The New York Energy Democracy Alliance is a collaboration of community-based organizations, grassroots groups, and policy experts working together to move New York State toward a renewable, equitable, accountable and local energy system. As New York grapples with its energy vision, the Energy Democracy Alliance has worked to open up opportunities for grassroots and community-based organizations to participate in the decision-making process, push for a more-equitable distribution of the state’s energy resources, and gain control over our energy future. The Alliance has also worked to constrain the power of utility companies, predatory financial institutions, and exploitative market actors within the energy system.

The Alliance has 17 member organizations who work together to carry out our collective goals. We are organized into several issue-oriented task-forces and infrastructure-oriented committees. Our Steering Committee is responsible for keeping the work aligned with our mission and principles and for making decisions around organizational development.

We seek an experienced candidate to fulfill the responsibilities of Statewide Coordinator for the Alliance. We are open to proposals from people living anywhere in New York State. This is a 6-month contract position.

 

Position Description, Qualifications and Responsibilities

The Coordinator position is a new role for the NY Energy Democracy Alliance. As such, a final set of contracted tasks and deliverables will be negotiated between the successful candidate and the NYEDA Steering Committee, based on the strengths and experience of the individual chosen and the needs of the Alliance. The Coordinator will report on the performance of all contract responsibilities and deliverables to the Steering Committee and will also be accountable to the Alliance membership as a whole. Ability to travel frequently throughout New York State is a must.

The Coordinator must have excellent written and oral communication skills, must be well-organized and able to self-manage. Basic facility with email, word processing, and spreadsheets is a requirement. The Coordinator must demonstrate an ability to collaborate with others and to inspire positive working relationships.

Additionally, we seek proposals from candidates with demonstrated experience in movement-building, community organizing, coalition-building, and/or organizational development. Candidates with a strong policy background, experience in regulatory/legislative campaigns, fundraising/grant-writing experience, or an understanding of how to build grassroots power will be strongly considered. We are not looking for someone with all of these experiences and qualifications, but we are looking for a Coordinator with strong skills and experience in some of these arenas.

Preference will be given to candidates that have experience and competence with the issues of economic and racial justice, either through organizing or life experience.

Basic responsibilities of this contracted position will include:

• Coordination of all Alliance activities to keep the work running smoothly
• Strategy development and organizing to carry out the goals of the Alliance
• Frequent communication with all member organizations to keep all in the loop
• Development of task management and communications systems to be used by committees, task-forces, and the membership as a whole
• New member outreach and recruitment
• Documentation and communication of Alliance activities
• Facilitation of Alliance meetings and phone calls
• PR and Communications through press releases, social media, website, email lists and other tools
• Logistics and organizing for Alliance in-person meetings
• Assistance with fundraising and grant-writing
• Assistance with the development of policy positions
• Assistance with the creation of popular education materials
• Occasional public speaking about the Alliance and our agenda

 

The chosen individual will work closely with the Alliance’s Steering Committee and membership. Compensation will be determined based on experience.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted by July 12, 2016. Proposals should include a letter of application, resume, and contact information for two professional references. Proposals will only be accepted by email, and should be sent to:

Clarke Gocker
Director of Policy and Strategy
PUSH Buffalo
clarke@pushbuffalo.org

 

The letter of application will be the most important determining document for who will be interviewed for the position. The letter should be 2-5 pages and should summarize relevant experience and skills. The letter should also discuss why the candidate is enthusiastic to assume the responsibilities of this position.

Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.