Organization: Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
Closing Date:
Location: The selected candidate must live in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, or Wyoming. They can work remotely or in person from SWEEP’s offices in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, or a hybrid of both.
Work Schedule: Non-exempt, full-time
Deadline for applications: March 29, 2024
About SWEEP: Founded in 2001, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (or SWEEP) is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure a healthy, equitable and low carbon future by advancing energy efficiency, electrification, and clean transportation solutions in the southwest states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. We achieve these goals through advocacy, research and education. SWEEP works closely with state and local elected officials, conservation community partners, public utility commissions, state and federal agencies, utilities, clean energy businesses, and national laboratories. We strive to foster a workplace culture of policies and practices that demonstrate our commitment to equity and inclusion.
Position Description: SWEEP seeks an experienced energy and/or climate policy expert to develop and advocate for policies and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Southwest. This position will work with our Utility Program Director and state representatives in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah to accelerate decarbonization in electricity generation, gas distribution, transportation, and buildings through greater investments in energy efficiency, demand flexibility, transportation, and building electrification, and renewable energy, as well as other climate and equity benefits from electric and gas utilities in the Southwest United States. The selected candidate may either work out of one of SWEEP’s offices in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, or remotely within one of the six Southwest states. The position will report to SWEEP’s Utility Program Director (who is based in Colorado) while working closely with our state representatives in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, as well as our partners in Utah.
Specific responsibilities will include, in partnership with SWEEP’s Utility Program Director and State Representatives:
- Helping SWEEP engage in utility regulatory proceedings such as energy efficiency and beneficial electrification plans, rate cases, distribution system plans, grid modernization plans, and integrated resource plans at state public utility commissions, including analyzing utility proposals, developing policy recommendations and proposals, attending and speaking at meetings and hearings, drafting testimony and comments
- Collaborating with the region’s electric and gas utilities, consumer groups, and other stakeholders to develop best-practice policies and programs to reduce GHG emissions
- Working with and supporting state-based coalitions, including keeping partners engaged and informed on initiatives
- Keeping abreast of emerging energy policies, program designs and technologies
- Designing and implementing policy and communication campaigns, including drafting campaign plans, and developing and distributing communication materials
In addition to their specific job responsibilities, all SWEEP employees are expected to participate in staff calls, annual retreats and other organizational meetings.
Minimum Qualifications: Successful applicants will have the following skills and experience:
- 3+ years of experience with utility programs and energy policy in the Southwest
- Knowledge of utility policy, including demand-side management, rate design, resource planning, building and transportation electrification, etc.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- Experience and comfort with conducting outreach to elected officials, and utility and governmental agency staff
- Ability to work well with others and also to be self-sufficient and take initiative
- Commitment to collaboration and working with a diversity of coalition partners
- Passion for energy efficiency, electrification and other climate solutions
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity
Additional Skills Desired: In addition to the minimum qualifications, exceptional candidates will also have some or all of the following skills:
- Experience testifying as an expert witness before public utility commissions
- Experience with earned and social media outreach and other communication strategies
- History of leading complex negotiations with multiple parties
- Understanding of the politics and policy makers in the Southwest United States
Compensation and Benefits:
The full-time starting salary range for this role is between $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience. SWEEP’s excellent benefits package includes health and dental coverage, a retirement plan with a match, and 25 days of vacation and holidays, as well as paid sick leave and parental leave and eligibility for a three month paid sabbatical after five years of employment.
We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive organization and conservation movement. We encourage applicants from all cultures, race, ethnicity, geographies, political affiliation, sexual orientations, gender identities, and all other identities protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply: If you are interested in this job, please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@swenergy.org. Please specify in the subject line of your email and in your cover letter the position you are applying for as SWEEP has several openings right now. If you have questions about the position, you may contact Justin Brant at jbrant@swenergy.org.