Location: Arizona
Reports to: Organizing Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About Us
Veterans Power America, a program of the Common Defense Education Fund, is leading the charge in advocating for a clean energy future—mobilizing veterans to drive the deployment of renewable energy projects, create high-quality jobs, and enhance national security through energy independence.
Veterans Power America is a bold, veteran-led movement that is actively implementing meaningful shifts towards clean energy development. We are invested in swift, equitable and scalable solutions to meet the challenges of our time. Meet the moment with us by bringing your organizing skills to a growing team that is driving the future of clean energy solutions.
Position Overview
The Lead Organizer - Clean Energy Advocacy is responsible for devising and executing strategic grassroots campaigns that mobilize veterans in support of utility-scale clean energy project approvals. This role serves as a critical bridge between local veteran communities, municipal and state-level decision-makers, and clean energy developers to ensure that projects move forward efficiently and equitably. In 2025, the Lead Organizer will lead our state-based efforts to meet our goal of helping secure approval for 1 GW of new clean energy capacity.
Key Responsibilities
1. Member Organizing and Recruitment
Develop and execute recruitment strategies to engage veterans in local clean energy advocacy.
Lead the growth of state organizing committees (SOCs) in priority states, training members for direct engagement in public hearings, regulatory comment periods, and grassroots mobilizations.
Track and report on organizing metrics, ensuring accuracy in EveryAction and other data systems.
2. Clean Energy Siting and Advocacy
Design and oversee advanced advocacy strategies that integrate local permitting, zoning, and regulatory processes to accelerate clean energy siting approvals.
Serve as a technical resource for Organizers on permitting processes, environmental compliance, and community engagement.
Build broad coalitions across multiple communities and states, ensuring that veterans are at the forefront of public engagement and policy discussions.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic recommendations to leadership.
3. Campaign Development and Execution
Work with State or Campaign Directors to develop state-level advocacy campaigns that include robust local siting components.
Lead large-scale mobilizations and direct actions in support of clean energy project approvals.
Coordinate with the Communications team to ensure strong messaging and storytelling around clean energy siting wins.
Develop high-level organizing materials, including toolkits and policy briefs, to empower local veteran leaders.
4. Media and Public Engagement
Serve as a spokesperson for Veterans Power America, advocating for clean energy siting and veteran leadership in the transition to renewables.
Establish relationships with local and state press outlets to pitch stories on successful campaigns and veteran involvement.
Train Organizers and veteran advocates for media appearances, ensuring alignment with our messaging and strategy.
5. Professional Development and Thought Leadership
Pursue advanced training in government relations, regulatory engagement, and energy policy to strengthen our advocacy efforts.
Support team members in developing expertise in clean energy siting, environmental justice, and local political landscapes.
Stay informed on national trends in clean energy siting and advocacy to bring best practices to the team.
6. Coalition Building and Strategic Partnerships
Represent Common Defense in regional and national coalitions advocating for clean energy deployment.
Build relationships with energy developers, state agencies, and advocacy groups, negotiating collaborative roles and partnerships.
Provide detailed updates to leadership on coalition efforts, tracking successes and challenges.
7. Team Leadership and Staff Development
Manage and mentor a team of Organizers and Fellows, setting clear goals and supporting professional growth.
Train staff in advanced organizing tactics, policy advocacy, and data management.
Provide strategic support to the Development team by documenting campaign wins and key metrics for funder engagement.
Qualifications
Required:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, or labor/electoral organizing, including at least 1 year in a leadership role, either managing staff or overseeing volunteers.
Background in clean energy advocacy at the local, state, or national level.
Experience in coalition-building and working with diverse stakeholders (community organizations, government agencies, industry partners).
Military experience or deep familiarity with veteran culture and engagement.
Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.
Ability to travel within key states and work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Preferred:
Experience with clean energy siting, permitting, or advocacy in Arizona.
Background in veteran-centered organizing or strong ties to the veteran community.
Familiarity with environmental justice concerns related to renewable energy deployment.
Proficiency in EveryAction, Action Network/Action Builder, Google Suite, Slack, and digital organizing tools.
Experience in lobbying, legislative advocacy, or direct government relations.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive Benefits: We offer a robust package for full-time employees including unlimited paid time off; health insurance; and a retirement plan.
Professional development opportunities and leadership training.
Remote-first workplace with travel as needed.
How to Apply
If you're passionate about mobilizing veterans to lead the clean energy transition and have the skills to make it happen, we want to hear from you! Apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to this Indeed posting by Monday, March 31, 2025.
Be part of something bigger. Join Veterans Power America and help build a movement that advances clean energy, national security, and economic opportunity.