Industrial Policy Specialist, Climate

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.  

To advance our mission, we are seeking a full-time Industrial Policy Specialist to join our Climate and Energy team, working out of our Washington, DC office with telework or remote options. (Due to COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until we make return to work decisions). Our Climate and Energy team advances domestic policies at the federal, state, and regional levels that curb greenhouse gas emissions, speed an equitable transition to clean energy and industry, and expand natural and technological carbon removal. We seek to grow bipartisan support for short- and long-term congressional and executive action on climate, working with a range of partners to build diverse coalitions. As our Industrial Policy Specialist you will help round out NWF’s climate policy and advocacy priorities to include more robust strategies on industrial sector decarbonization. You’ll report to the Director of Climate and Energy Policy, and work alongside the rest of the team in Washington, D.C.

In this role, you will advise and collaborate with the director in shaping and representing an industrial decarbonization policy portfolio for NWF. Portfolio issue areas will include: carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS), with emphasis on direct air capture, carbon dioxide transport, infrastructure, and utilization in industrial products and processes; clean energy manufacturing; and industrial electrification and efficiency. You will serve as an in-house expert on industrial climate policy, and will perform research, policy analysis, lobbying, public and media education, coalition building and maintenance, and intra-organizational communication and coordination.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

•Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage – You will lead NWF engagement in the Carbon Capture Coalition, the i3 (Industrial Innovation Initiative), and other working groups on direct air capture and industrial carbon utilization; advocate for increased federal research and development funding, tax credits, agency procurement, and other federal policies; monitor congressional activity and evaluate legislation; pursue answers to research questions such as habitat and community impacts of CO2 infrastructure; draft materials to educate policymakers and other audiences; collaborate with existing and new business, labor, environmental justice, university, and NGO partners to advance federal policy priorities.

•Clean Energy Manufacturing – You will advise the team director and team members on federal policies to support revitalization of the manufacturing sector and deindustrialized communities through clean energy and electric vehicle production; monitor congressional activity and evaluate legislation; work closely with labor partners and industry to identify and build support for pragmatic policies; draft materials and organize convenings to educate policymakers and other audiences.

•Industrial Electrification and Efficiency – You will assist in the development of NWF’s priorities for industrial decarbonization through electrification, improved efficiency, and other measures, and advocate for these priorities with partners and policymakers. You will draft materials and organize convenings to educate the public on these priorities and their value to climate and wildlife.

Qualifications:

•At least six years of relevant professional experience, preferably with at least one year of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or lobbying at the federal, state, or local level.

•Working knowledge in at least one of these focal areas: carbon capture, use, and storage; energy efficiency and energy consumption in buildings; industrial carbon reduction strategies; clean energy manufacturing; or related policy.

•Four-year degree required in environmental engineering, environmental policy, climate, economics, or related field.

•Excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to translate highly technical information for a public audience and for Congressional and agency offices.

•Takes initiative and is eager to learn.

•Well organized with excellent attention to detail. Has ability to juggle multiple tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines.

•Strong interpersonal and networking skills.

•Ability to work well with diverse interests, including labor, business, conservation, and environmental justice interests.

Preferred Qualifications: 

•Master’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental policy, climate, economics, or related field.

•Knowledge of legislative process.

There will be some travel involved in this role, approximately 3-4 times per year when travel restrictions are lifted.

Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The salary range for this position is currently $60,000 - $70,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

The National Wildlife Federation values work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere. Our paid time-off includes 3 weeks of vacation leave, open wellbeing leave, 10 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, a week-long winter break, and additional leave options, per year. In addition, our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, 16 weeks of paid FMLA leave, 403b retirement plan with employer matching and annual contribution, adoption benefits, and flexible work options including telecommuting, non-traditional work hours, and compressed work weeks. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at nwf.org/equity.

If you have a disability and require an accommodation or assistance with our online application process, please tell us how we can help by calling us at 703-438-6244.

The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply. Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.