Program/Role: Energy Systems Policy Associate
Location: WFH Flexible, Minneapolis, MN. GPI’s headquarters are based at 2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 220 in Minneapolis, MN.
Reports to: Senior Policy Manager, Energy Systems
Type of Position: Full time position
Ideal start date: May 1, 2023
Compensation: Salary range: $49K-$57K, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, LTD, STD, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, professional development allowance, and a communication stipend.
ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 50 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.
The following values inform the way we work both inside and outside of GPI. It is important to us to be trusted, inclusive, equitable, and transformative:
Trusted. We base our approach and actions on trust, mutual respect, and accountability.
Inclusive. We achieve impact through inclusive and deliberate collaboration with a diversity of interests.
Equitable. We strive for equity in our approach and outcomes.
Transformative. We are a bold and passionate catalyst for change.
ABOUT THE TEAM:
The Energy Systems program area is focused on decarbonizing the economy by enabling collaboration and problem solving among electric and natural gas utilities and market operators, regulators, environmental advocates, consumer advocates, state and local governments, businesses, and other key stakeholders.
We foster collaboration and problem solving through complex stakeholder engagement processes. These often involve groups of 20-100 stakeholders that meet regularly over several months to develop a shared understanding of energy and climate policy and technology issues, discuss varying perspectives on those issues, and collaborate to identify actions to address those issues.
This program area has a heavy focus on holistically decarbonizing electric and natural gas utility systems and related topics, including resource planning, rate design, energy efficiency and demand response, performance-based utility regulation, electrification of transportation and buildings, and net-zero emissions gaseous fuels such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen. This program area also works to assess and address the impacts of decarbonization policies and technologies, including with respect to equity, environmental justice, and just transition.
JOB DUTIES:
Provide policy and administrative support to the Energy Systems program, including:
• Monitor and summarize resources for program staff and consultants, including state and federal regulatory and legislative proceedings, committees and hearings, executive branch activities and other relevant resources as needed;
• Develop factsheets, blog posts, press releases, web content and other materials;
• Assist with the planning, coordination and materials preparation for meetings, including both virtual and in person events;
• Note taking for regularly occurring stakeholder work group meetings;
• Assist with prospective and existing member engagement and outreach for NextGen Highways and MISO Cities and Communities Coalition;
• Assist in management of grants and other funding, including grant tracking and progress reports and other administrative details;
• Direct administrative support (scheduling meetings with stakeholders and policymakers, communicating with project participants and other stakeholders, organizing meeting materials, etc.) for program staff and consultants;
• Provide other programmatic assistance as needed.
Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day. Some travel will also be required.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
• Bachelor’s Degree or relevant proven skills and 2-4 years related professional experience.
• Good research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience, professional or otherwise working on a diverse team and developing and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds and political perspectives that may differ significantly from oneself.
• Ability to work for several people, manage multiple tasks in an organized way, and take responsibility for following up on assignments without being reminded.
• Detail-oriented and able to work independently and with colleagues in remote locations.
• Excellent time and deadline management, project management and team relationship skills.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to the mission of the Great Plains Institute.
The Great Plains Institute is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
EQUIPMENT USED:
This position involves use of a desktop computer and/or laptop, copier, fax machine, calculator, printer, and telephone.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:
This position requires working at a desk (either sitting or standing) for extended periods and extensive use of devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), as well as usage of telephone/headset. The position may require the lifting of boxes up to 20 pounds on occasion.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply here. Required application materials include a resume and one-page cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
BACKGROUND ON GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE:
GPI has a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture in which people enjoy both great freedom and great responsibility. People who thrive in this culture take personal responsibility for seeing what needs doing and getting it done. They are initiative-takers, problem-solvers, and quick to help others. They work hard because they believe in the mission and get to spend most of their time at the intersection of what they love to do and are good at. It’s a working environment in which performance is judged more on results than on time spent in a chair. We aspire to make this the best job anyone has ever had.
The Great Plains Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants
