Policy Advocate for the Energy Materials Transition

Are you passionate about fighting for climate justice? Do you want to help limit harm to frontline mining-impacted communities? Do you want the materials we need for the renewable energy transition sourced in a more responsible, just, and sustainable way? If you’re eager to ensure that frontline community voices impacted by this transition are heard within the U.S. government, then this position may be right for you.

Reporting to the Senior Policy Counsel,  and working in close collaboration with Earthworks mining, policy, and communications teams, the Policy Advocate for the Energy Materials Transition will be responsible for advocacy strategies to secure US government implementation of circular economy policies that center frontline voices and reduce demand for new mining. 

This role will focus on creating high impact strategies, managing advocacy efforts, engaging policymakers, assisting with policy development, supporting community allies, and collaborating with internal and external partners, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for those disproportionately harmed and at risk for harm.

The Policy Advocate will join the mining and policy teams and become an essential part of advancing Earthworks’ agenda before federal government agencies, legislators, allied organizations and the public. Location for this position is Washington, DC or the surrounding area. In-person meetings and some travel will be required when those can safely resume.

Apply Online at our Career Page: https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with Earthworks’ mining, policy, and communications teams to help develop advocacy campaigns to secure strong legislative and regulatory outcomes that transform our minerals policy to build a more circular economy that reduces demand for new mines. 
• Leverage Earthworks’ deep mining and energy and policy expertise to work with grassroots and NGO partners to advance equitable and effective policy outcomes that reduce demand for new mining, including shifts in the design, sourcing, takeback and recirculation of materials for the clean energy economy. 
• Oversee Earthworks federal circular economy legislative strategy, including working with key Members of Congress and their staff to draft, evaluate and analyze legislation that focuses on demand reduction, reuse, repurposing, and recycling as primary strategies to create a more sustainable minerals economy in the United States. 
• Guide Earthworks regulatory advocacy efforts to move key federal agencies towards a more just and equitable minerals transition. 
• Work with Earthworks teams to ensure that communities most disproportionately harmed by mining and the energy materials transition are represented in key legislative and regulatory policymaking, including rulemakings, legislation, and strategy discussions around responsible material sourcing. 
• Develop and maintain key relationships with internal and external stakeholders including national, state and local NGOs.
• Research and create fact sheets, talking points and other outreach and advocacy materials as needed.
• Represent Earthworks with government agencies, international or multilateral institutions, and the media where appropriate. 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of policy experience preferred, including legislative and regulatory advocacy campaigns that advance justice and equity.
• Desire to craft climate policy solutions that advance equity and reduce mineral demand through reuse, repurposing, recycling.
• Experience working with government officials, including ability to evaluate and analyze legislation and regulations.
• Experience working with international or multilateral organizations is preferred but not required.
• Experience working collaboratively within diverse and inclusive coalitions to advance policies that benefit communities disproportionately impacted by harmful mining and the climate crisis.
• Commitment to anti-racism and intersectionality, with a track record of developing and facilitating equitable policy solutions, as well as a commitment to equity, inclusion and justice as organizational practice and culture.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work with a team and independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle multiple issues, projects, and deadlines.

BENEFITS AND SALARY

This is a one year position, continued tenure is funding dependent. The salary for this position is competitive for small to medium non-profits, ranging from $72K-78K/yr depending on experience. Benefits include full health and dental coverage for the employee and their partner/family (plus a partially employer funded HSA), paid vacation, and a retirement plan with an employer match, after one year. Additionally, after 7 years, staff are eligible for a 3 month, fully paid sabbatical.

ABOUT EARTHWORKS

Earthworks is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with 32 employees across 10 states. We work to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mining and energy development while seeking sustainable solutions. We support frontline communities, reform government policies, improve corporate practices, influence investment decisions, and encourage responsible materials sourcing and consumption. We seek to ensure that communities’ voices and concerns are heard in the corridors of power, from the nation’s capital to state houses and legislatures.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks’ Board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.

Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.

How to apply

Apply Online by March 1. Please submit a resume, cover letter,  and links to blogs, Op-Eds, social media handles, websites, or other online presence that highlights your experience. No phone calls please.