Job Description

Make an impact: Apply to be a Policy Specialist with the Smart Surfaces Coalition! 

The Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) is a fast-growing non-profit organization made up of 40+ leading groups from a wide range of industries including urban sustainability, public health, and environmental justice. The Coalition supports the rapid adoption of Smart Surfaces—a term referring to the integrated deployment of reflective, porous, low-carbon and green surfaces, solar PV, urban trees, and others—in cities in the US and globally. This is one of the largest and most cost-effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and is central to addressing urban environmental justice issues. SSC seeks a passionate and enthusiastic individual with 2–5 years of relevant experience to serve as a full-time Policy Specialist, for a year-long contract.

The Policy Specialist will regularly interface with leading experts and policymakers in energy, climate, health, environmental justice, city government, etc. The ideal candidate is a highly organized self-starter with city policy and/or legal experience, very strong written and verbal communication skills, research experience, and project management capabilities.

Title: Policy Specialist

Location: Hybrid remote, candidates located in/near or willing to relocate to Washington DC are preferred

Position: Full-time – currently the position is funded for a one-year period, but there is potential for extension if additional funding is identified

Start Date: November 2024

Interested individuals should email a CV and cover letter describing their background and interests to Jacob Miller (jmiller@smartsurfacescoalition.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Smart Surfaces Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to racial equity and accessibility.  Black and Indigenous people, people of color, and LGBTQIA people are strongly encouraged to apply. SSC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law.

Job Description

• Coordinate with leading experts and policymakers in energy, climate, public health, environmental justice, to identify critical knowledge gaps and pathways for expanding Smart Surface implementations
• With the Project Manager and Coalition partners, support policy research work for the Cities for Smart Surfaces (C4SS) initiative.
• Manage the C4SS Peer Learning Network, a collaborative cohort of city and MPO staff from across the country building on the findings/research from the C4SS initiative
• Research effective Smart Surface deployment policies in the US and internationally, and serve as a “help desk” to assist Smart Surface policy efforts for government agencies and politicians
• Draft policy justification memos for various Smart Surface policy concepts

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban transformation, or similar directly relevant subject
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Political Science, or other relevant field
• 2-5  years of relevant full-time work experience, in particular working on city climate and resilience policy
• Proficiency in Google and Microsoft applications, including Drive, SharePoint, Word, and Excel 
• Proficiency with Asana and/or other project management software
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail-oriented, with strong project management and organizational skills 
• Ability to tailor messaging and policy education approach to relevant stakeholders
• Comfort with public speaking

Bonus Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Public Policy, Law, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Political Science, or other relevant field
• Experience working in city government

Salary and Benefits

Salary $60,000-$75,000 (commensurate with experience), medical and dental benefits, generous vacation and sick leave policy

How to Apply

Interested individuals should email a CV and cover letter describing their background and interests to Jacob Miller (jmiller@smartsurfacescoalition.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Smart Surfaces Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to racial equity and accessibility.  Black and Indigenous people, people of color, and LGBTQIA people are strongly encouraged to apply. SSC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law.

Job Categories: Climate Change. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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