Policy Associate, Clean Transportation

ABOUT U.S. ENERGY FOUNDATION

U.S. Energy Foundation's (EF) mission is to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. We envision a healthy, safe, equitable economy powered by clean energy. We believe a thriving clean energy economy can create sustainable opportunities, spur innovation, and protect our climate-for today and future generations.

EF supports education and analysis to promote non-partisan policy solutions that advance renewable energy and energy efficiency while opening doors to greater innovation and productivity-growing the economy with dramatically less pollution. For more than 30 years, EF has supported grantees to help educate policymakers and the general public about the benefits of a clean energy economy. Our grantees include business, health, environmental, labor, equity, community, faith, and consumer groups, as well as policy experts, think tanks, universities, and more.

At EF, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are top organizational commitments. We are working daily to uproot racism and other forms of oppression and create equitable systems that support people to flourish. We aim to bring humility, transparency, respect, and an appreciation for others' lived experiences to our interactions with colleagues, grantees, and partners.

EF's Fundraising Philosophy

As EF's primary clients/partners are our funders and grantees, EF commits to acting as a strategic thought leader for our current and prospective funding partners and the field by:

1. Collaborating-and co-creating, where feasible and desired-on strategy development, including hosting and/or managing funder collaboratives

1. Highlighting the opportunity for climate philanthropy to maximize benefits to disadvantaged communities and those most impacted by climate change

1. Offering excellent, responsive service by providing proactive, compelling, and timely updates and information

EF is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and our more than 100 staff members are based in locations throughout the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western regions, where they can best serve our programs, partners, operations, and other functions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Policy Associate's (PA) primary responsibility is to support the work of the Program Director (PD), Clean Transportation. Serving as "air traffic control" for this program, the PA will arrange meetings with grantees, consultants, and funders; track and co-manage the program budget; review grant proposals; draft reports; and communicate with grantees and funders on a variety of issues. In addition to collaborating and coordinating with other teams and programs, the PA will also have the opportunity to organize convenings with EF partners and grantees and contribute to institutional efforts.

The PA will work with:

1. Cross-programmatic teams, including Policy, Strategic Communications, and States and Regions;

1. Cross-functional teams, including Operations and Strategic Partnerships; and
2. Grantees, funders, and other external partners.

EF actively seeks to expand DEI within our organization and through our work. We encourage people of color and candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking

• Lead EF's grantmaking process as the primary staff member overseeing the full grant cycle, from proposal development and application to compliance review and organizational approval.

• Under legal guidance, serve as the lead reviewer to ensure all EF/Energy Action Fund grant proposals comply with IRS regulations, including adherence to 501(c)(3) requirements and the exclusion of 501(c)(4) activities.

• Independently and accurately process proposals, reports, grants, contracts, and invoices/reimbursements in the grants tracking system.

• Review grant proposals to ensure content is complete, appropriate, and all required documents are included.

• Coordinate joint grants and shared contracts as needed.

• Conduct due diligence on proposals and prospective grantees, engaging directly with grantees and consultants to address questions, gather additional information, and request revisions as necessary.

• Research and solicit proposals from potential new grantees with minimal assistance.

• Collect, track, and synthesize grantee insights for use in reports.

Communication

• Schedule and handle logistics for calls and meetings and manage PD calendars as needed; use EF language, tone, and style in correspondence.

• Lead calls or meetings on specific topics.

• Support PD and team to foster information-sharing and learning networks among partners, including all communications around stakeholder meetings and trainings.

• Prepare initial drafts of documents and presentations, such as proposals, blogs, discussion documents, and presentations, for internal and external audiences.

Budgeting and Administrative Duties

• Lead complex or sensitive project management efforts independently and with effective, timely results. May coach others on EF project management.

• Create annual budget with PD; input, manage, and track program expenditures through Grants Management System; troubleshoot budgetary issues or questions; serve as primary liaison with grants team on all budgetary questions; track funding restrictions; and synthesize data for reports, as requested.

• Track upcoming program deadlines and outstanding requests, and assist PDs with executing internal and external requests for program information.

• Organize program convenings, and, for bigger meetings, manage event consultants.

Strategy and Research

• Stay current on latest sector news and information.

• Research specific topics and prepare reports and visual aids, as requested.

• Present updates during program and staff meetings.

Build the Team

• Generate and implement ideas for improving systems, programs, and operations.

• Maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues, contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment.

• Train new employees on the grantmaking process and budgeting.

• With support from your supervisor and others, develop a personal learning and development plan. Seek professional growth opportunities, including networking, informational interviews, training, and projects.

• Uphold EF's commitment to diversity and inclusion, integrating these values into both internal and external work.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong experience managing complex projects and supporting multiple priorities managing competing deadlines; and coordinating various aspects of the project management process, including planning, execution, monitoring, and completion.

• Understanding of the grants management process from start to finish, including tracking, compliance, reporting, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated interest in climate and environmental policy or issue/political campaigns.

• Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.

• Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and proven ability to follow tasks through to the end.

• Demonstrated ability to productively collaborate with peers and colleagues and build strong professional relationships.

• Digital savvy, including knowledge of digital platforms and comfort using online communication/coordination tools, such as Salesforce, Asana, Zoom, etc.

• Technical skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, preferably in a Mac environment; familiarity with Google Drive, Docs, and Box.

SUPERVISION

Reports to the Program Director, Clean Transportation.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position. The target salary for this position is $93,600 for a candidate based in the metro areas of San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Boston, or Sacramento, and $84,600 for candidates in other areas of the U.S. EF provides a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement benefits and paid time off.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel one to two times a year for three to four business days at a time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to spend extended hours at the computer. This position requires moderate levels of domestic travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

EF is a remote-first work environment. This position may be based in any of EF's offices or may work remotely from anywhere in the U.S.

The office environments include some shared workspace, some individual offices, and shared kitchen facilities, with moderate noise levels and a collegial atmosphere. On occasion, there are activities or events after work hours.