Public Affairs and Outreach Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Public Affairs and Outreach Coordinator support the DCSEU to deliver equitable clean energy solutions and expand access to all communities. Based in Washington, D.C., this role bridges public affairs, communications, and community engagement - helping to elevate the DCSEU’s visibility, strengthen relationships with public and community partners, and advance engagement with DCSEU programs.

Location:

This is a hybrid position, and the ideal candidate will be located in Washington, DC.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor policy developments and foster partnerships across government, non-profit, and community networks to advance the organization’s public affairs strategy and community outreach efforts.
• Coordinate engagement with policymakers, community organizations, and advisory groups to elevate DCSEU’s visibility and influence participation in DCSEU programs.
• Assist in the design and implementation of outreach campaigns and public education initiatives that build awareness and understanding of programs among communities.
• Draft, edit, and distribute communications materials such as policy briefs, press releases, newsletters, outreach toolkits, and talking points that reflect the organization’s mission and values.
• Plan and coordinate events and activities—including stakeholder meetings, community forums, and policy briefings—to strengthen relationships and ensure diverse awareness and participation in DCSEU programs.
• Support digital engagement and outreach efforts, including managing contact databases, tracking engagement metrics, and maintaining an active presence across social and digital platforms.
• Monitor media, legislative, and community developments relevant to clean energy, energy equity, and DCSEU and share timely updates with internal teams to inform strategy and response.
• Collaborate closely with communications, policy, and program teams to ensure consistency in messaging, alignment with set goals, and effective amplification of success stories from partner communities.
• Serve as a connector between internal and external audiences, ensuring two-way communication that brings community perspectives into organizational planning and shares outcomes and opportunities broadly.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge and Experience:

• Strong personal commitment to the mission, vision, goals, and values of VEIC.
• Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience in community development, public affairs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of public policy processes and interest in energy equity, sustainability, and climate justice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into accessible, compelling messages.
• Experience organizing events, managing projects, and coordinating across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital communications tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot, or similar), social media platforms, and contact databases.
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and motivated by mission-driven work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• All positions at VEIC are subject to criminal background checks. This screening is conducted in compliance with applicable laws and is a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the safety and security of our employees, clients, and contractual obligations.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain stationary at a workstation for extended periods (typically 6-8 hours per day with regular breaks)
• Regular use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone/headset requiring fine motor skills and repetitive hand/wrist movements
• Visual acuity to view digital screens, documents, and presentations for prolonged periods
• Verbal communication abilities are sufficient for clear articulation during in-person and virtual meetings, presentations, and discussions
• Auditory capabilities to participate effectively in conversations, conference calls, and virtual collaboration sessions
• Cognitive focus for simultaneous management of multiple communication streams, projects, and stakeholder relationships
• Occasional movement between meeting spaces, collaboration areas, and individual workstations
• Minimal lifting requirements (typically under 15 pounds) for office supplies, equipment, or materials
  
  
  
  

VEIC provides ergonomic assessments and appropriate accommodation to support team members in this collaborative environment, if needed. Our commitment to wellness includes encouraging regular movement breaks and supporting flexible work arrangements that promote sustainable productivity aligned with our core values.

Additional Requirements for Roles Involving Travel and / or Site Visits:

• A valid driver’s license and compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety guidelines outlined in VEIC’s personnel policies.
• Ability to travel independently to various locations (up to 25-30% of work time), which may include driving, flying, or using public transportation
• Physical mobility to navigate various building environments including commercial facilities, construction sites, mechanical rooms, and/or residential properties
• Capability to climb stairs, stand for extended periods during site visits (1-3 hours), and occasionally access confined spaces or use ladders
• Tolerance for varying environmental conditions including temperature fluctuations, construction noise, and outdoor weather during site assessments
• Ability to safely lift and carry equipment, tools, or materials weighing up to 40 pounds
• Manual dexterity to operate testing equipment, measurement devices, or other field tools as required
  
  
  
  

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional to Moderate Travel:
• This position involves occasional moderate travel (approximately 5–30% of work time, or 2–7 days per month). Travel may include regional site visits, partner meetings, or VEIC gatherings. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently within the service region are required. Overnight stays may occasionally be necessary.
• Frequent Travel:
• This position requires frequent travel (approximately 50% or more of work time), including regular site visits, client meetings, and project-related travel across multiple locations. Expect overnight stays and possible weekend travel. A valid driver’s license and comfort with independent travel by car, air, or public transportation are essential.
  
  
  
  

For all travel requirements, VEIC provides appropriate support, reimbursement, and accommodations aligned with our sustainability values and commitment to work-life integration.

Culture Inclusive Workplace statement:

We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals. We value a culture that includes a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Climate change impacts all of us; however, we are impacted differently based on our identities and experiences. We all deserve a place at the table to make decisions about our collective future – we hope you’ll consider joining us as we work towards our vision for a healthy planet, thriving people, and energy justice. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, veteran status, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply. Any emails from VEIC team members will originate from a @veic.org email address. If you encounter anything that raises suspicions during your interactions, we encourage you to exercise caution and suspend or discontinue communications.

At VEIC, we are committed to pay transparency. Based on market data, pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and location. Please discuss your intended work location with the recruiter for more information. The total compensation package for this position also includes a full range of medical benefits, 403(b) eligibility with match, Combined Time Off (CTO), Care and Concern leave, Parental leave, wellbeing benefit, a community service day, and eight paid holidays that are effective as of your first day of employment.