Associate, Government Relations

Associate, Government Relations at Breakthrough Energy (View all jobs)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States


ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY

Established in 2015 by Bill Gates and a coalition of private investors concerned about the impacts of accelerating climate change, Breakthrough Energy supports the innovations that will lead the world to net-zero emissions. We are building on the proven model of public-private partnerships that Gates has already used to transform health, education, and public welfare around the world. Breakthrough Energy is a network of entities and initiatives, including investment funds, nonprofit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts linked by a common commitment to scale the technologies we need to achieve a path to net zero emissions by 2050. We are encouraging the development of new net-zero energy technologies, championing policies that speed innovation from lab to market, and bringing together governments, research institutions, private companies, and investors to expand and enhance clean-energy investment.

Breakthrough Energy embraces diversity and recognize our responsibility to provide a diverse and inclusive work environment. We value the benefits that arise from a diverse organization and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where employees of all backgrounds can collaboratively work and serve Breakthrough Energy’s mission. This is extended to all areas of the employee lifecycle and experience, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotions, career development programs, and benefits. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We encourage diverse candidates to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

The Government Relations Associate will serve an important function on the U.S. Policy and Advocacy team, supporting the development of policy positions and advocacy execution for Breakthrough Energy before federal and state governments. This is a new function on the team and this role is responsible for providing legislative and regulatory research and analysis, bill tracking, lobbying support, and hearing coverage.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the government relations team to develop advocacy materials, memoranda, monitor relevant legislation and regulation and provide legislative analysis to advance the policy agenda of Breakthrough Energy
Collaborate with colleagues across Breakthrough Energy to support that the government relations strategy reflects the organization’s highest priority goals
Assist the government relations team in ensuring activities are fully coordinated with the goals and strategies across Breakthrough Energy
Provide legislative session monitoring, policy research, and project coordination and administrative support to the government relationship team
Cultivate and maintain durable relationships with lawmakers, administration officials, state-level officials and their staffs to advocate for the organization’s priorities
Continually assess shifting political dynamics, monitor evolving legislation and policy activities, and coordinate with Breakthrough Energy leaders and colleagues about upcoming opportunities and challenges

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Knowledge of federal politics, legislative strategy/process, and administrative actions on climate and energy
Familiarity with the science of climate change, the broad portfolio of clean energy technologies, and the range of potential policy frameworks.
Able to quickly assess and summarize legislative proposals
Strong writing skills and ability to create materials that represent the organization’s positions and priorities
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive report
Comfortable working in a collaborative, inclusive, and fluid work environment with matrix management, that requires flexibility and coordination with colleagues
Ability to accept the unexpected and adjust to what the situation now requires rather than what was planned
Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders
Proven ability to build strong relationships quickly
2-3 years of experience in government, politics, and energy/climate issues
Breakthrough Energy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is also represented in our compensation philosophy. We are committed to offering starting salaries on the value of the position within the market. We do not believe salary should be based on a candidate’s ability to negotiate, previous salary history, or any other non-skills-based attributes. Breakthrough Energy believes that transparency is a pathway to achieving pay equity. We offer candidates a competitive compensation package that includes salary and generous benefits.

Breakthrough Energy will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Craig Staples at craig@breakthroughenergy.org.