The Opportunity
The Tribal Policy Specialist position contributes to efforts to influence and establish state and federal policies promoting energy equity across Indian Country. This position plays a critical role in assisting the Tribal Policy Director by developing and supporting campaigns to encourage clean energy development specific to solar on Tribal lands, cultivating networks with external members and Tribal partners, producing policy recommendations, and undertaking strategic development of the emerging Tribal policy team at GRID Alternatives that specifically tackles barriers to clean energy access in Indian Country. This position reports to the Tribal Policy Director in the National Tribal Program at GRID Alternatives.
Job duties :
Policy Research and Analysis
- Analyze public policy– primarily state legislation– for its effects on solar access for Tribes in priority states
- Develop nuanced experience on net-metering policy, state budgetary funds meant to stimulate Tribal clean energy project development, and other related state statutes related to natural resource protection.
- Monitor and track state policies and plans pertaining to solar growth or clean energy planning
- Monitor and track federal policies related to Tribal clean energy projects including funding opportunities
Policy Communications
Write monthly and quarterly reports with the Tribal Policy Director on policy impacts and research of the Policy TeamDraft advocacy letters for public facing audiences and Tribal leadersProduce internal briefings for Tribal staff members to understand policy issues affecting Tribal GRID AlternativesContribute content to quarterly newslettersPublic speaking at events online and in-person relating to Tribal-state policiesPartnership Building
Represent Tribal GRID Alternatives at state legislatures as related to bills of interest throughout the yearEstablish relationships with federally-recognized Tribal leadership and identified tribal energy leaders across Indian Country.Build coalition networks with non-Native organizations that support policy and regulatory workFacilitate collaborative projects with federal entities on clean energy and Tribal clean energy developmentPolicy Development
Assist the Policy Director in researching and developing related writing to Tribal clean energy self-determination, including regulatory comments on state incentive programs, policy briefs, white papers, and educational resources for external partnersConduct research on best practices of Tribal-state collaboration across the country and stay up to date on relevant state policy initiatives that could impact existing Tribal partners with an emphasis on solarAssist in developing a Tribal Policy Strategic Plan that informs process in cross-team collaboration, evaluation, and reportingAssist with miscellaneous policy tools used internally to better understand key states’ clean energy marketsWhat you need to bring to this role...
Experience working directly with culturally diverse groups of people, Native American experience preferredPrior government relations, liaison or policy development experience with a non-profit, government agency, or other entity, preferably within a professional Tribal spaceDemonstrated commitment to serving Indian Country in a mission-driven organization and programAbility to build strong coalitions or networks with non-governmental organizations, colleges and universities, government agencies, and Tribal governmentsAbility to work in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated success in producing writing samples such as briefing statements to educate internal and external audiences on policy initiativesExcellent written / verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills (e.g. testifying on a priority bill in a key state)Strategic thinking, able to conceptualize, lead and execute complex projects and effectively convey their impact to various audiencesExcellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines and objectivesBachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceIt would be great if you also had...
3 years’ experience of direct Tribal advocacy work, particularly in the areas of environmental and climate related workExcellent research / evaluation experience; writing reports and policy papersStrong communication skills, including the ability to distill complicated information to multiple audiencesExperience working with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externallyWhere you will sit & the places you may go...
The Tribal Policy Specialist will support Tribal Program staff on all aspects of state and federal policy development throughout the year. This is a remote position, but travel may be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and / or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use, but applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Travel may also include occasional conferences / training and all staff meetings. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects. Availability to work nights and weekends may be required.
Let's Talk Money!
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Hourly pay commensurate with experience within the pay band ($28- $38 per hour) , plus the benefits below.
How we take care of you...
Medical, Dental, Vision / Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Salary : $28 - $38
