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The Rhode Island Policy Advocate will be a key person on our Advocacy Team, working to influence state-level legislative and regulatory energy policy, mostly in Rhode Island, and some in Massachusetts. The Advocate would be a registered lobbyist in the state of Rhode Island working on our behalf. Our work focuses on decarbonizing transportation, buildings, and electricity. The Advocate would report to the Executive Director and collaborate with highly qualified colleagues and allies. The successful candidate will be effective at working with coalitions, legislators, and executive branch staff; knowledgeable about energy and environmental policy; curious; and determined. 


The position could be either at the associate or coordinator level and will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate. 


Responsibilities

  • Participate in and represent the organization in all relevant Rhode Island policy discussions, coalitions, advisory bodies, etc.
  • Lead coalitions relating to decarbonization as assigned.
  • Engage in advocacy on state legislative efforts and regulatory activity related to energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, renewable energy development, and equitable clean energy and climate policy. 
  • Lobby legislative and executive branches on organizational priorities and state climate policy.
  • Work some evenings, particularly during the legislative session (January – June) to lobby the floor and attend hearings and events.
  • Nurture and cultivate strategic partnerships with Rhode Island climate and energy stakeholders, 
  • including media representatives.
  • Research and draft organizational positions on state climate and energy policy.
  • Draft and present testimony at public hearings and meetings. 
  • Assist with member and prospect communications, especially related to advocacy with 
  • newsletters, web site material, social media, emails, blogs, webinars, and podcasts.
  • Support organization events (i.e. renewable energy tours, annual meetings, etc.)
  • Assist in grant writing and reports to funders. 
  • Occasional travel within Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 
  • All other duties as requested by the executive director.
  • All of the above will focus on Rhode Island but will occasionally involve work in Massachusetts as well. 


Qualifications 

Qualified candidates should have a bachelor's or master’s degree in environmental or energy studies, public policy, or a related field and relevant work experience, preferably in the energy/environmental industry. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate: 

  • Passion for climate action; 
  • Knowledge and experience with public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation, building, and electricity sectors; 
  • Roots in Rhode Island, meaning residence and familiarity with the geography, politics, and communities; 
  • Research experience, preferably in the energy field; 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills (I.e. confidence, diplomacy, etc.) 
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills; 
  • Skill in presentation composition and engaging diverse audiences; 
  • Analytical and technical capabilities (meaning, ability to understand economic/quantitative research papers), with close attention to detail; 
  • Ability to work independently, with initial guidance; 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; 
  • Flexible and adaptable demeanor; 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Suite; 
  • The ability to work well in a team; 
  • Valid driver’s license; 
  • Ability to work from our Providence office as necessary and attend in-person meetings at the State Houses in Providence and Boston; 
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.


This position is full-time, 37.5-40 hours per week, with flexible hours to accommodate occasional weeknight and weekend meetings. We work in hybrid mode (sometimes from our Providence office, sometimes at RI State House and other government offices, and sometimes remote). We expect the 

Rhode Island Policy Advocate to work from our Providence office at least one to two times per week.