IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Natural gas is an important and growing part of our nation’s energy portfolio. It emits less greenhouse gases than coal when combusted and avoids mercury and other dangerous air pollutants that come from coal. It could be a win-win, if--and this is a big ‘if’--we do it the right way. The “right way” entails putting tough rules in place that lock in mandatory environmental safeguards to protect communities and reduce methane pollution, which undermines natural gas’ role as a lower carbon alternative to coal and oil. EDF is taking a leading role to ensure that natural gas provides real and sustained carbon benefits without harming the environment or health of the communities where gas development occurs.
Overall Function:
Under the direction of the national director of state programs, the Regional Director for State Programs will be responsible for organizing and managing regional campaigns around our efforts to enact a comprehensive set of regulations and reforms in key natural gas producing states around the country.
The Regional Director will be responsible for achieving campaign goals by creating and managing strategic coalitions and relationships with industry, regulators, policy makers, “grasstops” opinion leaders and other environmental NGOs. This position will work in close coordination with EDF communications and policy/technical teams to support these efforts.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify near-term leverage points and opportunities in the policy and political landscape of each state for improving rules governing natural gas development and reducing environmental and community impacts.
- Map pathways and strategies for improving regulation and industry performance over the longer term for each of EDF’s core natural gas policy goals.
- Implement and oversee targeted strategies for developing and gaining consensus among key decision makers and thought leaders on policy prescriptions for achieving EDF’s natural gas policy goals – particularly through cooperative efforts between natural gas producers and environmental NGOs, and supported through communications and outreach efforts.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of ongoing relationships with state elected officials, regulators and agency staff, natural gas producers and service companies, local officials and community leaders, environmental NGOs, reporters and other opinion leaders.
- Hire and manage contractors (lobbyists and communications consultants) in each of the target states.
- Work in collaboration with EDF’s national policy team, field directors in other regions, and technical consultants and legal staff;
- Help manage state and regional budgets, personnel matters, and reporting requirements.
- Undertake special projects assigned by the national director for state programs.
Qualifications:
- Graduate degree, or equivalent work experience, in science, policy, economics or law in areas related to the environment and/or energy.
- Minimum of five years experience working to affect change in policy issues or regulatory processes. Demonstrated history of success in achieving state environmental policy reforms.
- Strong understanding of state policy making, structure and political processes.
- Extensive existing relationships with many of the following stakeholder groups strongly preferred: state officials and staff; leadership and staff at relevant state agencies; natural gas operators, including executives, public affairs staff and HSE staff; natural gas industry trade association leadership; business groups; natural gas staff at local, state and national environmental NGOs; local officials and civic leaders; leadership of state associations of city and county officials.
- Demonstrated management experience, especially supervising consultants and campaign field staff.
- Results-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think strategically and work on fast-paced, dynamic issues. Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.
- Ability to work both independently and as a leader or member of teams in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues and partners of varied background and experience. Able to prioritize and be flexible.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of oil/gas issues strongly preferred.
- Regulatory or corporate environmental management experience preferred.
Department/ Location
Location flexible: New York City, Washington, DC or Austin, TX, or Boulder, CO
Term
This position is a term position for up to two years. Upon conclusion of the term, the term may be renewed based on funding and programmatic need.
Start date
This position will begin as soon as possible
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