Associate, Federal & External Affairs

The salary range for this position is $68,000 to $72,000 ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors sustaining America’s fight against climate change with bold, state-led action. The Alliance Secretariat helps its member states and territories accelerate climate action by providing a broad range of technical, analytical, policy, and capacity assistance and resources. It also coordinates engagement with the federal government and national partners to drive solutions across government in support of an ambitious, durable national climate framework. For more on the Alliance, visit www.usclimatealliance.org.

Track and analyze federal policy developments with impacts to US emissions-reduction and resilience goals, including executive and regulatory actions by the federal government and congressional activities on Capitol Hill Work with Secretariat policy leads, member states, and partner organizations to evaluate and prioritize opportunities to engage strategically on federal policy matters Oversee and maintain federal policy trackers that are used by Alliance members and Secretariat staff to stay up-to-date on policy developments and opportunities for engagement Provide verbal and written updates to Alliance members and Secretariat staff on federal policy developments, including through staff meetings, briefing memos, the Alliance’s weekly newsletter, and biweekly meetings with Governor-Office Representatives Collaborate with Secretariat policy leads to develop written materials on federal policy matters, such as communications toolkits and comment letters Draft and review federal activities as part of the Alliance’s annual work-planning process, partnering collaboratively with Secretariat staff to ensure alignment across teams and sectors Act as a liaison to federal and congressional officials, as appropriate External partner relations Act as a liaison and primary point of contact for partner environmental organizations, cultivating cooperative relationships in support of Alliance states’ climate goals Represent the Alliance in meetings and events with external partners and ensure that meeting notes and action items are appropriately documented, tracked, and acted upon Support Secretariat policy leads in cultivating relationships and regularly communicating with partner organizations focused on their issue areas Assist with agenda development, meeting facilitation, and follow-up from the Alliance’s monthly call with national advocacy groups Develop and execute rollout plans for Alliance announcements, newsletters, press releases, updates, and events, with the aim of maximizing positive impact with relevant partners Compile invitation lists for special events, working closely with Alliance leadership to create opportunities for networking and meaningful partner engagement Draft talking points for Secretariat staff members who are speaking with external audiences to ensure we are speaking with one voice and telling the Alliance’s story most effectively International exchanges Assist with cultivating, planning for, and executing opportunities for Alliance states and staff to engage the global community Support Alliance leadership in preparing for participation in major international forums, including the annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP) Develop invitation lists and coordinate participation by Alliance state officials in international events and convenings Draft briefing memos, talking points, or other written materials as needed Systems maintenance Maintain systems essential to the Alliance’s federal and external affairs work, including federal policy trackers Regularly update databases and distribution lists used by the Alliance to stay in contact with partners across the environmental community, including federal agencies, international governments, congressional offices, nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy groups Support for Alliance events, meetings, and products Conduct research, create presentations, and draft written materials for Alliance members on an as-needed basis Create materials to support the Alliance’s meetings, learning labs, and events, including by working with Alliance states, consulting outside experts, and conducting desk research Contribute to Alliance products across other sectors and workstreams Other duties as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The Federal and External Affairs Associate isnota supervisory role.

2-3 years of experience working on climate and clean energy issues, with past experience working in or around state or federal government strongly preferred Demonstrated strong research, analytical, writing, presentation, and briefing skills Familiarity with U.S. climate and energy policy, with deep knowledge of federal and congressional policy landscape. Capitol Hill experience a major plus Familiarity with tracking systems and databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Airtable) and project management platforms SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Critical and strategic thinker who can synthesize complex information and identify opportunities for effective and timely intervention Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to tailor one’s style and content to meet a variety of circumstances, without requiring frequent direction Aptitude for building consensus and bridging differences among groups of stakeholders with often divergent perspectives and priorities As part of a small and busy team, key skills include: Self-motivated with strong ability to find solutions in the face of challenges Maximum flexibility in accepting and professionally executing a range of tasks Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment Ability to diplomatically engage diverse counterparts and use personal discretion in working with sensitive information Ability to work under pressure and handle stress Ability to work collaboratively across teams WORK ENVIRONMENT The essential functions of this role willgenerally beperformed in a typical professional office environment with routine use of standard office equipment. Employees are expected toeitherwork on-site in accordance withtheU.S. Climate Alliance’shybrid work policy, which currently requires regular in-office presence, or may be approvedtowork remotelyelsewhere in the contiguous U.S., provided the employee maintains a dedicated workspace that supports confidentiality and productivity. Employeesapproved for remote workmust ensure limited background noise and environmental distractions to effectively perform essential job functions. LOCATION This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid schedule). While consideration may be given for remote work in the contiguous United States, DC-based candidates are strongly preferred. TheU.S. Climate Allianceis headquartered inWashington, DC and maintainsa hybrid work schedule. Employeesbased in the DC area areexpected to commute to the officeat leasttwo(2)days per week and may work from homethree(3) days per week. DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS TheUnited Nations Foundation/Better World Fund(UNF/BWF)will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. USCA CORE VALUES Purpose: We are aligned by a common purpose to confront the climate crisis and its impacts through the power of state government. We connect our daily work to the Alliance’s mission and, in pursuit of our shared goals, always act in the best interest of our governors and states Excellence: We have high standards in the work we do to support Alliance governors and states. We are focused, data-driven, and attentive to the smallest of details while never losing sight of the big picture Empathy: We value kindness and treat others with dignity and respect, recognizing that our actions affect one another and all those with whom we interact. We consider growth, learning, and development to be priorities Inclusion: We actively work to increase diversity, advance equity, and cultivate a welcoming work environment where everyone feels valued. We are collaborators and prioritize teamwork — knowing that it will take our broader community all working together to ultimately solve the climate crisis Balance: We value a positive work environment and, even in the hectic day-to-day, we make the time to build relationships, celebrate successes, and laugh. We know that balancing home and work lives is essential and encourage each other to put the health and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones first REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS To be considered for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter. Applications that do not include both documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.