Virginia Campaign Coordinator

Description

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 35 staff members across the region, and offices located in Boone, NC, Charlottesville, VA, and Norton, VA.

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

Appalachian Voices is excited to announce an opening for a Virginia Campaign Coordinator. The Virginia Campaign Coordinator will be supervised by Appalachian Voices’ Director of State Energy Policy and will play a key role in our local and statewide campaigns to advance clean energy and pursue environmental justice in Virginia. This position can be based out of our Charlottesville, VA office or may operate remotely from elsewhere in Virginia. Regular travel within Virginia is required.

The Virginia Campaign Coordinator will be primarily responsible for outreach and coalition building to promote an equitable transition to clean energy in the commonwealth, including implementation of opportunities made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and other relevant state and federal policies. This work may include providing assistance to stakeholders such as grassroots community groups, businesses, local governments, and electric utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities seeking to build and finance clean energy projects.

The Virginia Campaign Coordinator will also assist in planning and executing campaigns supporting statewide clean energy adoption, reducing carbon pollution and other public health threats, promoting environmental justice, and reducing energy burden. Work will include some policy advocacy and interaction with regulatory agencies, along with community engagement and public communications, including interacting with the media.

Job Duties

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the advancement of a statewide movement for clean energy and environmental justice by developing and implementing a range of community activities that grow and engage Appalachian Voices’ base of supporters
• Build relationships and earn trust with community members and key partners, including elected officials and government employees, as well as represent the organization in formal and informal coalitions
• Support the Director of State Energy Policy by assisting with policy research and analysis, identifying threats and opportunities, and developing advocacy materials
• Plan and execute events designed to educate communities and decision makers on clean energy programs, pollution reduction, energy burden issues, and policies impacting Virginia, as well as activities that drive civic engagement
• Generate public comments and attendance at meetings and hearings using a variety of digital outreach strategies with support from our communications team

Skills Required

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental and social justice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to a range of audiences and develop persuasive messaging
• Experience with – or the ability to learn – relevant climate and energy policy issues, including aspects of electric utility regulation
• Ability to effectively facilitate group meetings and calls
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to set priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines for both short- and long-term goals in a fast-paced environment
• Event planning skills, including outreach and follow-up, volunteer recruitment, media outreach, event promotion, and logistics coordination
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and the ability to create and maintain spaces that are inclusive and welcoming

Additional Info

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit; specific terms and conditions of employment may be subject to a future Collective Bargaining Agreement. Appalachian Voices offers competitive compensation and benefits that include employer-paid health care, vision, and dental policies with options to include family members at a reduced cost; short- and long-term disability plans; generous paid vacation and parental leave; flexible working hours; and an employer-matched retirement plan.

Salary is commensurate with experience; however, the expected salary range is between $50,000 and $65,000; candidates seeking the higher end of this range should be able to demonstrate a very strong background, experience, or other factors. We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the opportunity to connect with candidates who may be outside of the compensation band. Appalachian Voices is committed to equity in pay practices.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. Using this link, please submit (1) a resume, (2) a brief cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this role and why you would be a good fit for the position, and (3) a list of three references. Questions about the position are welcomed via email to peter@appvoices.org. No calls, please.