Senior Associate, Federal Policy

Senior Associate, Federal Policy

Organization

Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization leading the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through our powerful networks and advocacy, we tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses.

For more information about Ceres, please visit our web site (www.ceres.org). 

Description & Responsibilities

The Senior Associate, Federal Policy is a key member of the Policy Network team supporting activities related to federal policy and recruitment and retention activities related to the BICEP Network.  This position is designed for a highly motivated, self-starter with prior policy campaign experience.  This position has a location preference of Boston, MA or Washington, DC. The position reports to the Director, Federal Policy.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor legislative and regulatory priorities and provide expert analysis for BICEP and internal use 
• Manage program-specific research projects Draft advocacy documents such as letters, memos, statements, op-eds, and email templates
• Coordinate with and maintain relationships with other NGO’s working on federal policy 
• Provide writing support, on behalf of the Policy team, to the Communications team
• Support the organization of monthly calls with BICEP companies, including taking notes and providing the federal policy update when applicable
• Develop expertise in relationships between Ceres member company locations and Congressional districts
• Co-lead with the Director in planning events and the coordination of D.C. advocacy days including travel, scheduling, and preparation of materials
• Represent Ceres at conferences, seminars, meetings, and webinars 
• Represent Ceres on Capitol Hill and develop relationships with relevant Congressional staff 
• Support relationship management for BICEP companies
• Facilitate internal and external meetings
• Provide database support to BICEP staff and some data entry
• Collaborate with the development team on funding proposals, grant follow-up and progress reports as related to policy team funding
• Participate in planning and execution of policy team events at the Ceres annual conference program and other events
• Support Policy Program staff managing special projects, as necessary
• Support the training of policy program interns 

Qualifications

• Four to five years of work experience, preferably in government or nonprofit sectors, on policy issues
• Knowledge of energy and climate change issues, including an understanding of business-focused policy debates, and NGO priorities
• Experience conducting research and producing written summaries or proposals based on findings.
• Demonstrated project management skills of multiple, complex activities or events
• Planning expertise and delivering projects on deadline and within time and resource budgets. 
• Attention to detail is required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as effective presentation style.
• Able to present a professional and confident demeanor with senior level professionals and government officials.
• Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, proven ability to demonstrate initiative and motivation.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on projects that support the success of the team and Ceres.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take a collaborative approach, and to deliver independent projects. 
• Ability to bring a positive outlook and energetic commitment to working at Ceres on a daily basis.
• Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.  
• Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, social media and e-mail computer applications (Salesforce, Google Suite, MS Office Suite)
• Interest in being part of a diverse workforce and willingness to support Ceres’ Commitment to Inclusion and Equity.

How to Apply

We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying: www.ceres.org.  Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and a list of three references.  

Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.