About the job Texas Gulf Coast Policy Advocate
Earthworks is a US-based non-profit organization working to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of energy development and mining while seeking sustainable solutions. We support frontline communities, seek to reform government policies, improve corporate practices, influence investment decisions, and encourage responsible materials sourcing and consumption.
Energy production threatens communities and ecosystems around the world. Earthworks’ Energy Program provides grassroots groups and campaigns with the technical, communications, and advocacy support to curb the most potent climate pollutant methane, and to stop and slow oil and gas expansion and associated infrastructure.
Earthworks is hiring a Texas Gulf Coast Policy Advocate to engage primarily with Texas and the EPA on issues related to the implementation of the EPA’s methane rule, with a focus on both Texas’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) and the EPA’s Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) processes. This position will coordinate closely with Earthworks staff, allied organizations, and coalitions.
This position is currently funded for one year, with hopes that additional funding will be secured.
The Texas Gulf Coast Policy Advocate will join our Policy Team, reporting to the Senior Manager for State Policy.
Core Responsibilities
Work with other Earthworks Policy and Energy team members and coalition partners across Texas and the Gulf Coast to help develop and implement strong implementation plans for the EPA’s methane rules.
Lead Earthworks efforts in Texas to develop a strong State or Federal Implementation Plan for the EPA methane rules.
Coalition building: help support and lead existing coalition work in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, connecting grassroots and community groups with policy expertise to support methane rule implementation, reducing emissions from existing oil and gas production, and stopping/slowing the expansion of new oil and gas infrastructure.
Produce credible, well-written reports, fact sheets, talking points, and other outreach and advocacy materials as needed.
Amplify needs and stories of impacted communities.
Act as an Earthworks’ media spokesperson for campaigns and represent Earthworks at external events, meetings, and public hearings. Provide written materials and/or verbal communications with individual and institutional donors as needed, with the support of Earthworks’ Development team.
Assist Earthworks Philanthropy team in cultivating and engaging funders in order to raise additional resources for Earthworks' work in Texas.
Share organizational responsibilities to maintain a healthy and safe workplace and a positive, anti-racist work culture.
Assist Earthworks Philanthropy team in cultivating and engaging funders to raise additional resources for Earthworks' work in Texas.
Qualifications
At least 5 years of experience in grassroots and/or non-profit advocacy efforts.
Experience in legislative and regulatory environments preferred but not required.
Experience engaging with frontline communities and collaborating with a wide array of stakeholders.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Experience with public speaking and facilitating meetings.
Ability to travel with some regularity, especially across Texas and Louisiana.
Ability to work independently and in teams.
Familiarity with or willingness to learn about the science and policies related to the oil and gas industry, oil and gas production, and its climate, environmental, and public health impacts.
Ability to professionally and respectfully engage with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
About Earthworks
Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earth's resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.
Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.
Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Location, Travel, and COVID-19
Location for this position is remote in Texas. Semi-frequent travel to Austin may be required, as well as other travel to staff retreats and meetings outside of Texas on an as needed basis. Employees who are unable to travel/attend in-person meetings for health or disability reasons may request accommodations. Earthworks COVID-19 policies prioritize the health and safety of our employees and the need to minimize the public health threat from COVID-19.
Earthworks requires all those hired to provide proof of full vaccination (vaccination and booster) against COVID-19. New hires who have disabilities that make the vaccine medically inadvisable or those who have a sincere religious belief that the vaccine is impermissible may request an accommodation by contacting Lezlie Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, at lgriffin@earthworks.org. Accommodation will be provided only as required by applicable law.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $72,000-$78,000 annually, depending on experience. Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.
Bargaining Unit Status
Earthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is included in the bargaining unit.
How to Apply
We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2/job/L573VW83, including a cover letter and resume. No emails or phone calls please.
Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. We’ll also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process. We tentatively plan to begin the interview process in May, with hopes that the selected candidate will start work in July or August.