Program Director, Advocacy

Program Director, Advocacy

Organizational Overview

Southface Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is leading the way toward a sustainable, equitable and healthy built environment for all. Since 1978, our programs have closed the gap between environmental awareness and action by promoting scalable resource efficiency and clean energy solutions for homes, workplaces and communities. We are focused on our mission to promote sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities through education, research, advocacy, and technical assistance.

Team Overview

For 20 years Southface's efforts have advanced clean and equitable energy solutions in Georgia. Our Advocacy practice champions the state and local policies that propel local communities toward a regenerative economy. Policy can transform society, and we work with our partners to influence data-driven, rigorous approaches to a carbon positive future through engagement of communities, advocates, industry, and policymakers.

Our combination of policy and technical expertise, industry collaboration and stakeholder engagement help us lead within state and local energy regulatory decision-making processes. Over the next several years Southface will continue its advocacy work with strong focus in Georgia, Florida and the Southeast.

Through the Advocacy team Southface seeks to:

• Accelerate the Energy Justice movement
• Expand utility-led clean energy investment and remove market barriers to distributed energy resources
• Increase the scope, financing and effectiveness of climate resilience efforts
• Further the policy landscape to enable affordable, healthy, equitable and efficient housing.

Position Overview

Southface is seeking a full-time Program Director for Advocacy to lead our work in Georgia, Florida and the Southeast to support public policies that advance attainable housing, sustainable development and clean energy technologies and resources.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to foster coordination, partnerships and cooperation among diverse - and even competing - groups. He or she will be committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment and able to manage a challenging diversity of tasks. This position is an opportunity to lead engagement with policy makers, NGOs, industry executives and other constituencies and to bring about policy changes that will transform the market for just, clean energy and low-impact development.

Responsibilities

The Program Director of Advocacy is based in Atlanta, Georgia and reports to the President. Specific responsibilities are to advance Southface's advocacy goals and include but are not limited to:

• Monitor policy proposals and trends in the Southeast, particularly in legislatures and at public service commissions;
• Conduct and oversee policy research and preparation of white papers and policy briefs to advance Southface's advocacy priorities;
• Leverage priority opportunities for policy change to develop and implement a strategic policy agenda for each issue priority, including achievable goals and performance measures;
• Working with fellow Southface staff and stakeholders, facilitate the development of model codes, policies, and protocols that may adopted by state and local governments to advance clean energy transitions and equitable outcomes;
• Through education and collaboration build and maintain positive, persuasive and strategic relationships with local and state policy makers, NGOs, industry executives, leading experts, coalition partners and other constituents;
• Serve on the Leadership Team and the Communications team to develop and execute a communications and media relations strategy that utilizes both traditional and new media;
• Interface and collaborate with utility industry personnel related to implementation of Southface-endorsed projects, initiatives and/or policies;
• Represent Southface before legislative and regulatory bodies and executive branch agencies, such as PSC, GEFA, DCA, and EPD;
• Supervise Advocacy Team project staff, as well as consultants and volunteers;
• Coordinate with other Southface teams to advance key drivers of a carbon positive future, including energy codes, green infrastructure, and sustainable development strategies; and
• Collaborate with Leadership in establishing and accomplishing program priorities, developing, and managing the budget for advocacy program and assisting in raising funds to carry out the program and support the organization.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who excel in relationship building, are results oriented and have strong project management skills. You should have:

• A Bachelor's degree in public policy, regulatory policy, environmental policy, environmental sciences or similar - Juris Doctor degree preferred;
• 5-10 years of experience with proven knowledge of environmental or building policy and utility regulatory laws, practices, and procedures;
• Demonstrated success working within state utility proceedings, such as intervention in Integrated Resource Planning processes and utility rate cases;
• Professional experience in public policy advocacy, public policy research and analysis and coalition-building;
• Excellent writing, speaking and analytical skills (both high level and detail);
• A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of resourcefulness in the face of obstacles;
• A commitment to diversity, with an approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance;
• Experience managing multiple projects and ability to oversee a cadre of staff, consultants and research fellows;
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in building relationships with diverse audiences, including public officials, reporters and editors, community leaders, coalition partners and the public;
• A passion for working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to advance leading edge public policy that furthers clean energy and a regenerative economy.

Benefits

Southface offers competitive health and benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience
• 17 days of Paid Time Off annually (prorated in your first year)
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Excellent medical insurance benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Continuing education and professional development
• Flexible work schedule with ability to work from home
• Organizational culture that highly values the contributions and character of its employees

Hours of Work

Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with flexible options. Occasional weekend or evening hours.

How to Apply

Submit your cover letter and two-page (maximum) resume via our online application portal at https://www.southface.org/about-us/careers/. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Where permitted by applicable law, must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by date of hire to be considered.

Pre-employment background checks are conducted on final candidates.

Southface is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Current Openings for Program Director, Advocacy Jobs at Southface