Managing Policy Director & Counsel
Why you want to work here...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Based in Oakland, California, GRID has 8 regional offices and affiliates serving all of California, Colorado, Mid-Atlantic/Washington D.C. region, and Tribal Lands within the U.S. Additionally, GRID has international operations in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 400 and growing!
What It's Like At GRID…
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
- Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.
The Opportunity…
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Managing Policy Director and Counsel to join our Policy & Programs Department’s leadership team and spearhead our policy efforts. You will play a critical role in shaping and advancing GRID Alternatives' policy agenda, driving impactful change across the country, and ensuring our work reflects the needs of the communities we serve. The Managing Director will lead and support a small but growing in-house team of policy professionals working on equitable access to renewable energy and its benefits nationwide and will geographically focus their individual contributions on California and Western states more generally, which is at the core of GRID Alternatives’ operations, headquartered in Oakland, CA.
- Stay informed and help our teams stay informed of policy developments and emerging trends: Analyze and track emerging policy developments and their potential impact on GRID Alternatives' mission and work.
- Internal communications and collaboration: Ensure clear and effective communication about policy developments, priorities, and progress related to advancing GRID’s goals, fostering collaboration across departments and offices.
- Develop and implement comprehensive policy strategies: Work closely with GRID executives, policy teammates, and program staff to develop and execute policy strategies aligned with our mission of building community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
- Policy engagement and advocacy: As the key responsible party for Western States, lead direct advocacy efforts with lawmakers and regulators, including building relationships with key decision-makers, crafting persuasive policy arguments, and mobilizing coalition and community support. As policy lead, support teamwide advocacy efforts.
- External engagement and partnerships: Cultivate and manage relationships with industry partners, community organizations, national and state policy advocates, and other stakeholders to advance shared policy goals.
- Policy team leadership and management: Build and lead a high-performing policy team, providing mentorship, guidance, and direction.
- External thought leadership: Position GRID Alternatives as a leading voice on clean energy and environmental justice policy through presentations, publications, and other thought leadership activities.
What You Need To Bring To This Role...
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, and/or legal work related to clean energy and environmental justice.
- Proven track record of success in influencing renewable energy policy at the federal or state level, emphasizing California.
- Strong understanding of the federal and California policy landscape and legislative process as it relates to solar, battery storage, clean mobility, and related electrification and decarbonization technologies.
- A clear understanding of barriers facing low-income, environmental justice, Tribal, and other underserved communities as it relates to an equitable transition to renewable energy.
- Proven track record as an effective team leader and people manager, including direct supervision of staff, supporting individual and team development, hiring and onboarding, and ensuring effective collaborative action.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build and manage strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Deep commitment to GRID Alternatives' mission and values.
- Experience working in a nonprofit or public sector environment preferred.
- Relevant education is preferred, such as a J.D. degree and bar membership, a Master’s degree in Public Policy, or similar.
Where you will sit and the places you may go…
This position may rarely require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as company-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required.
GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.
Let's Talk Money
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary pay commensurate with experience within the pay band
($115k-$140k annually), plus the benefits below.
How We Take Care Of You...
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted. Please do not call and/or email requesting an update.
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives! 
