Policy Associate​/Senior Policy Associate – Clean Energy

Who We Are

The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non‑profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. We’ve done this work for more than 50 years and we do it from rural places with a flexible work environment. The Center focuses on capital access, community capacity, and policy advocacy strategies with work in areas of food systems, community resources, small business support, and environment and resilience.

The Center’s work is rooted in our mission‑aligned values. We believe that a diversity of people and ideas strengthens our work, our workplace, and our communities. We take equal opportunity seriously and we welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Additional information can be found a.org.

The Policy Associate reports to a Senior Policy Associate, Policy Manager, or Senior Policy Manager and is responsible for the following:

• Conducting research to identify policy gaps, analyze potential solutions, and stay informed on relevant media and policy developments.
• Engaging with constituents, partners, and stakeholders to gather input that shapes and informs policy priorities.
• Supporting advocacy efforts by working with legislators, county officials, and other decision‑makers to promote the Center’s policy agenda.
• Developing written materials to include reports, white papers, blogs, opinion pieces, and action alerts and to communicate policy research and recommendations.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with partner organizations to support the advancement of policy campaigns.
• Integrating the Center’s Values into policy work, partnerships, and organizational practices.

The Center may also consider hiring at the Senior Policy Associate level, depending on qualifications. The Senior Associate role would, in addition to the Associate duties and responsibilities above, serve as a team lead on one of the Policy team’s major energy efforts and may involve overseeing and directing others.

To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:

• Relationship building: You know how to talk with people to learn what needs they have through conversation and inquiry. People trust you because you’re efficient with their time and have their best interests in mind. You’re able to build networks, as well as alliances, and find points of collaboration even when there are competing interests on your time. You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and can bring in allies and partners.
• Drive to achieve results: You know how to work to your strengths to achieve your own ambitious goals, and you anticipate hurdles as merely a momentary inconvenience. You possess a competitive drive. You set a high bar and meet it because you think three (or 30) steps ahead to come up with pragmatic, yet innovative, solutions.
• Inclusive leadership and management: You approach leadership in your work with a mindset of “power with” rather than “power over” and regularly include others with lived experience and/or expertise in decision‑making. You use resources wisely and can provide clear direction to clients, partners, and contractors to leverage time and resources for impact.
• Setting and managing priorities: You have experience managing multiple projects and keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You use resources wisely and can provide clear direction to staff, partners, consultants, and volunteers to leverage time and talent for impact. You understand the importance of effective delegation and empower others by assigning responsibilities that align with their strengths to maximize efficiency and results.
• Commitment to social justice: You recognize that investment in communities, people, and entrepreneurship are pathways to better outcomes. You’re a leader (or willing to become a leader) in incorporating the Center's values effectively into internal processes, external programming, and work relationships.

• Collaborating with your manager and colleagues to turn research and community insights into meaningful…