Clean Energy Organizer

About AAE

Who We Are: Our mission at The Alliance for Affordable Energy (AAE) is to safeguard Louisiana’s future by protecting consumers’ right to affordable, equitable, and environmentally responsible energy systems. Our vision is a future where energy works for everyone.

Founded in 1985, The Alliance has advanced a philosophy that there is no conflict between lower energy costs and lower pollution, between good jobs and regulation, or between serving the public interest and making a reasonable profit. Because we are both a consumer advocate and public health advocacy organization, our policy work meets at the crossroads of social justice, sustainable economic development, and environmental protection. AAE adheres to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing and The Principles of Environmental Justice (EJ)

About this Position

This is a full time position focused on clean energy advocacy, including regional transmission advocacy. Time will be split between coalition administration, outreach and community organizing. 50% of this position will be spent working closely with AAE’s Clean Grid Coordinator, and transmission expansion consultants to build out a network of regional transmission advocates and connect regional grid planning advocacy with other clean energy and consumer advocacy movements. The other 50% will be dedicated to community education (developing accessible educational materials), outreach (identifying, and building relationships with key communities), and organizing advocacy networks.

Background/Context

For nearly a decade the Gulf Coast (in particular LA, MS, TX, and AR) has lagged behind other regions in terms of renewable energy deployment and needed grid investments required for a modern, resilient electricity system.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a Regional Transmission Operator (RTO) is conducting a historic grid planning effort to expand regional transmission capacity in its 15 state footprint (including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas). The Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) effort provides an unprecedented opportunity for states in the MISO South footprint (LA, TX, MS, AR) to engage in a comprehensive transmission planning effort that can unleash historic levels of renewable energy access and increase grid reliability. The Clean Energy Campaigner will support campaign efforts amongst a diverse range of entities working together to maximize regional transmission investments in MISO South states.

The Alliance is expanding our outreach efforts to strengthen our networks across Louisiana with a focus on improving consumer protections and access to renewable energy for all. The Clean Energy Campaigner will support network weaving across campaigns to support offshore wind, community solar, and distributed clean energy.

Clean Energy Organizer Core Activities:

• Lead and support administrative needs for Transmission Expansion campaign, and transmission expansion consultants
  • Type live, comprehensive notes during meetings
  • Support campaign meetings by capturing important information (next-steps, timeline, etc.)
  • Provide communications support and leadership - support and lead development of transmission expansion materials (newsletters, fact sheets, social media content)
  • Research - support and conduct research needs for campaign where capable
  • Support and lead event coordination for strategy sessions or convenings
  • Support the management of a network of advocates and businesses in LA, MS, TX, AR.
  • Regulatory administrative support - monitor state-level and federal level transmission related policy advancements, news, events,
• Build connections with local and state-level advocates with the goal of uplifting traditionally underrepresented voices in energy decision-making forums.
• Assist in expanding a network of regional transmission advocates, and support the successful implementation of MISO South Transmission Expansion.

Qualifications

• Understand the history and impacts of systemic racism, inequity, injustice, oppression, and exclusion in our society
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Self-motivated/guided; takes initiative to identify, trouble-shoot, and carry out necessary tasks
• Confidence maintaining administrative support
• Passionate: interested in consumer advocacy, grid planning, renewable energy, decarbonization, environmental justice, environmental advocacy
• Experience implementing social/political/environmental/clean energy related campaigns
• Experience supporting/moderating virtual/hybrid meeting needs
• Knowledge of Louisiana/TX/MS/AR/Southern cultural and political landscapes
• Experience in non-profit, environmental advocacy
• Able to work with wide variety of people and situations
• Strong communications skills - written and verbal
• Competency with digital platforms to maintain notes; scheduling support- manage calendar of events (proficiency in Zoom, WebEx, Google Suite, Microsoft word, Excel, Doodle, etc)
• Experience with social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• Must live in Louisiana (upon start of job)
• Must have a valid Drivers Licence and access to a vehicle
• Able to travel frequently, including occasional evenings and weekends