Local Government Energy & Sustainability Advisor 

About Us

Mission and Background

Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC) provides a coordinated voice for local governments that are pursuing clean energy and climate change solutions in the state. The Coalition provides a platform for members to collaborate and overcome barriers to decarbonization, accelerating local climate change solutions, and ensuring the benefits of the clean energy economy are distributed to everyone throughout the state. 

WLGCC was launched in 2020 by local government staff members who recognized that local governments have an important and unique perspective on the impacts of climate change. Understanding that these perspectives weren’t always represented in policy discussions, the staff recognized that local governments can have a bigger impact when they work together and use their collective voice. The Coalition has grown to over 20 local governments, representing over one out of three Wisconsin residents.

How We Work Together

WLGCC is a membership-based non-profit organization. Our work is centered around five key priorities: (1) Decarbonizing Buildings, (2) Decarbonizing Transportation, (3) Greening the Grid, (4) Promoting People-Centered and Climate-Smart Land Use, and (5) Supporting Resilience and Natural Solutions. Members collaborate through work groups to advance these priorities, identify barriers and potential solutions, bring together resources, share information, engage in policy and regulatory discussions, meet with stakeholders or experts in the field, etc. WLGCC staff support the implementation of these efforts and facilitate discussions. 

Job Description

We are seeking a full-time Local Government Energy & Sustainability Advisor to join the WLGCC team. This position will work closely with our member communities, partner organizations, state agencies, and other stakeholders to advance clean energy and climate solutions across the state. This Advisor will have the opportunity to grow WLGCC’s member services and resources and directly support member communities. This position will lead the resilient and efficient buildings program for local governments, help members complete greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories and identify strategies to reduce emissions, and develop other areas of support and assistance for member communities. 

The Local Government Energy and Sustainability Advisor must be located in the State of Wisconsin. Work will be performed primarily remotely. This position will report to the Executive Director. 

WLGCC is committed to climate action and environmental justice. We recognize that climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized individuals and communities - including people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ+ people - and that climate solutions must center these communities. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead WLGCC creation of a roadmap to resilient and efficient buildings for local governments that addresses local government barriers and needs, in collaboration with WLGCC member communities and other partners

  • Provide support to members as they complete both internal/operational and community-wide GHG emissions inventories, including working with stakeholders to submit data requests, creating a streamlined process for data collection, and identifying best practices that can be shared with other communities 

  • Meet with members to understand priorities, needs, and barriers. Based on this, provide assistance and develop resources to support communities in their clean energy and climate action journeys

  • Support and facilitate work group meetings, carrying out background research and identifying different options and paths forward based on member questions and priorities

  • Write and present policy and program briefs to members (e.g. related to a program or regulatory change, etc.), providing an assessment of the issues and potential effects on local governments and communities, and offering options or recommendations based on member experiences, examples from other states, etc. 

  • Assist with communications to members and stakeholders, including email updates, presenting information and resources at meetings, drafting press releases, creating social media posts and website content, etc. 

  • Work with the Executive Director to identify prospective members and onboard new members so that they understand member expectations and how we work together

  • Other areas of responsibility as identified 

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

  • Based in Wisconsin and the ability and willingness to travel within the state for occasional in-person meetings (most work done remotely)

  • At least three years of work experience in similar or related fields 

  • Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize time and resources efficiently and work independently

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g. managing effective one-on-one communications via meetings or emails, clearly communicating the status of deliverables and any issues or challenges faced, as well as presenting information clearly and succinctly to larger groups, etc.)

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with teams, external consultants, and vendors

  • Strong problem solving skills and ability to identify solutions that can work for different types of local governments and communities

  • Ability to think strategically and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics to achieve  effective outcomes

  • Flexibility and willingness to jump in on a variety of different tasks to support a small and nimble team

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in public policy, urban planning, energy policy, environmental studies, business or economics, communications, or related fields

  • Software /application proficiencies: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Google Suite (Google Drive, Google Docs, Gmail, Google Meet)

Preferred:

  • At least 2 years of experience working in a hybrid/remote work environment

  • Experience with designing, delivering, or evaluating energy efficiency or decarbonization programs or policies for buildings

  • Experience with organizing and synthesizing data to understand key findings and trends

  • Experience in applying environmental justice principles and practices, including considering the ways in which historical and ongoing inequities further marginalize communities of color, immigrant communities, disabled communities, youth and older adults, and lower income populations

  • Knowledge of local government structures and processes

  • Education or experience analyzing, developing, or implementing local or state policies related to energy, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, green building, or similar

  • Experience in applying for and managing grants

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range for a full-time position is $65,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience and skills. Additional benefits include a healthcare stipend, paid personal time off, paid holidays, and a monthly stipend for phone and internet usage. 

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to info@wlgcc.org by June 14, 2024. Please include “LG Advisor” in the subject line.