Climate & Clean Energy Director

Location

Augusta, ME | United States

Job description

Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA) and Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) believe that our response to the climate crisis must include a just energy transition informed by and benefiting Maine communities most affected by climate disruption, pollution, and historic economic disenfranchisement.

The Climate & Clean Energy Director will support our organizations’ missions, strategic plans, and priorities by developing and leading campaigns to advance equitable climate action and clean energy solutions; building and nurturing partnerships that connect policymakers and impacted communities; and supporting the internal commitment to racial justice and equity at MCV and MCA. Focused on offshore wind, solar development, and state energy democracy, the Climate & Clean Energy Director will coordinate and collaborate with critical stakeholders including local community leaders, New Mainers, Wabanaki leaders, environmental advocates, labor unions, businesses, state government, and others to advocate for a just clean energy transition and to advance Maine’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.

Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Overall:

Lead Mainers for Offshore Wind – an inclusive state table committed to building a shared understanding of the climate, environmental, economic, and community impacts of offshore wind; coordinating with regional partners; and organizing for collective action – and represent MCV/MCA at the regional level in New England for Offshore Wind.
Refine and lead MCV/MCA’s emerging work on energy democracy and utility accountability, including developing policy recommendations and engaging at the Public Utilities Commission.
Research and advocate for clean energy policies and projects that bring Maine closer to its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040, including offshore wind and solar.
Advance state and federal policies and decision-making that further an equitable clean energy transition, including through joining the Director of Government Affairs at the State House to lobby and share policy expertise with legislators.
With MCV/MCA’s Senior Director of Policy & Partnerships, guide board and staff to explore key issues and policy areas, holding equity at the center of our work, and to analyze, develop, and advocate for clean energy solutions.
Develop strong working relationships with, and listen to and learn from, critical stakeholders including local communities, New Mainers, Wabanaki leaders, environmental advocates, labor unions, business and industry, and state government to build and advance a just clean energy transition.
Contribute to informing and shaping the work of Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition, a partnership of 34 environmental, conservation, and public health organizations convened by MCV/MCA.

Carry out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission statement, goals, and philosophy of MCV/MCA.
Other duties as assigned.

Desired Abilities and Knowledge:

Shares our commitment to integrating justice and equity into the work we do and supporting an inclusive organizational culture.
Experience planning and implementing local, state, or national level climate or clean energy campaigns or similar strategic initiatives centered in equity and justice. This includes developing policy positions and related materials, working with partners, developing goals, strategies and tactics, and leading inclusive, collaborative processes that achieve results.
Familiarity with Maine’s Climate Action Plan and associated planning processes including the Offshore Wind Roadmap and Pathway to 2040.
Focus will be on state and local energy policy, but familiarity with federal policy and ISO-NE is helpful.
Ability to learn policy issues and communicate complex issues in simple and persuasive terms.
Highly developed written and oral communication skills, with a focus on communicating effectively across different groups of diverse stakeholders.
Understanding of Maine’s political and advocacy landscape.
Experience and comfort with facilitating meetings, developing clear agendas, and helping groups navigate productive conflict.
Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including coalition partners, business leaders, government agencies, and the general public.
Commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and the missions of MCV and MCA.

MCV/MCA is an EEO Employer committed to a racially just, equitable, and inclusive workspace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status. Candidates from historically marginalized communities, who are on the front lines of harm caused by climate change and voter suppression, are encouraged to bring their lived as well as technical expertise to this position and the team.

The salary for this position is $70,000-$75,000/year. MCV/MCA also provides holiday and paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, and a 3% SEP IRA retirement benefit match.

Tagged as: Renewable Energy/Sustainability

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