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 partnering with 40+ leading organizations from both the private and nonprofit sectors. The Coalition supports the rapid adoption of Smart Surfaces—a term referring to the integrated deployment of reflective, porous, low-carbon, solar PV, urban trees, green infrastructure surfaces and others—in cities in the US and globally. Deploying Smart Surfaces results in one of the largest and most cost-effective climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes, and is central to addressing urban environmental justice issues. SSC seeks a passionate and enthusiastic individual with 1–3 years of relevant experience to serve as a Policy Specialist, for an 8-month contractposition.

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 Washington DC metro area are preferred

Position: Full-time – currently the position is funded for a 9-month period, but there is potential for extension if additional foundation funding is identified

Start Date: April 2025

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) Program.
• Help 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 program
• 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
• 1-3 years of relevant full-time work experience, in particular working for a city government on city climate, sustainability and/or 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

Salary and Benefits

8-month Salary $35,000-$45,000 (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  Shallon Hartke (shartke@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.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should email a CV and cover letter describing their background and interests to Shallon Hartke (shartke@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: Environmental. Job Types: Temporary. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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