Data Center Associate

Organization Summary

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has been the leading legal and scientific voice for Minnesota’s environment since 1974. We currently work on a wide range of issues, including sulfide mining, climate change and clean energy, water quality, and data centers. To learn more about history and programs, please visit mncenter.org. A nonprofit with offices in Saint Paul and Duluth, MCEA supports its employees through a commitment to a living wage, a good benefits package, and regular opportunities for professional growth and development.

We value diversity, equity, an inclusive culture, and respect in the workplace.

Posting Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

09/22/2026

Location in MN

Metro

Job type

full-time

MCEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This is a one-year position that includes salary and benefits. The pay range for this position is $31.25 – 33.65/hour based on a 32 hour work week, or $52,000-$56,000 per year. This is a non-exempt hourly position.

MCEA strives to create a mission-focused work environment that is equitable and inclusive. We offer a competitive nonprofit salary, including excellent benefits. MCEA highly values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

REPORTS TO:

This position reports to the Water Program Director.

Primary Duties

POSITION SUMMARY: The Data Center Associate supports MCEA’s data center work across the state. MCEA has two overarching goals with respect to data centers: (1) require a democratic and transparent process for all data centers in Minnesota; and (2) eliminate or mitigate the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centers. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in achieving these goals and is experienced working independently while managing a variety of tasks in a complex project.

The Data Center Associate will help implement a wide range of tasks to support MCEA’s goals. This job requires tracking multiple tasks, project milestones, workplans, and strategies. The Data Center Associate will represent MCEA in the community, in coalitions, and in public through email and phone, as well as in person. This person will join a team that is committed to working as a strong team and laughing hard together.

The ideal candidate would be:

• Deeply committed to our mission and centering equity in our work
• Organized, efficient, and detail-oriented
• Professional and courteous in their interactions with the public
• Self-directed and willing and excited to take on new challenges, even in the face of some uncertainties
• Experience tracking multiple tasks and project coordination
• Discrete in relation to sensitive and confidential information; and
• Capable of giving and receiving honest and open feedback

Job Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Working directly with the Executive Director, the Water Quality Director, and the project team implementing data center project priorities
• Attending coalition, partner, and other external meetings on behalf of MCEA
• Work at the legislature in support of MCEA and coalition goals
• Research and write content on data centers as needed for internal use and external communications
• Project-manage data center work happening in relation to multiple proposed projects
• Assist in the statewide coordination of groups; and
• Other duties as assigned

HOW WE WILL SUPPORT YOU: MCEA will provide the successful candidate with competitive wages and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, free parking and public transportation support, 401K with match, a hybrid work environment with a full-time option to work 32-hours per week, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative, flexible and supportive work environment. This position will require at least 8 days in the office per month.

Experience

Required Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of experience in research, policy, legislative, or related work, or equivalent educational experience
• Experience interacting with the public in a professional setting
• Experience with research, writing, and communications skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel
• Experience with task management processes and tools for yourself and for others
• Access to a vehicle and able to travel statewide; or ability to drive a rental vehicle; and
• Willingness to learn new skills and software as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in environmental policy or legislative policy in nonprofits or government
• Experience drafting communications for external use, such as language for websites or social media use
• Experience coordinating team projects
• Training and/or experience with project management tools and best practices
• Experience preparing agendas and follow-up tasks for effective large and small group meetings