Sustainable Biomass and Energy Policy Associate
Job Description

Sustainable Biomass and Energy Program Overview: 

EESI’s strategy is to promote sustainable biomass as an important part of any climate change mitigation strategy.  Enormous opportunities exist for developing rural America’s renewable energy resources, including bioenergy, biobased products and biofuels.  EESI works to develop innovative policy solutions and educate policymakers and the policy community about the potential economic development, energy security, and environmental benefits of tapping these resources.  This requires building alliances between rural and urban policymakers and a variety of key constituencies, demonstrating how they all stand to benefit from renewable energy development. 

Policy Associate Responsibilities:

• Develop and foster relationships with other stakeholders: agriculture/forestry, environmental, industry, renewable energy, labor, state/regional and economic development organizations.
• Develop and implement a Congressional strategy and engage with legislative staff as well as members of Congress to achieve desired federal policy outcomes.
• Attend and report on Congressional hearings, briefings and meetings.
• Research and report on federal legislation.
• Produce briefing summaries, reports, press releases and news articles.
• Oversee the production of EESI’s newsletter, “Bioenergy, Climate Protection, Oil Reduction” (BCO).
• Give presentations at conferences, workshops and other events related to U.S. agriculture policy, biomass and other energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
• Maintain and update program’s database, webpage and communications system.
• Organize Congressional briefings on pertinent science, technology and policy issues. 
• Produce briefing summaries, reports, press releases and news articles.
• Assist in fundraising for the program.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Reports to Executive Director.

Policy Associate Qualifications:

• Preferred: Advanced degree in public policy, law, economics, environmental policy, political science, public administration, natural resources/science, engineering, or related field.
• At least 2-3 years experience in federal or state policy on natural resources, agriculture/forestry, renewable energy, and biomass-to-energy (preferred) issues.
• Familiarity with Congress and federal executive agencies.
• Strong communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and independently from staff and consultants.
• Efficient, accurate, and timely research for program information. 
• Excellent computer skills including: Excel, Word and database programs.

Policy Associate Application Requirements: 
EESI’s Policy Associate position is full-time; start date is flexible.  Compensation includes a generous benefits package. 
To apply, please submit the following to Human Resources at jobs@eesi.org. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please no calls. Thank you for your interest.

• cover letter explaining your interests and experience with biomass-to-energy technology, agriculture or forestry.
• current resume, list of publications if applicable
• writing sample, two-five pages in length
• salary history

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit established in 1984 by Congressional leaders, dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable societies in the areas of renewable energy/efficiency, climate change; transportation/smart growth; and agriculture and energy.  Its primary focus is on national policy and policymaker education.  EESI effects change by producing credible, timely information and innovative policy ideas and through coalition building, media outreach, publications, Congressional briefings/workshops and task forces. For more information, please visit www.eesi.org.