Senior Associate (II or III)

Los Angeles, CA 

This is a full-time, hybrid position  

About the position 

Better World Group (BWG) seeks a full-time Senior Associate that will support the firm’s various practice areas including Clean Air, Transport and Climate Justice; Energy; and Rights of and Connection to Nature. In this role, the Senior Associate will lead project teams that build and provide support to coalitions and campaigns that drive equitable, innovative climate policies in California, the Western U.S., and nationally. Our aim is to change systems by transforming culture ensuring that benefits, resources, and economic opportunities reach communities of color and Indigenous communities, especially those most affected by environmental injustice. 

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of clean transportation and energy, conservation and climate change while working on projects that directly promote equity and environmental justice. 

Major areas of responsibility 

Coalition and Campaign Engagement 

• Ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders to build consensus and advance multi-sectoral climate policy 
• Demonstrated ability to navigate nuanced differences across campaigns and coalitions 
• Manage and coordinate complex campaigns, coalitions, or projects 
• Facilitate spaces that brings together different kinds of people to work for multi-sector solutions (i.e., public health, equity, jobs, climate), and help develop shared visions, strategy, and tactics 
• Engage with key partners, decision-makers, and networks to advance campaign and coalition goals 

Strategy and Policy Development 

• Track and engage in climate and environmental justice policy development at the local, state, and national with a focus on zero emission transportation (cars, buses, trucks, ships), clean energy and/or conservation. 
• Conduct research, stakeholder outreach and engagement, and analyze technical information to develop strategies, create policy proposals, and craft compelling stories. 
• Draft memos, briefs, talking points, and other relevant materials, particularly with respect to legislative and regulatory venues. 

Project Management 

• Work directly with principals and other senior team members, managing upwards by advising on strategies and approaches, and ensuring alignment with overall project goals 
• Lead and assist in defining project scopes and goals, including setting milestones, adhering to deadlines, and identifying necessary resources 
• Coordinate internal efforts when issues require collaboration with colleagues  
• Manage project staff, clients, subcontractors, contracts, project budgets and contract deliverables  
• Manage client communications and expectations 

Thought Partnership 

• Serve as a proactive advisor and thought partner to principals on project planning, development, and implementation 
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners, decision-makers, and networks, and participate in participate in conference, networking opportunities, and other external activities 
• Assist in identifying new projects and work areas that align with BWG’s vision and mission 
• Develop expertise in an emerging or existing practice areas 
• Collaborate with the principals on assigned projects to provide strategy and policy direction to clients, key partners, and networks 

Other Responsibilities 

• Contribute to a work environment and culture focused on equity and belonging 
• Raise the visibility on various climate and environmental issues that impact communities of color and Indigenous communities by writing newsletter articles, blogs, and social media content 
• Ability and willingness to travel, as needed, to meetings and conferences throughout the state and potentially other locations 

Experience 

Candidates must have at least five years of full-time relevant work experience, in two or more of the following areas:  

• State policy coalitions and campaigns 
• Clean transportation 
• Climate and conservation policy 
• Clean energy 
• Environmental and racial justice 
• Public lands 
• Climate change adaptation policy 
• Meeting and coalition facilitation  

An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be accepted. 

Skills 

Successful candidates must possess: 

• Demonstrated critical and strategic thinking abilities and have a detail-oriented and proactive approach to problem solving 
• A growth mindset to use available resources and feedback to continually develop expertise in their role and facilitate team learning 
• The ability to effectively manage time, resources, and priorities to achieve desired project and task outcomes and strategic goals 
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely convey complex topics 
• Strong facilitation skills, including the ability to lead productive discussions, guide group decision-making, and foster collaboration among diverse perspectives 
• Adept at creating inclusive environments that encourage participation and drive consensus 
• An eagerness to learn and a fearless attitude towards exploring new topics on a regular basis  
• Ability to grasp complex concepts related to policy and their systemic and local impacts 
• Ability to receive client feedback, sometimes conflicting, and make informed decisions on how to prioritize and elevate them 
• Supervise and mentor project staff 

Compensation and Benefits 

Salary range: Salary based on relevant experience; $90,000 - $110,000 annually. 

