Community Engagement and Policy Manager

Benefits:

• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE BACKGROUND

The Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is a national non-profit organization that partners with labor unions, community organizations, social justice advocates, development intermediaries, research and technical assistance providers, and socially responsible businesses dedicated to building high road – sustainable, just and inclusive – regional economies. The Collaborative envisions a future in which American cities are the greenest and most equitable in the world, leading the way to head off global climate change while creating a vital new economic sector with low-income and communities of color as central actors and beneficiaries in this new economy. Visit our website for more information: http://www.emeraldcities.org/.

Overview of the Position

The Community Engagement and Policy Manager is a management-level position based in the District of Columbia or Maryland. The Manager will lead efforts to advance community engagement and develop equitable state and local policies that position low-income, Black, Indigenous, and communities of color as leaders in building a clean energy economy rooted in economic justice. This position supports the expanding work of Emerald Cities - DMV, focusing on economic justice initiatives that foster community-driven solutions. The Manager will:

• Sustain and Build Alliances: Strengthen and expand partnerships within climate, social, economic, and environmental justice networks and coalitions to align strategies and advance shared goals.
• Build Grassroots Capacity: Support community-based organizations in assessing local energy policy environments, developing strategies, and advocating for a high-road framework that centers historically underrepresented groups in shaping their clean energy futures.
• Strategy and Co-development Support outreach and recruitment for contractor and workforce development, energy democracy, and other regional programs. Co-design regional community engagement strategies and envision new projects and programs focused on youth, women, and/or labor leadership development.

The Manager will oversee current and emerging programs, foster meaningful relationships with community stakeholders, and create measurable impacts on the local and state clean energy landscape by advancing policies and initiatives rooted in economic justice. This role is part of ECC’s DMV regional team and reports directly to the Regional Director. The position will also collaborate closely with the National Director of Policy and Civic Engagement to ensure alignment with organizational goals and strategies.

Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20036

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Salary: $80,000-$87,000


Major Responsibilities

System Change Activities for Economic and Climate Justice

1. Outreach, Collaboration, and Alliances

• Strengthen and support local coalitions, networks, and community tables to address economic and climate justice challenges including energy burden, economic disparities, and lack of community engagement strategics around building policies.
• Organize and actively participate in regular meetings to align strategies for equitable climate and economic resilience.
• Formulate and drive allied movement-building actions to promote justice-centered solutions that reflect community needs.

2. Capacity Building and Leadership Development

• Build the capacity of BIPOC-centered community-based organizations (CBOs) to lead in economic and climate justice initiatives including Supporting Equitable Building Policies, Energy Democracy, and DC Economic Empowerment Playbook through staffing, fund development, and technical resources.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, grassroots organizing, communications, and outreach to amplify community voices.
• Manage decision-making processes and distribute grants equitably to support CBO-led efforts in climate resilience and economic equity.
• Develop and enhance leadership within CBOs to empower them as drivers of systemic change.

3. Program Development and Management

• Lead the design and implementation of community engagement strategies to advance inclusive, community-driven clean energy economies.
• Support regional communication efforts to highlight justice-based solutions, including conference participation, presentations, and storytelling through blogs and media.
• Promote cross-program learning to create shared frameworks for advancing equity in climate and economic systems.
• Contribute to resource development by securing funding and managing grant writing and reporting with a justice-centered focus.

4. Local, Institutional, and State Policy Development

• Collaborate with strategic partners to monitor and influence policies that address structural inequities in climate and economic systems.
• Educate policymakers on the importance of equity in climate strategies and economic inclusion programs.
• Advocate for justice-centered policies that prioritize community-led solutions, equitable access to resources, and resilience for marginalized populations.

Experience & Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a deep commitment to advancing economic and climate justice, with proven expertise in community organizing, multi-stakeholder engagement, policy development, and program management aligned with systemic change efforts.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental/climate justice policy, community organizing, or related fields.
• Direct experience working with multi-stakeholder collaboratives, grassroots organizations, and BIPOC-centered initiatives.
• Proven track record of program design, development, and implementation for equity-centered initiatives in Maryland and Washington, DC.
• Familiarity with collaboration tools and facilitation of community engagement sessions.

Relationships:

• Established contacts within social justice, climate justice, and governmental organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain alliances with diverse stakeholders.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, but equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Skills:

• Strong writing, verbal communication, and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, adapt to evolving priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Leadership and teamwork skills, with a self-starter mindset and the ability to work independently.

Values:

• Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice, particularly in climate resilience and economic systems.
• Passion for supporting BIPOC-centered organizations and communities in creating systemic change.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY

Apply on really, send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to tdsmith@emeraldcities.org
Subject line should read “DMV Community Engagement and Policy Manager” – [Your Name].

Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ , and other people from communities traditionally underrepresented in the environmental and energy efficiency sectors, are encouraged to apply.

Emerald Cities Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation

Flexible work from home options available.