Associate, Federal & External Affairs

Summary

Join the U.S. Climate Alliance as a Federal & External Affairs Associate to contribute to impactful climate action. This role involves managing engagement with the federal government and external partners, tracking federal climate policies, advising Alliance members, and overseeing the federal components of the Alliance's newsletter. You will maintain databases, build relationships, and support the Alliance's strategic work planning. The position is based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid schedule and remote work consideration. The ideal candidate possesses strong research, analytical, writing, and communication skills, along with experience in climate and clean energy organizations. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience
• 2-3 years of experience working with climate and clean energy organizations
• Demonstrate strong research, analytical, writing, presentation, and briefing skills
• Familiarity with U.S. climate and energy policy, with deep knowledge of federal and congressional policy landscape
• Critical thinker who can generate products tailored to different audiences without requiring frequent direction
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to tailor one’s style and content to meet a variety of circumstances
• Ability to diplomatically engage diverse counterparts and use personal discretion in working with sensitive information
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze developing federal climate policies. Track and analyze federal climate policy developments in real-time, including both executive and regulatory actions and congressional activities on Capitol Hill
• Oversee and maintain the Alliance’s federal policy trackers that are used by Alliance members and Secretariat staff to stay up-to-date on federal policy actions and opportunities for formal or informal engagement
• Partner with member states, Secretariat sector leads, and coalition partners to evaluate and prioritize opportunities for the Alliance to engage strategically on federal climate action to advance progress and prevent back-sliding
• Prepare briefing memos or other materials as needed for Alliance members and the Secretariat to digest complex information and evaluate federal engagement opportunities
• Draft written updates on federal climate action to be distributed to 700+ officials across the Alliance’s states and territories through our Weekly RoundUp newsletter
• Modernize and maintain key systems essential to the Alliance’s federal and external affairs work. Maintain and update databases and distribution lists used by the Alliance Secretariat to stay in regular contact with federal and external partners, including points of contact at the White House, federal agencies, non-profits, think tanks, and advocacy groups
• Systematize intake of requests for external partner engagements across the organization to streamline decision-making, ensure our limited time is used effectively, and strengthen our role and reputation in the climate space
• Oversee modernization of the Alliance’s federal policy trackers and external partner contacts database to be more dynamic, more user-friendly, and more easily updated for both Alliance members and Secretariat staff
• In partnership with the Communications and Programs & Analysis Teams, support integration of the federal policy tracking system inside our new member portal
• Conduct research, create presentations, and draft written materials to support Alliance members and increase public awareness of state climate action. Provide regular updates to Alliance members and Secretariat staff on federal climate action with implications for state climate policy, including through staff meetings, our weekly newsletter, and biweekly meetings with Governor-Office Representatives, among other forums
• Prepare relevant content for quarterly external newsletters
• Create materials that support major Alliance meetings and workshops, including by working with Alliance states, consulting outside experts, and conducting desk research
• Develop talking points for Secretariat staff members who are speaking with external audiences to ensure we are speaking with one voice and telling the Alliance’s story most effectively
• Draft federal components of the Alliance’s annual strategic work-planning process, partnering collaboratively with Secretariat colleagues to ensure alignment across teams and workstreams
• Conduct research and analysis and draft material for Alliance products across other sectors as needed
• Represent the Alliance in meetings and events with external partners. Attend events and meetings with federal and external partners as needed and ensure that meeting notes and action items are appropriately documented and tracked
• Act as a liaison with partner climate organizations, representing the Alliance and serving as a primary point of contact for cross-sectoral and federally focused partners and coalitions
• With the Federal & External Affairs Manager, convene discussions among Secretariat staff with federal policy portfolios to ensure coordination across sectors, overcome barriers to action, and support the development of whole-of-government approaches to our work
• Support the Secretariat staff in communicating regularly and maintaining relationships with key partners across the federal government
• Maximize impact of the Alliance’s work by cultivating cooperative partnerships and supporting amplification of major moments. In partnership with the Federal & External Affairs Manager, support the development and execution of rollout plans for Alliance announcements, newsletters, press releases and events, maximizing the impact of key announcements with relevant partners
• Disseminate announcements and updates and amplify high-profile moments for the Alliance
• Develop invitation lists for special events, working closely with the Leadership Team to expand our reach with interested partners and create new opportunities for both informal networking and formal partner engagement
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Past experience working in or around state government
• Capitol Hill experience
• Familiarity with tracking systems and databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Airtable) and project management platforms
• Self-motivated with strong ability to find solutions in the face of challenges
• Maximum flexibility in accepting and professionally executing a range of tasks
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• A choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
• Group term and supplemental life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Health club discounts
• Commuter subsidy
• Back-up care
• Employee assistance program
• 12 paid holidays
• 20 vacation days
• 10 sick days
• 3 personal days
• 8 weeks of family leave care