Director, State And Local Engagement

Summary

Join UndauntedK12, a national nonprofit, as their Director, State and Local Engagement. Lead efforts to shape state and local policy and implementation to advance the organization's mission of supporting K-12 schools' transition to zero carbon emissions. Collaborate with teammates and allies to develop and implement policies and programs supporting climate action in schools nationwide. Cultivate partner relationships in priority states and contribute to organizational growth. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, collaborative, and experienced in policy initiatives, particularly in climate, environmental justice, or related fields. This role involves influencing policy, building partnerships, developing local capacity, conducting policy research, and contributing to organizational strategy. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Requirements

• College degree or comparable experience
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience, including direct policy and engagement leadership in state regulatory and legislative venues
• Deep subject-matter expertise in a relevant topic such as climate change, decarbonization, building electrification, environmental justice and/or public health

Responsibilities

• Influence policy and programs to advance K-12 climate action ~30%
• Support state efforts to organize resources and programs to advance cost-saving clean energy technologies to advance equitable, healthy, and resilient school facilities
• Collaborate with key partners to promote state action to drive funding toward schools to support health, decarbonization, and resilience and to ensure equitable uptake of funding
• Advance legislative proposals and regulatory policies that support healthy, resilient, zero-carbon schools and address the needs of schools and communities that are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather
• Develop and execute campaign plans and movement building initiatives in collaboration with Undaunted team and partners
• Represent UndauntedK12 within technical workgroups, commissions, and coalitions
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders at the local, state, regional and national level, including workforce coalitions, climate organizations, community-based organizations, environmental justice organizations, utilities, manufacturers, education, youth, and others
• Build partnerships and coalitions with public and private sector partners, advancing UndauntedK12’s policy goals and ensuring school decarbonization and resilience at scale
• Build relationships with key media outlets and journalists and serve as a public spokesperson for the organization as needed
• Develop relationships with state legislators, executive branch officials, federal agency leaders, and other state and local policymakers to help shape and support statewide school campus decarbonization and resilience
• Support Undaunted’s efforts to organize and mobilize local education leaders to weigh in on state and federal policy and coordinate spaces for learning and community around leading climate action in schools
• Work with Undaunted team and partners to develop tools, resources, and campaigns to support local efforts to decarbonize K-12 school systems including communications, grassroots organizing, and political strategy
• Lead the planning and delivery of consistently best-in-class, expertise-filled, and action-oriented virtual and in-person convenings to advance Undaunted’s objectives
• Develop and update landscape assessments for priority states and identify high-leverage policy solutions that align with Undaunted’s mission and priorities
• Manage and conduct research to stay apprised of emerging policies, technologies, and programs in priority states
• Develop new policy proposals that advance Undaunted’s mission for consideration by elected officials, agency leaders, and allied organizations
• Prepare and contribute to updates, communications, and materials (including content for emails, social media, and our websites) for UndauntedK12’s supporters and networks
• Provide ongoing subject-matter expertise, strategic direction, and thought leadership to support the execution of Undaunted initiatives and campaigns
• Lead, manage, and contribute to organization-wide strategic projects and initiatives as needed
• Manage staff and/or contracted partners, as applicable

Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit salary between $100,000 - $140,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage for employee, employer-paid life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution
• Paid time off including federal holidays and a winter holiday break
• Fully remote work