Benefits: 

• The firm will cover you and your qualified dependents for healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision, with a total monthly premium equivalent to that of Kaiser Permanente Platinum HMO A. You may select coverage from options available via CalChoice.  
• The Firm also provides Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance as well as a Flexible Spending Account option (pretax benefits used for unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent care cost, etc.). 
• Participation in the Firm's 401 (k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan from your first day, with the Firm’s contributions of 3% of your compensation per plan year (subject to vesting requirements) regardless of how much you elect to contribute.  

Paid time off:   

• Holidays: 18 paid holidays (12 federal and/or state holidays and 1 additional day from a list of inclusive cultural, religious holidays or your birthday), and 5 paid holiday days for the last week of December from Christmas to New Year’s. 
• Vacation Days: 10 vacation days per year of employment with 1 additional day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 15 days. Vacation day hours are accrued with each pay period. 
• Sick Days: 5 days per calendar year, available from your first day. 

*New benefit* Better World Group is piloting a 2024 Flexible Fridays schedule (similar to a reduced work week). This position is full-time, requiring a minimum of 32 hours/week in 2024, with the possibility of a pilot benefit extension.  

Additional benefits: We provide an annual professional development budget starting at $1,000. For staff who commute to BWG’s office, we pay for Metro Rail Passes.  

Application Process 

We seek candidates with the relevant qualifications and experiences described above and who can demonstrate a strong commitment to racial, environmental, and climate justice. In your cover letter, please provide examples of your past experiences, highlighting your contributions towards progress or achievements in any of these areas. This could include, but is not limited to, your previous involvement in initiatives, programs, or projects that aim to address and rectify disparities, advocate for equitable practices, and/or facilitate conversations for just outcomes. 

To apply, please submit upload the following materials on our website. The maximum file size is 10 MB. If you are experiencing issues uploading your application to the hiring platform, please contact careers@betterworldgroup.com. No phone calls please. 

1. Cover Letter 
2. Resume 
3. Writing sample (if part of a group project, indicate sections written by the applicant) 
4. PowerPoint sample 
5. Three professional or academic references 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning September 9, 2024. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until filled. Those interested in are encouraged to apply as early as possible.  

About Better World Group 

BWG works across all sectors to develop forward-thinking, transformative strategies that address complex problems. Our clients - philanthropies, non-governmental organizations, and local and state government agencies - turn to us for our ability to craft and implement creative strategy, convene diverse stakeholders, and build consensus towards equitable and sustainable outcomes. BWG is a Latina-owned small business located in Downtown Los Angeles. 

BWG is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Better World Group requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, absent a legal exception for reasonable accommodation. Unvaccinated new hires have a 30-day grace period after their start date to get fully vaccinated or, if eligible, obtain a reasonable accommodation. 

Salary range: Salary based on relevant experience; $90,000 - $110,000 annually. 

Benefits: 

• The firm will cover you and your qualified dependents for healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision, with a total monthly premium equivalent to that of Kaiser Permanente Platinum HMO A. You may select coverage from options available via CalChoice.  
• The Firm also provides Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance as well as a Flexible Spending Account option (pretax benefits used for unreimbursed medical expenses, dependent care cost, etc.). 
• Participation in the Firm's 401 (k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan from your first day, with the Firm’s contributions of 3% of your compensation per plan year (subject to vesting requirements) regardless of how much you elect to contribute.  

Paid time off:   

• Holidays: 18 paid holidays (12 federal and/or state holidays and 1 additional day from a list of inclusive cultural, religious holidays or your birthday), and 5 paid holiday days for the last week of December from Christmas to New Year’s. 
• Vacation Days: 10 vacation days per year of employment with 1 additional day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 15 days. Vacation day hours are accrued with each pay period. 
• Sick Days: 5 days per calendar year, available from your first day. 

*New benefit* Better World Group is piloting a 2024 Flexible Fridays schedule (similar to a reduced work week). This position is full-time, requiring a minimum of 32 hours/week in 2024, with the possibility of a pilot benefit extension.  

Additional benefits: We provide an annual professional development budget starting at $1,000. For staff who commute to BWG’s office, we pay for Metro Rail Passes.