Job Title: Clean Energy Organizer
Reports to: Climate and Clean Energy Program Manager
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Location: This is a hybrid position, some in-person work required. Anchorage, Eagle River, Mat-Su Valley.
Compensation:
$26.44- $28.37
Organization Overview:
The Alaska Center engages, empowers, and elects Alaskans to stand up for clean air and
water, a strong democracy, and healthy and resilient communities. We are working to transition our state from an extractive economy to an equitable, just, and clean energy economy in which all Alaskans can thrive. We advocate for the protection of salmon habitat, clean energy solutions in the face of rapid climate change, and amplifying Alaskans' voices in the public process. Our sister organization The Alaska Center Education Fund provides education and leadership development for children and youth, and promotes civic engagement.
Campaign Overview:
The Alaska Center envisions a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations. We engage, empower, and elect Alaskans to stand up for clean air and water, a strong democracy, and a fair and equitable transition from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy. Our "Clean Energy for All Alaskans" initiative advances equitable climate policies, supports clean energy programs, defends against harmful legislation, and amplifies Alaskans' voices in public processes around energy democracy, while centering those who are most impacted by climate change. Our climate and clean energy issue priorities are; Passing clean energy legislation at the local level, engaging member-owners of railbelt utilities on issues of renewable energy and transparency, electing pro-renewable energy utility board members, making renewable energy more accessible by engaging in regulatory processes and advocating for new renewable energy projects to come online. Our overarching goal is a Just Transition for Alaska.
Position Overview: Our Clean Energy Organizer will work directly with those on the frontlines of clean energy deployment: the regulators who shape resource planning, the developers who install large-scale and distributed clean energy, and the community members most immediately impacted by the climate crisis and the clean energy transition. This position will work to deploy community solar projects, identify low to moderate income households interested in clean energy and connect them with state solar programs, and advocate for large-scale wind projects to move forward on the railbelt. Additionally, this role will engage with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) as it creates an Integrated Resource Plan, finalizes regulations for the newly passed community solar program for Alaska and will engage the community on other regulatory dockets including rate cases and net metering regulations. While this role is focused on tracking and engaging with regulatory bodies, community engagement is a crucial piece to ensure that diverse perspectives are incorporated throughout the process.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Attend all public Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC), and Utility Board Meetings meetings to track opportunities for public engagement, with particular focus on the first Integrated Resource Plan for the Railbelt.
- Recruit volunteers and build a volunteer base that is ready to engage with the RCA, RRC, and Utility Boards on regulatory and deployment issues by canvassing, creating petitions, action alerts, and hosting monthly volunteer engagement opportunities.
- Ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated throughout clean energy regulatory processes by helping community members and community leaders understand complex regulatory issues and help them draft, comment and testify at hearings.
- Work with the Clean Energy team to elect Utility Board Directors who share our values, and support organizational relationships with those elected leaders.
- Track state and local clean energy project approvals and opportunities for advocacy.
- Meet regularly to build and maintain relationships with partners at state agencies operating any deployment program, renewable energy developers, and relevant permitting offices.
- Host and participate in community events to inform the public about key opportunities for deployment, including utility scale projects, community energy, and residential solar.
- Identify and connect interested community members with solar installers to move community energy projects forward.
- Help gather and elevate impactful stories from volunteers, community members, and other stakeholders, and share these through the organizations' social media, emails, and in our narratives.
- Update and stay in contact with our partners and funders about our clean energy work.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Alaska climate and clean energy policy and clean energy systems, including an understanding of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) and the Railbelt Reliability Council (RRC).
- Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Ability to recruit and engage volunteers, or willingness to develop these skills.
- Must have reliable transportation and willingness to work evenings and weekends.
- Commitment to understanding race, class, gender, and other equity issues in organizing and politics. Experience and commitment to strengthening racial justice, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization, in campaigns, and with partners.
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work well independently and on a team.
- Ability to inspire action in others, lead by example, and instill purpose into daily campaign operations of the organization.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude and solution-based approach in high pressure or difficult situations.
Preferred Skills and Qualification:
- Experience with Google-Suite platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Experience with Voter Action Network (VAN), EveryAction (EA) and affiliated databases.
This is a full-time hybrid (some in-person work required) position that must be based in Anchorage, Eagle River, or the Mat-Su Valley. Salary is dependent on experience with a generous and competitive benefits package. All The Alaska Center staff have access to professional development opportunities, including training and support. The Alaska Center provides a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and incentives. The Alaska Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We are committed to supporting, centering, and working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Working-Class and Low-Income people, Women, LGBTQIA2+ people, and Disabled people in addressing the many crises that impact us. We strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.
To apply, please complete the form, including submitting all requested materials. Position open
until filled. No phone calls, please.