Carbon Management Program Associate

Remote

Program/Role: Carbon Management Program Associate

Location: WFH Flexible, with preference for Minneapolis, MN. GPI’s headquarters is based at 2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 220 in Minneapolis, MN.

Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Carbon Management

Type of Position: Full-time position

Ideal start date: Position will be open until filled

Compensation: Salary range: $50K-$58K, depending upon experience and location of candidate. Benefits include health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, long-term and short-term disability, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, and a communication stipend.

ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 50 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.

The following values inform the way we work both inside and outside of GPI. It is important to us to be trusted, inclusive, equitable, pragmatic, and transformative:

Trusted. We base our approach and actions on trust, mutual respect, and accountability.

Inclusive. We achieve impact through inclusive and deliberate collaboration with a diversity of interests.

Equitable. We strive for equity in our approach and outcomes.

Pragmatic. We take a clear-eyed view of the world as it is, even as we seek to improve it.

Transformative. We are a bold and passionate catalyst for change.

ABOUT THE CARBON MANAGEMENT PROGRAM??

GPI’s Carbon Management Program is dedicated to fostering deployment of solutions at climate scale for managing carbon emissions from energy, industry, and manufacturing, while protecting and creating high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and providing economic and environmental benefits to affected communities. Through our staffing and coordination of the Carbon Capture Coalition at the federal level, the State Carbon Capture Work Group and Regional Deployment Initiative, the Industrial Innovation Initiative, and the Carbon Action Alliance, GPI’s Carbon Management Program is playing a transformative role in building broad industry, labor, and NGO (non-governmental organizations) engagement and support for federal and state policies necessary to put our nation on a path to net-zero emissions and achieving midcentury climate goals. The Carbon Management Program is a fast-paced collaborative team with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages and appreciates equal contribution from members at all levels of the team.

ABOUT THE INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE

I3 aims to advance solutions key to decarbonizing the industrial sector by midcentury through policy development and implementation; technology demonstration and adoption; and demand-side market development at state, regional, and federal levels.

I3 values a stable climate, a safe and healthy environment, thriving livelihoods for American workers, and a strong U.S. economy. The policies I3 supports, therefore, focus on putting American industry on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by midcentury, high-wage job retention and creation, technology leadership, and economic competitiveness.

The scope and complexity of the decarbonization challenge across industrial sectors requires a broad range of stakeholder participation to identify meaningful and lasting solutions. Participants in I3 include key industry sectors, power companies, state officials, energy and environmental non-governmental organizations, and labor unions.

Focused on the most industrialized region of the country, I3 builds on years of state official and stakeholder engagement in the Midcontinent region by the GPI and the World Resources Institute (WRI), as well as extensive work advancing decarbonization solutions important to industrial sectors, including carbon capture, low- and zero-carbon fuels, electrification, renewables, energy efficiency, and low-carbon procurement.

THIS POSITION

The Carbon Management Program Associate (the Associate) will focus on supporting the advancement of industrial decarbonization through our existing portfolio of work, principally within the Industrial Innovation Initiative, and States Deployment Initiative. Additionally, the Associate will work to educate our growing network of stakeholders on the regulatory and policy landscape for industrial decarbonization. This will involve developing educational materials, assisting in analytical efforts, and convening relevant stakeholders to support technology deployment and policy implementation. The Associate will support staff, contractors, and Initiative participants collectively to enhance their understanding of the necessary technologies, policies, and market levers to achieve industrial decarbonization by midcentury.

The Associate will be expected to work both independently and with colleagues on projects. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and follow directions that may be detailed or minimal. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with project participants from diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day; some nights and weekends may be required. Some travel will also be required.

JOB DUTIES:

Provide research, communications, and analytical support and collaborate on other work with the Carbon Management Team, including:

(75%) Project Assistance. This position will primarily support the Industrial Innovation Initiative in the following ways:

Assist in developing and executing, alongside the Industrial Innovation Initiative Project Manager, and other GPI staff and consultants, a detailed strategy for effective policy development and advocacy for industrial decarbonization, including synergies with other projects in GPI’s Carbon Management program.
Work with GPI and external colleagues to inform relevant analyses that drive the conversation around industrial decarbonization for impact in policy, communications, and advocacy work;
Track and research federal and state policies and programs related to industrial decarbonization;
Create project-related content, including a monthly newsletter, blog posts, issue briefs/factsheets, press releases, social media posts, messaging guidance, and other materials;
Recruit, develop, and maintain robust relationships with project participants;
Participate in weekly Carbon Management and project-related staff calls;
Manage administrative details of applicable grants, in coordination with the Carbon Management Operations Coordinator;

(25%) Provide assistance to the Vice President of Carbon Management

Provide direct administrative support (schedule meetings, communicating with project participants and other stakeholders, organizing materials, etc.) for the Vice President of Carbon Management
Coordinate meetings with internal and external partners, including scheduling, agenda development, taking and organizing meeting notes, preparing materials, and ensuring follow-ups are carried through;

Other programmatic support when needed. Provide other programmatic assistance as needed or requested by the Senior Program Manager, Industrial Decarbonization Manager or Vice President of the Carbon Management program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Bachelor’s Degree or relevant proven skills and experience.
Knowledge of, or prior experience with, climate, energy and/or environmental issues a plus.
Ability to translate and communicate complex scientific, technological, economic, and policy issues to diverse lay audiences.
Good research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Experience, professional or otherwise working on a diverse team and developing and maintaining relationships.
High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
Excellent time and deadline management, project management and team relationship skills.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree.
Commitment to the mission and goals of the Great Plains Institute and its Carbon Management Program.

The Carbon Management team is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

EQUIPMENT USED:

This position involves use of a desktop computer and/or laptop, copier, fax machine, calculator, printer, and telephone.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

This position requires working at a desk (either sitting or standing) for extended periods and extensive use of devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), as well as usage of telephone/headset.

HOW TO APPLY:

Required application materials include a resume and one-page cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

BACKGROUND ON GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE:

GPI has a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture in which people enjoy both great freedom and great responsibility. People who thrive in this culture take personal responsibility for seeing what needs doing and getting it done. They are initiative-takers, problem-solvers, and quick to help others. They work hard because they believe in the mission and get to spend most of their time at the intersection of what they love to do and are good at. It’s a working environment in which performance is judged more on results than on time spent in a chair. We aspire to make this the best job anyone has ever had.

The Great Plains Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants.