Job Title: Federal Infrastructure Coordinator
Reports to: Climate & Clean Energy Program Manager
Status: Full-time, non-exempt.
Location: Alaska. If in the Anchorage area, in-person office work is required two days per week
Compensation/Salary: $26.44 – $28.85/ hour DOE
Position Overview:
The Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have brought significant funding opportunities to advance and support clean energy projects in Alaska. Despite tremendous opportunity, it has been challenging for communities to access these funds because of the complexity of federal grant processes and lack of awareness around the availability of these funds. The Alaska Center seeks an individual knowledgeable about the federal funding available through the BIL and IRA and experienced in connecting federal programs/funding opportunities with communities, entities, and individuals who are eligible to receive funds to serve as our Community Infrastructure Coordinator. The goal of this position is to secure and guarantee equitable spending of as much federal funding for Alaskans as possible by serving as a connector, educator, and resource for communities across the state. This is a two-year grant-funded position. Employment after the grant cycle is not guaranteed.
Organizational Overview:
The Alaska Center engages, empowers, and elects Alaskans to stand up for clean air and
water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. We are working to transition our state from an extractive economy to an equitable, just, and clean energy economy in which all Alaskans can thrive. We advocate for the protection of salmon habitat, clean energy solutions in the face of rapid climate change, and amplifying Alaskans’ voices in the public process. Our sister organization The Alaska Center Education Fund provides education and leadership development for children and youth, and promotes civic engagement.
Campaign Overview:
Our “Clean Energy for All Alaskans” initiative advances equitable climate policies, supports clean energy programs, defends against harmful legislation, and amplifies Alaskans’ voices in public processes around energy democracy, while centering those who are most impacted by climate change. Our climate and clean energy issue priorities are; Passing a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and other pro-clean-energy state legislation, engaging member-owners of railbelt utilities on issues of renewable energy and transparency, electing pro-renewable energy utility board members, making renewable energy more accessible through our Solarize Programs, and supporting local climate action plans. Our overarching goal is a Just Transition for Alaska.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Increase public awareness and support for federal funding through communications (including blogs, op-eds and earned media, and drafting social media content), direct public outreach (including 1:1s, phone banking, in-person meetings, events), policy advocacy as relevant, and other tactics.
- Build a positive narrative of federal infrastructure funding by highlighting Alaskan communities that have benefitted from federal infrastructure funding.
- Monitor key federal funding opportunities and coordinate with partner organizations who are active in this space to ensure effective and efficient outreach to eligible communities and organizations, encouraging them to apply.
- Develop and strengthen relationships with communities we serve (with a focus on communities most impacted by the issues we work on, including Alaska Native, people of color, youth, and low-income communities) to identify energy development opportunities and advocate for those projects to be completed with support of federal funding.
- Encourage clean energy developers to invest in Alaska and build the projects we need in order to transition off of fossil fuels.
- Advocate at various levels for known best practices for both grantors and recipients of federal grants.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Passion for The Alaska Center Education Fund’s vision to create a thriving, just, and sustainable future.
- Baseline knowledge about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), clean energy development and some experience with policy research and the federal grant process.
- Excellent organization and written communication skills. Demonstrated experience writing for different audiences and mediums.
- Ability and desire to build and maintain meaningful relationships. With community leaders, municipal and state officials, elected leaders, and other stakeholder groups.
- Commitment to understanding race, class, gender, and other equity issues in organizing and politics. Experience and commitment to strengthening racial justice, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization, in campaigns, and with partners.
- Ability to lead by example, maintain a positive attitude and solution-based approach in high-pressure or difficult situations, and instill purpose into daily campaign operations of the organization.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience with Google-Suite platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances.
This is a full-time hybrid (some in-person work and travel within Alaska required). Position and Salary are dependent on experience with a generous and competitive benefits package. Alaska Center staff have access to professional development opportunities, including training and support. The Alaska Center provides a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and incentives. The Alaska Center is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We are committed to supporting, centering, and working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Working-Class and Low-Income people, Women, LGBTQIA2+ people, and Disabled people in addressing the many crises that impact us. We strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.
To Apply: Please complete the form linked here, including submitting all requested materials. Please address how your qualifications match the job description and why you want to work for our organization in your cover letter. Position open until filled. Review of applications will be on an ongoing basis. No phone calls, please. Please email info@akcenter.org with any questions.
