Midwest Climate Policy Lead

Climate Cabinet is Moneyball for Climate. We identify under-the-radar “Moneyball” elected positions that have an outsized climate impact. Then, we help candidates for these positions run, win, and legislate. We win climate majorities and deliver bold, equitable climate solutions in key state and local governments. 

State and local policymakers are key to tackling climate change. They are responsible for achieving 75% of our Paris climate goals – and ensuring Biden’s climate investments are implemented in communities across America. Our opposition has known for decades that no amount of federal work can negate the key role of coordinated state-level political and legislative infrastructure for winning their priorities. And unfortunately, we’re outgunned.

When we win elections and help climate champions in office pass bold policy, we get big things done. We need more climate allies in seats of power. That’s why Climate Cabinet exists.

We’re hiring a Midwest Climate Policy Lead to build powerful climate outcomes with Climate Cabinet staff, legislators, and coalition partners across the Midwest. This person will provide policy analysis, engage with legislators and peers in the advocacy community, and produce original research and policy products to support ambitious climate policy. This work will focus especially in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, but may entail drawing lessons from other regions and/or sharing models developed in these states. The Policy Lead will work in collaboration with our Senior Policy Director, State Leads (where applicable), and Climate Cabinet’s national policy, political, and communications teams.

The ideal candidate will bring…

• Deep subject matter expertise reflecting at least a Master’s Degree or equivalent work experience in at least one climate policy area, and familiarity with at least two additional policy areas relating to climate, energy, transportation, land use, environmental justice, agriculture, and resilience. In particular, we have a strong preference for candidates with primary expertise and experience in equitable clean transportation policy, broadly defined.Experience in lobbying, legislative strategy, government, coalition work, and/or state politics. Previous work experience, research, or advocacy with Regional Planning Organizations, State Departments of Transportation, or entities responsible for EV or Clean Freight Infrastructure deployment is preferred.
• Experience in lobbying, legislative strategy, government, coalition work, and/or state politics. Previous work experience, research, or advocacy with Regional Planning Organizations, State Departments of Transportation, or entities responsible for EV or Clean Freight Infrastructure deployment is preferred.
• Powerful research and writing skills, including thought leadership writing and analysis.
• A demonstrated commitment to environmental justice and rapid, equitable decarbonization that makes life better for communities.
• An orientation towards political and electoral power-building for the climate movement, at the state and local levels. 
• A startup mindset driven by mission: Our team culture is driven by curiosity and impact. A great fit for our team will be excited to ask questions, take initiative, continuously iterate, and spring into action when colleagues need support. The ideal candidate will be a great team player, and be excited about working in a mission-driven, fully remote work environment, and supercharging our work in the Midwest.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Policy Director and State Leads to support policy education and lobbying led by State Leads across the Midwest region.
  • This will include through: rapid response policy analysis & research, educational programming, content creation, and tactical support.
  • This will include some travel for in-person lobbying, relationship building, and programming support.
• Drive Climate Cabinet legislative priorities in partnership with coalition partners and policymakers in additional states including Wisconsin and Minnesota.
  • Work in coalition with state-based activists, organizations, and funders to advance shared priorities.
  • Track, evaluate, and communicate the impact of Climate Cabinet’s engagement in  these states, including through bill tracking and storytelling and internal cross-state sharing.
• Serve as an internal policy expert and lead on 2-3 critical climate policy areas.
  • Create materials to build and support policy campaigns in the Midwest and potentially other states or nationwide.
• Act as our  primary point of contact with policymakers and coalition partners in certain states and coordinate closely with State Leads on roles and duties in others.
• Work with Climate Cabinet’s internal policy and data teams to write and publish regular research, memos, and analysis pieces on climate policy trends and opportunities in the Midwest.
• Translating esoteric or highly technical policy and budget issues and recommendations into plain language summaries for press, policymakers, and internal communications with our team

Location: This is a remote position that will require frequent Midwest travel and some national travel. The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to a Midwest state or Western Pennsylvania.

Compensation

• Salary: $85,000-$105,000 commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance; premiums fully covered.

The priority application deadline is November 8th. 

You should apply! We encourage applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, women, first-gen and low-income people, and members of marginalized communities. Furthermore, if you don’t meet the exact job qualifications listed but feel called to the work — please apply. There are many ways to have developed the expertise necessary to excel in this position.

Who we are: We are a dynamic, passionate startup team of experienced climate activists, organizers, campaigners, utility researchers, software engineers, policy experts, and lobbyists. Our Moneyball approach speaks for itself. For example: In 2022, Climate Cabinet’s hard-side electoral program helped climate champions win majorities in Michigan and Minnesota - unlocking bold climate leadership across the Midwest. In 2024, we’ve analyzed almost 10,000 elections – narrowing it down to the 150 with the highest impacts – and delivering critical campaign resources to help climate candidates win. 

Want to learn more? Check out our recent interview on Volts and climatecabinet.org.