Clean Energy Policy Advisor

Clean Energy Policy Advisor

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability serves as the central hub for equitable climate action and resilience. Our vision is that all Richmonders—regardless of identity or neighborhood—thrive in a climate-neutral community. We work at a systems level to address the root causes of climate change and inequity by advancing policy, programs, and partnerships that center equity, resilience, and environmental justice.

Our office is currently leading the implementation of RVAgreen 2050, Richmond's equity-centered climate action and resilience initiative, which aims to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030
• Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

This full-time permanent position offers an impactful professional opportunity for experienced individuals in the fields of clean energy, energy efficiency, residential weatherization, sustainability, public policy, and community engagement. The Clean Energy Policy Advisor will lead the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive City-wide Energy Efficiency Program focused on reducing energy burden, advancing climate equity, supporting housing stability, and accelerating progress toward Richmond's 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas goals.

This position will serve as the primary interdepartmental coordinator for energy efficiency initiatives across housing, sustainability, permitting, community development, and neighborhood services. The selected candidate will report to the Energy Program Manager and work closely with community-based organizations, utilities, nonprofits, small businesses, residents, and state and federal partners to design equitable and scalable programs that improve building performance, lower utility costs, and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The Office of Sustainability operates under a hybrid work model, with interactions occurring both in person and via digital tools such as Microsoft Teams, email, and project management platforms. This position primarily operates in an office environment with regular community meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagement activities throughout the City of Richmond.

Create a variety of implementation strategies and incentives that reduce energy burden for low-income and historically underserved communities.

Develop and manage a City-wide energy efficiency and weatherization program serving residential, multifamily, nonprofit, and small business sectors, with a priority on areas of highest energy burden.

Create metrics, validate measures, and report on successful implementation of the Energy Efficiency Program.

Develop policies, procedures, eligibility criteria, and performance metrics for program delivery.

Develop contractual agreements with contractors to install energy efficiency measures and manage ongoing coordination.

Review existing City Code provisions, utility efficiency programs, and relevant state and federal regulations.

Develop recommendations related to Richmond Gas Works energy efficiency programming and related policies.

Research best practices from peer local governments and utilities regarding equitable energy efficiency programming.

Establish and facilitate cross-departmental coordination among the Office of Sustainability, Department of Public Utilities, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, Procurement, Permitting, and other relevant agencies.

Analyze energy burden, building stock, utility data, greenhouse gas emissions, and program performance metrics.

Collect, analyze and present appropriate data and information designed to ensure operational and cost efficiencies related to energy efficiency.

Develop and prepare various reports, policies, presentations and a variety of communication materials to disseminate program and policy information including briefings for City leadership.

Develop annual program targets and implementation benchmarks.

Support and manage website content development.

Manage energy education, communications, and outreach with community stakeholders (may include engagement events and workshops).

Coordinate development…