Policy Associate

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes energy efficiency across the 11-state region of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SEEA’s board consists of utilities, energy service providers, state energy offices and experts from universities. SEEA staff engage in a broad spectrum of activities, including serving as members of Public Service Commission sponsored collaboratives, appearing as public witnesses, organizing and presenting at workshops, filing written comments, providing information to interested parties, counseling state and local officials on best practices and connecting officials and stakeholders to other national and regional expertise. SEEA has a strong track record of developing and implementing successful programs in the Southeast and working with key stakeholders to develop and support energy efficiency policy. Accordingly, SEEA serves as the driver of market transformation in the Southeast’s energy efficiency sector through collaborative public policy, thought leadership, and programs, services and technical advisory activities.

In the Southeast, success in promoting energy efficiency depends on active engagement of the utilities, particularly through expansion of energy efficiency programs funded by ratepayers and administered by the utilities. Additionally, states are not currently taking advantage of the immense benefits that energy code adoption and enforcement provides to new home and business owners. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, utility-based energy efficiency programs and energy code adoption and enforcement in the Southeast lag well behind other regions in the United States. Improving this situation requires both helping utilities with best practices for planning, implementation and evaluation of programs and changing the policies of regulators so that utilities are rewarded for saving energy, not just for selling it. The success of this program also requires the ability to work within state government to advocate for the adoption of model energy codes as well as building a strong infrastructure region to promote successful enforcement of energy codes already in place. The coordinated and cooperative effort of numerous stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally is essential.

SEEA is seeking a Policy Associate that will support SEEA’s Policy Team, and engage with building officials, contractors, policy makers and other stakeholders to promote the adoption, implementation and enforcement of energy codes in the Southeast in order to promote a stronger economy and higher quality of life for residents and businesses in the region. This position will also assist with the implementation of energy efficient opportunities and the strategic goals and objectives of SEEA’s policy portfolio. The responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

·         Assisting with SEEA's policy initiatives throughout SEEA's territory;

·         Promoting energy efficiency programs and engaging with key stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, contractors and state energy offices,

·         Researching potential and existing policy initiatives;

·         Supporting the creation of an advocacy network;

·         Preparing reports, papers and commentary documents;

·         Working with state and local governments to meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s goal of adopting the 2009 IECC, 2012 IECC, ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and/or ASHRAE 90.1-2010, and attaining 90 percent compliance with these codes by 2017;

·         Building on SEEA’s Train-the-Trainer program to continue developing a network of energy code trainers in the Southeast and administering/organizing these trainings;

·         Developing consumer demand for energy efficient new buildings;

·         Assisting states to effectively measure state compliance rates with the energy code;

·         Collaborating with national, regional and local stakeholders to build coalitions within states in the Southeast;

·         Engaging local jurisdictions to support the adoption of above code ordinances;

·         Providing general technical assistance to states regarding energy code adoption, enforcement and compliance.

 

Desired Qualities:

• Political sensitivity and ability to remain bipartisan;
• Ability to communicate with a diverse set of stakeholders and understand the concerns of all parties including utilities, building officials, contractors, policy makers, engineers and architects;
• An understanding of the construction industry and building science in both the commercial and residential sectors;
• Ability to work independently;
• Self-motivated;
• Personal maturity and demonstrated leadership qualities;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills;
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Demonstrated project management experience;
• Experience and interest in energy efficiency;
• Experience organizing and/or giving trainings a plus;
• Understanding of the legislative process a plus.

Location: This position is based out of SEEA’s main office in Atlanta, Georgia. Up to 40% of time may be required for travel in the Southeastern region and beyond.

Education: College degree required, graduate degree preferred.  A focus on policy, engineering, architecture, building science, environmental science and/or natural resource management is encouraged.

Professional Experience: At least a year of relevant professional experience is required for this position.  SEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range will be $35,000-$45,000. Salary offer will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications of successful applicant. SEEA offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply: All qualified candidates may apply by sending a cover letter and resume to SEEAJobs@seealliance.org with the subject line Policy Associate. No phone calls please.