Energy Policy Director

Location | Albany, New York

Schedule | Full-time w/ remote work flexibility

We are seeking candidates able to commit to being in-person in Albany, NY in-person, primarily on Mondays, Tuesdays, and/or Wednesdays, as the legislative and regulatory calendars allow.

Travel | 20-35% time to New York City and upstate project sites, along with other campaign hubs around New York State; optional out-of-state travel for conferences, on occasion.

About Environmental Advocates NY: Environmental Advocates NY (EANY) is a leading voice in the fight for the environment in New York State. EANY’s mission is to protect our air, land, water, and health by advocating for policy solutions that create a sustainable and equitable future. Learn more about our work at eany.org.

Job Overview: The Energy Policy Director will lead EANY’s policy team in developing and advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives that push NY to meet renewable energy generation, siting, efficiency, storage, resiliency, transmission and reliability goals as outlined in NY’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and beyond. This role demands a visionary leader with strong analytical skills, deep policy expertise, and a commitment to environmental and energy justice. The Energy Policy Director will report to EANY’s Deputy Executive Directors and work closely with the Executive Director, policy and campaign colleagues, as well as coalition partners to drive impactful energy policies across New York State. This position is a full-time exempt position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Energy Policy Leadership: Develop high-quality legislative and regulatory policy proposals and positions on evidence-based analysis and equity principles. Lead EANY’s work in the state’s complex energy landscape on topics that include but are not limited to: RGGI, the Clean Energy Standard, Low-Carbon Fuel Standard, New York State Energy Plan, renewable energy incentives, generation and transmission siting, building codes, and more. Identify new opportunities to engage and leverage the organization’s expertise to advance clean, renewable, and just energy policy.
• Strategic Advocacy: Tailor policy proposals to realistic strategies for lobbying and legislative success. Collaborate with EANY’s communications director and deputy executive directors to build out plans and timelines around policy campaigns. Serve as EANY’s chief energy policy advocate, engaging with government officials, stakeholders, and the public to advance our campaigns.
• Coalition Building: Lead and/or participate in existing and/or create new coalitions to broaden support for energy positions; engage with policymakers, front-line practitioners, technical experts, and advocates to continually improve understanding of barriers and identify solutions.
• Thought-Leadership: Host listening sessions, roundtables, and workshops alone or with partners to accelerate problem-solving.
• Public Communication: Serve as a spokesperson for EANY, providing testimony, writing op-eds, and engaging with the media on relevant issues and policies.
• Grant Management: Oversee grant-funded projects and collaborate with the development team on fundraising efforts.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• EANY seeks a mid-career professional with multiple years of experience working on New York State energy policy.
• Proven track record of developing and advancing successful policy initiatives.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentorship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Deep knowledge of New York State’s legislative, regulatory, and energy planning processes, including processes spearheaded by NYSERDA and the Department of Public Service.
• Expertise in the existing policy landscape, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York Cap and Invest, and the Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act.
• Systems thinking with a focus on realistic policy application and success.
• Commitment to equity and environmental justice.

Bonus Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse coalitions and stakeholder groups.
• Background in grant management and fundraising.
• Media relations and public speaking experience.
• Applied experience with renewable development, transitioning energy systems and/or implementation of energy policy.

Apply to Join Us

Please submit your cover letter and resume by Friday, Nov 29th to info@eany.org with the subject line “Candidate for Energy Policy Director”.

• Please submit materials on or before Friday, Nov 29th. We will review materials and reach out to candidates of interest on a rolling basis.
• The start date is negotiable, ideally by January 6th, 2025.
• In your cover letter, please provide specific examples of your experience in working on energy policy in New York as well as opportunities and roadblocks to EANY’s goals of supporting the state in achieving CLCPA mandates.
• EANY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to leadership that aligns with JEDI values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We invite applicants to read our statement on racial justice here and strongly encourage candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply.