Deputy Policy Director

The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality. 

CJNRC is the hub of a growing network of union-led, state-based climate jobs coalitions, providing unions with the information, support, and expertise to lead on climate action. The coalitions we support are organizing to build a clean energy economy at the scale and pace that climate science demands, create and expand access to good union jobs in under-resourced communities, and advance equity. 

CJNRC and our network of coalitions are at the leading edge of both workers’ rights and climate action, two defining issues of our time. The coalitions have helped pass the nation’s most ambitious climate policies, won the strongest labor and equity standards for clean energy workers in the country, and built winning campaigns for worker-centered and equity-focused climate investments and good union jobs that will transform the future of the US economy.

To advance this crucial work, CJNRC is hiring a Deputy Policy Director to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing climate change policies, with a specific emphasis on policies that drive investment in renewable and clean energy, including solar power, onshore and offshore wind power, storage technology, green hydrogen, thermal networks, distributed generation, and microgrids. The Deputy Director will also support federal, state, and local work on labor standards, such as prevailing wage, targeted hire, and apprenticeship. The Deputy Policy Director will report to the Policy Director and will work closely with other CJNRC national staff and state coalition staff and leadership. The successful candidate will have a strong background in public policy, advocacy, some grassroots organizing experience, a track record of successful involvement in new policy initiatives, as well as expertise in report writing, communication, and familiarity with corporate or project development finance, with a deep commitment to building the labor movement and fighting the climate crisis.

Key Responsibilities:  

1. Policy Development and Advocacy: Support staff working on the development and execution of (i) local, state, and federal climate change policy initiatives, focusing on ideas that encourage investment in renewable and clean energy and sustainable technologies and (ii) labor standards such as prevailing wage, targeted hire, and apprenticeship programs, working closely with local unions to promote pro-worker conditions in the clean energy sector.
2. Research and Reporting: Conduct research on climate policies and labor standards, produce short and medium-length reports, and support communications to promote our organization's mission and influence policy discussions.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, industry partners, and local communities.
4. Financial Analysis: Utilize financial analysis and Excel models to assess the economic viability of climate-related transactions and investments.
5. Team Leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to the policy and research team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and/or grassroots organizing, with a proven track record of driving positive policy outcomes;
• A master’s degree in a relevant field or a JD;
• Expertise in state and federal climate change policy, with a strong focus on clean energy and sustainable technologies;
• Experience in advocating for labor standards such as prevailing wage and apprenticeship programs;
• Familiarity with financial analysis and Excel models for assessing climate-related transactions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience working with local unions and strong stakeholder engagement skills are a plus;
• Management experience is a plus but not an essential qualification.

Working conditions:

This is a full-time, remote position based in the New York City metro area. Long hours will be required on occasion. The position will require some travel. CJNRC will follow public health guidance related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $105,000-125,000. CJNRC offers an excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for full-time staff and their qualified dependents, a voluntary dependent care assistance program, and generous time off.

To Apply: 

Send application with Resume, Cover Letter, and writing sample to: hiring@cjnrc.org with the subject line “Deputy Policy Director.”

This position is open until filled; however, preference will be given to applications received before December 5, 2023. The posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time thereafter. Job descriptions do not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity or responsibility that is required.

CJNRC is committed to equal opportunity, and encourages applicants of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, national origins, ethnicities, religions, and veteran status. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to our core organizational values and objectives to apply.