Senior Associate, Equity Policy

• ABOUT FRESH ENERGY

  Fresh Energy is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization with a mission to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies.

  For more than 30 years, Fresh Energy has been a north star leader advancing a swift, equitable transition to clean energy in Minnesota and beyond. We’re working to decarbonize Minnesota’s five primary economic sectors—electricity, buildings, transportation, heavy industry, and agriculture—by designing and advocating for policies, advancing implementation in key venues, and informing and inspiring the public through multifaceted communications.

  Together, we are committed to ensuring Minnesota has a carbon free economy by mid-century and vibrant quality of life where all can thrive. As we conduct our work, Fresh Energy lives its core values, creating a dynamic and welcoming workplace.

  Fresh Energy’s Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity Employer Policy reflect our commitment to ensure equality, treat everyone with respect, and promote diversity in the workplace.

  Job Overview

  The Senior Associate, Equity Policy supports Fresh Energy’s policy and advocacy efforts to advance an equitable, clean energy economy with a particular focus on legislative and regulatory processes and outcomes as well as internal culture.The Senior Associate helps develop and advocate for policies,strategies, and initiatives that advance Fresh Energy’s mission to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies, specifically focusing on inclusive collaboration, equity in access and outcomes, addressing disparities, and living our values. The Senior Associate supports staff in their efforts to weave equity into every part of our organization, our partnerships, and the clean energy transition we are working to advance.As the Chair of Fresh Energy’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Senior Associate supports Fresh Energy’s internal Commitment to Equity, models and lives our Core Values, practices our Guiding Principles, and contributes to an organizational culture in which equity is reflected in our work in and beyond the office.

  Essential Responsibilities

  Policy Development & Advocacy

  • Work closely with the Chief Equity Policy Officer to identify, develop, and advance legislative and regulatory opportunities that further Fresh Energy’s equity policy and programmatic priorities, including through written and oral advocacy before the Minnesota State Legislature and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

  • Conduct legislative, legal, regulatory, and financial analysis of policy proposals, regulatory proceedings, legislative changes, and potential policy approaches, and translate that analysis into recommendations and strategies that advance Fresh Energy’s equity priorities.

  • Communicate Fresh Energy’s equity policy priorities and programmatic work through a range of external communications, including white papers, reports, regulatory filings, blog posts, webinars, earned media, and speaking engagements, in coordination with the Chief Equity Policy Officer and Communications Department.

  Coalition & Partnership Building

  • Develop and maintain relationships with community, environmental justice, consumer protection, and other equitable energy policy stakeholders. Build new coalitions and strengthen existing coalitions around shared equity-focused priorities and provide policy analysis, content, and subject-matter expertise to advance shared policy goals.

  • Identify opportunities to broaden participation in Fresh Energy’s policy work and build relationships with organizations, communities, and partners whose perspectives and expertise can strengthen Fresh Energy’s equity-focused policy priorities.

  Stewardship of Fresh Energy's Commitment to Equity

  • Serve as Chair of Fresh Energy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in the Committee Charter and facilitating the Committee’s work to advance Fresh Energy’s equity priorities.

  • Serve as a co-steward of Fresh Energy’s Commitment to Equity, partnering with the Chief Equity Policy Officer to ensure the Commitment to Equity remains current, is communicated effectively, and is understood and reflected in the organization’s work, including within annual targets and 5-year goals.

  • Coordinate with the Operations team and Chief Equity Policy Officer to develop, maintain, and administer DEI onboarding for new employees, ensuring that new staff understand Fresh Energy’s equity commitments, values, and expectations.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement work with a high level of independence.

• High emotional intelligence.

• Strong communication skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to engage diplomatically and work strategically with people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and skillsets.

• Demonstrated ability to apply diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and practices in both internal organizational work and external policy and advocacy settings.
• Strong facilitation skills, including the ability to lead inclusive discussions, navigate challenging conversations, and help groups move toward shared understanding and action.

This role is a hybrid position with the expectation that all employees are in the office two days a week - with one of those days being Wednesday.