Clean Energy Policy Advisor, Arizona

SALARY RANGE

The salary range for a Policy Advisor is $78,761 – $99,609 annually and the salary range for a Senior Policy Advisor is $97,750 – $123,625; salary depends on relevant experience and new staff rarely start at the top of the range.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Policy Advisor, Clean Energy will develop and advocate for policies and programs that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in Arizona. The Policy Advisor will work with guidance from the Deputy Director of State Advocacy.

The Senior Policy Advisor, Clean Energy will independently develop and advocate for policies and programs that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in Arizona. 

ABOUT WESTERN RESOURCE ADVOCATES

WRA is a regional nonprofit fighting climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. The organization is driving state-level action to advance policies that create a healthier and more equitable future for all communities. As the go-to experts for nearly four decades, WRA’s on-the-ground work deploys clean energy and protects air, land, water, and wildlife.

LOCATION

The preferred location for this position is in Arizona. The position may work remotely in Arizona or in WRA’s Phoenix, Arizona office, or a hybrid of the two. The alternate locations for this position may include working remotely in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, or Utah, or in those respective state offices, or a hybrid of the two. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

POLICY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and advocate for equitable policies in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums that reduce the environmental impact of electricity and natural gas use, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in the Interior West with guidance and support from a senior team member.
• Monitor relevant local, state, and federal policy developments.
• Research and analyze current and emerging clean energy policy in Arizona including legislation, administrative rules, and utility proceedings at the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Salt River Project, with a focus on issues related to gas and electric resource planning, energy efficiency, distributed resources, load management, beneficial electrification, and rate designs.
• Assist in supervision of outside consultants.
• Keep abreast of emerging energy and climate topics to inform policy development, with an eye for equitable and inclusive policies and mechanisms.
• With guidance from a senior team member, evaluate utility plans and applications, state and local regulatory proposals, and pending legislation to ensure that they advance WRA’s decarbonization goals.

ADVOCACY

• Develop strategies and prepare expert witness testimony, comments and discovery in regulatory proceedings, including planning, permitting, rulemaking, rate cases, and other formal or informal processes with guidance from a senior team member.
• Track regulatory proceedings and other state-level forums and identify opportunities to advance WRA’s objectives.
• Represent WRA in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums, including through written and oral testimony before regulatory and legislative bodies, with guidance from a senior team member.
• Assist in negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND OUTREACH

• Build relationships and work with representatives of regulated utilities, regulators, consumer advocates, clean energy and environmental advocates, state government agencies, and other gas and electric industry stakeholders to advance the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Effectively engage in and help lead coalitions of diverse partners, building alignment around shared goals and strategies that advance WRA's mission and policy priorities.

INTERNAL COORDINATION/OTHER

• Assist with grant proposals and reports.
• Coordinate with other WRA policy teams to execute a common set of strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with WRA’s policy, Government Affairs, and Communications staff to craft outreach strategies and messaging that accurately and persuasively convey WRA’s positions to stakeholders and decision makers.