Sustainability and Resilience Policy Manager

About SPUR

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through research, education and advocacy, SPUR works to create an equitable, sustainable and prosperous region, where all people thrive. We bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face. With offices in San Francisco, San José and Oakland, we are recognized and respected for our independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

The Opportunity

The Sustainability and Resilience Policy Manager will primarily manage building decarbonization projects. Depending on interest and skillset, there may also be opportunities to manage sea level rise projects.

SPUR’s building decarbonization work focuses on ending the use of fossil fuels in buildings. Key projects SPUR is working on in building decarbonization for 2023-2024 include:

• Supporting a smooth, equitable, affordable implementation of the Bay Area’s recently adopted zero-emission appliance rules.
• Working with local government to prepare their building stock for electrification.
• Researching, developing, advocating for, and implementing state and local policy solutions to streamline the process of upgrading electric panels and service when electrifying buildings.

Key projects SPUR is working on in sea level rise for 2023-2024 include:

• Working with state and local governments to incorporate the added hazards posed by groundwater rise in response to sea level rise into their emergency and climate resilience plans.
• Collaborating with grassroots organizations to develop community-led approaches to groundwater rise.

The Sustainability and Resilience Policy Manager will engage in research, education, and advocacy.

Research activities include writing reports and articles, synthesizing research for a non-technical audience, and crafting policy recommendations.

Education activities include organizing SPUR public events, speaking at public events, and engaging with social and traditional media.

Advocacy activities include writing policy letters on proposed legislation and regulations, testifying at government hearings, coordinating with advocacy coalitions, and presenting SPUR’s point of view to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree plus at least two years of work experience, or equivalent work experience. Jobs, internships and fellowships held while in school are considered work experience.
• Well-versed in policy approaches for promoting building electrification.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to work at the intersection of policy and research.
• Interested in carrying out advocacy work to create policy change.
• Strong writing skills and an ability to make complicated policy issues interesting and intelligible to a broad audience.
• Able to work well in a team and maintain positive working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Proficient in identifying policy-relevant questions and relevant data sets.
• Demonstrated understanding of racial inequities in the Bay Area and in public policy.
• Intermediate skills with data management and statistics, and advanced skills with spreadsheet software.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to applications received by October 1, 2023.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $80,000-100,000 depending on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position. SPUR offers a complete benefits package of health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, basic life insurance, pre-tax commuter benefits, employee assistance program (EAP) and retirement plan with twenty-five percent contribution matching.

Hybrid Work Environment

At SPUR the health of our employees and their families is our top priority. SPUR has a hybrid workplace model defined by a combination of remote and in-person work. We have mandatory all staff in-person days on Monday and Wednesday. Staff may be required to attend other in-person meetings, events and programs as needed. All policies are subject to change as relevant health orders change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SPUR is an equal opportunity employer with a strong organizational commitment to respecting differences of all kinds. SPUR prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation or disability or any other basis prohibited by law. In that spirit, we strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ applicants and others that will contribute to the diversity of our staff.

Applicants With Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.