar energy. We helped develop programs to reduce toxic and diesel emissions. And we were deeply involved in the creation of climate action plans in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston and have successfully advocated for renewable energy, energy efficiency and local solar goals, policies and programs in Au