California Government Affairs Associate Director

About this role

ABOUT THE COALITION

​The Building Decarbonization Coalition unites building industry stakeholders with energy providers, environmental organizations, and local governments to help electrify California’s homes and workspaces with clean energy. Through convening, policy analysis, and consumer awareness building, the Coalition is pursuing fast, fair action to accelerate the development of zero-emission homes and buildings that will help California cut one of its largest sources of climate pollution while creating safe, healthy, and affordable communities.

Burning fossil fuels for heating and cooking poses a serious threat to our health and the planet — making buildings and homes the largest source of climate pollution in the world. Here in California, buildings are second only to transportation as the leading cause of climate change, yet the state lacks the comprehensive policy and funding framework necessary for addressing these emissions.

Electrifying California’s homes and buildings presents a key opportunity to improve public health, cut climate pollution, deliver cleaner air, alleviate rising housing prices and monthly energy bills, all while creating a tremendous export opportunity for the state. To get there, we are activating strong leadership from communities, manufacturing, and government, in California and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The CA Government Affairs Associate Director supports the vision for the Coalition and serves in a key role for our work in California. Reporting to the California Director and working collaboratively with a small and rapidly growing team, the CA Government Affairs Associate Director plays a critical role in the evolution of the Coalition from its start-up stage to a more mature organization that can deliver powerfully on its long-term vision. Specifically, the CA Government Affairs Associate Director is responsible for leading the BDC’s legislative efforts and assisting in creating and implementing local- and state-level strategies. They will also assist in providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to Coalition members and partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategy Development & Implementation

• Participate actively in developing the Coalition’s overarching strategic plan and ensure the campaign’ work is coordinated and fully embedded into other BDC priorities.

• Help articulate BDC’s legislative strategy in coordination with lobbying support and BDC’s members and stakeholders.

Policy Research, Advocacy, Analysis & Technical Assistance

• Assist the California Director with the development of the Coalition’s policy and legislative agenda for building decarbonization at local and state levels, providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to Coalition members and stakeholders.

• Advocate for the Coalition’s policy priorities with legislators, staff, the Governor’s Office, agencies, labor unions, environmental justice CBOs, environmental nonprofits, OEMs, and others to drive our policy agenda forward.

• Develop materials to educate elected and appointed officials regarding the benefits of BDC’s sponsored and supported legislation.

• Be a point person on policy education and communication with policymakers, including developing strong relationships, identifying opportunities and priorities, and working in coalition with others to move the Coalition’s policy agenda and campaigns forward.

• Establish the Coalition as the go-to resource for policymakers on building decarbonization

• Provide written and verbal testimony to ensure building decarbonization policy moves forward in Sacramento.

• Maintain knowledge of development and trends in the field, track legislation, and produce regular reports for the California Director.

• Convene NGOs, labor, industry leaders, equity groups, and others regularly to develop relationships and strengthen networks in order to address barriers to building decarbonization, identify solutions, and lift up the most vulnerable communities while simultaneously lifting up market leaders.

• Lead the development and facilitation of existing and new coalition spaces to advance the Coalition’s policy priorities

• In partnership with the California Director, BDC, and its campaigns prioritize equity and strengthen the coalition by decarbonizing all buildings in an equitable way.

Resource Development & Budget Management

• Partner with the California Director to support fundraising and other revenue-generating efforts including memberships and strategic partnerships for the Coalition’s state-based work.

• Partner with legal counsel to ensure BDC’s compliance with all applicable state and federal lobbying laws.

Communications

• Partner with the California Director and BDC Public Relations team to ensure a strong communications strategy in support of the new campaigns and policy initiative

• Support the implementation of communications and thought leadership pieces such as op-eds, blogs, and speaking roles.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for building decarbonization, reflected in a clear and inspiring commitment to the mission and growth of the Coalition.

• A passion for equity, bridge building, and creating high-road jobs.

• Strong advocacy skills, political sophistication, and policy analysis, and ability to work effectively and build consensus among a variety of internal and external stakeholders

• Outstanding leadership and relationship-building skills with clarity of vision and a commitment to the highest levels of integrity, quality, and collaboration.

• 3+ years of experience advocating and developing policy, preferably with a solid understanding of building electrification, power sector, and/or climate solutions. Preference for an understanding of workforce development and labor relations.

• Proven understanding of California’s public policymaking/legislative environments and success in influencing policy agendas and outcomes.

• Highly collaborative work style with…