Climate Policy Advisor
Full Time
July 2024

SUMMARY

NextGen Policy is seeking a talented and energetic Policy Advisor to co-lead our Climate Team in Sacramento. This position is ideal for a dedicated advocate with solid issue area expertise in one or more key topics related to advancing progressive climate policy at the state level in California; a strong understanding of the political structure and power dynamics in and around the state Capitol, and a commitment to an equity and justice-based approach to addressing the climate crisis.

ISSUE AREAS
  • Climate and environmental policy issues including, but not limited to: climate justice and justice considerations in the context of emerging climate conditions and technologies, energy systems and equitable utility service delivery, resource extraction and just transition, sustainable infrastructure, carbon market design, resilience, and climate-aligned state budgeting, among others.
  • Issue area expertise and advocacy will be focused on California statewide policy but may include federal issues; local, regional, and place-based efforts; and issues affecting other states that draw upon lessons learned in California
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
  • Pay and Benefits: the annual salary range for this position is between $95,000 – $150,000 and is commensurate with experience. This role will also receive generous health, dental, and vision benefits; paid holidays and leave; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and 401k match.
  • Work Environment: NextGen Policy is a small team of dynamic policy, grassroots organizing, communications, and political experts and we are located in downtown Sacramento. NGP’s work focuses on regional and statewide issues and our team members currently work a hybrid schedule consisting of two days in the office and three days remote each week.
  • Training and Development: The Advisor will work with team members with years of experience in the policy, communications, political, and advocacy fields at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
SPECIFIC NEAR-TERM AND ONGOING PROJECTS
  • Serve as Co-Policy lead on NGP’s Climate 100 Project
  • Lead NGP’s Energy Justice Efforts, including advocacy with the CA State Legislature, Governor’s office, and state agencies
  • Track, analyze, and develop policy recommendations related to state and federal legislation, programs, and fiscal matters
  • Serve as liaison to peer NGO coalitions and tables
  • Aid in both project-based and ongoing development proposals
ONGOING JOB DUTIES
  • Work collaboratively with NGP’s Policy Advisor for clean transportation, land use, and the built environment on all aspects of NGP’s bill, budget, and regulatory work related to the California State Legislature, Executive Branch agencies, and environmental coalition members.
  • Develop original research and advocacy positions and materials on pressing climate-related issues in California, or that affect California via federal policy.
  • Cultivate relationships with key press contacts and other influential partners.
  • Assist with special events organized by NGP, attend meetings with policymakers and staff, and travel when necessary.
  • Assist with fundraising efforts for climate programs by preparing briefing documents, facilitating donor communication, managing donor requests, and participating in meetings related to climate policy and programs.
  • Assist with drafting and editing internal and external communication materials.
  • Assist NGP staff with day-to-day activities, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Professional degree (JD, MS, MA, MPP, etc.) or equivalent work experience in climate- or policy-related field
  • 3+ years experience working in climate-related policy, politics, or organizing. Volunteer, internships, and practicum-based coursework, and other activities may qualify as work experience
  • Ability to articulate clear goals, priorities, or guiding principles in addressing the climate crisis through state-level policy
  • Ability to write for multiple audiences, speak publicly, with legislators, and press
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with California legislative process, key regulatory agencies, and most climate salient issues currently facing these bodies
  • Technical expertise in electricity policy, extractive industries and their relationships to communities and workers, land-based carbon emissions, industrial decarbonization, and/or one or more climate sub-specialties
  • 6+ years experience working in climate-related policy, politics, or organizing. Volunteer, internships, and practicum-based coursework, and other activities may qualify as work experience
TO APPLY

Provide a resume, work sample (with applicable explanatory note if appropriate), three references, a short cover letter, and any relevant social media links or other materials you deem significant to your application by Friday, August 16th. Send all documents as one PDF attachment to: jobs@nextgenpolicy.org. Please name your saved PDF with the title: LastName.FirstName.pdf (Example: Smith.John.pdf).

ABOUT NEXTGEN POLICY

NextGen Policy is a California-based, Black-led, non-profit organization fighting for progressive, justice-centered policies and programs that positively impact all Californians. We develop, advance, and advocate for policy and program solutions to address the most pressing issues facing our state, including: climate and environmental justice, criminal legal reform, digital equity, economic prosperity, education equity, gender and racial equity, healthcare reform, inclusive democracy, protecting immigrant rights, solving food insecurity, and supporting veterans.

NextGen Policy is an Equal Opportunity Employer