Climate Equity Policy Fellow

CURE is a rurally based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring resilient communities and landscapes by harnessing the power of the people who care. We work on a variety of issues facing rural Minnesotans, but at the heart of our work is the principle of energy democracy—that the people who are using energy should have a say in how it is produced, who owns it, and where it is located.

To learn more about CURE’s work and values, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

CURE is seeking a highly organized, strategic, detail-oriented Climate Equity Policy Fellow to join the Policy and Energy Democracy teams and participate in a 2-year Climate Equity Policy Fellowship program. The primary goal of the Climate Equity Policy Fellow position is to provide policy support and analysis while receiving training, mentoring, and coaching opportunities through programming aimed to develop expertise in equitable climate and clean energy policy and leadership.

Our ideal candidate is a strategic, visionary, community- and policy-oriented advocate that’s passionate about justice and equity. The candidate knows how to work collaboratively, create authentic partnerships with groups representing diverse communities, and is committed to deepening their expertise on equitable energy and climate policy. This candidate is grounded in community-based organizing principles and has a foundational understanding of environmental issues, including lived experience.

The Policy Fellow will be supervised by CURE’s Government Relations and Policy Director but will work as a member of various teams within the organization. While day-to-day work will be fully remote, proximity to the Twin Cities is essential for the duration of the legislative session (typically January through May), as participation in committee hearings and meetings with legislators will be required.

The Policy Fellow may also occasionally engage with matters before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, where dockets overlap with active policy priorities. This could include, for example, assisting CURE’s Legal Director with writing comments on a proposed energy generation project, or attending a Commission hearing with the Supervisor or Legal Director.

• Support CURE’s existing and developing programs and policies around climate and clean energy
• Collaborate with state coalition partners to advance successful campaigns
• Educate and develop relationships with state partners and allies
• Evaluate new and existing policies and issue areas associated with climate justice and energy equity that CURE may want to pursue
• Support state-level campaigns and regulatory actions to advance policy solutions
• Support in writing comments and testimony, policy memos, public communications pieces, and attending meetings or hearings as necessary.
• Conduct research and policy analysis to support advocacy efforts
• Facilitate meetings with community, government, and business leaders to drive advocacy forward
• Support the development of toolkits, presentations, case studies, and other collaterals to help allies and partners in advancing policy efforts.
• Draft legislation in response to policy priorities elevated by CURE's grassroots leadership Leadership & Professional Development
• Participate in all cohort meetings, retreats, and trainings including the orientation, leadership development, and skills-based workshops related to the Climate Equity Policy Fellowship program
• Provide input and feedback on the Fellowship to ensure it reflects individual needs through quarterly meetings

The above job description describes the general nature and level of work expected and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The Policy Fellow, as a CURE staff member, may be required to perform duties outside of their everyday responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

• Participate in all cohort meetings, retreats, and trainings including the orientation, leadership development, and skills-based workshops related to the Climate Equity Policy Fellowship program
• Provide input and feedback…