Policy Associate Temporary Role

At MCE, we tackle the climate crisis with a shared commitment to innovation, community, and equity. Together, we foster an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible work environment where creativity thrives, work-life balance is prioritized, and every voice is valued. MCE is a not-for-profit public agency that has set the standard for clean energy in our communities since 2010. We provide more renewable power at stable rates and deliver cutting-edge energy programs to residents and businesses across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano. Our team, drawn from all walks of life, embodies a shared passion for environmental stewardship and community service.

MCE is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in San Rafael and Concord. Employees have the option to work remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in the office, depending on role responsibilities and in-person meeting requirements.

About the role

Under the general direction of the VP of Policy, the Policy Associate will manage a regulatory proceeding caseload and provide support for MCE’s state and federal legislative advocacy. This is a temporary six-month position.

The Policy Associate supports MCE’s regulatory and legislative advocacy through activities including policy analysis, regulatory compliance, project management, and internal and external stakeholder engagement. The Associate will help the Policy team with day-to-day tasks, regulatory and engagement tracking, policy analysis and strategy, project management, regulatory compliance, and coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Estimated breakdown of time spent on various work areas:

• Regulatory and Legislative Tasks: 90%
• Other: 10%

Responsibilities

• Develop policy analyses and recommended positions for key issues affecting MCE and CCAs from a results-oriented perspective.
• Assist with and/or manage a regulatory proceeding caseload, including drafting responses and comments, coordinating with other CCAs and/or external counsel, and communicating with regulatory agency staff.
• In collaboration with other MCE departments, draft Advice Letters as required by the CPUC, and either lead or support associated next steps and follow-up.
• Assist with regulatory compliance at CPUC, CEC, and other regulatory bodies.
• Monitor and assist with communications from MCE’s internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare talking points for Policy team meetings with legislators and regulators.
• Build and maintain relationships with key policy stakeholders.
• Build and maintain project management tools for the Policy team.
• Manage and maintain a database of regulatory and legislative contacts.
• Maintain an annual bill tracking spreadsheet.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, public policy, environmental science, political science, environmental justice, or other closely related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience and one (1) year of analytical or advocacy work, preferably for a public utility, or other public not-for-profit agency, or regulatory agency.
• Knowledge of Community Choice Aggregation and the California electric sector is preferred.
• Familiarity with California energy and environmental issues generally, including environmental justice and other equity concerns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite.

Skills

• Utilize project management skills to coordinate among stakeholders, agency staff, and others to advance MCE’s policy positions.
• Manage multiple priorities and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Be thorough and detail-oriented.
• Take responsibility and work independently.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons encountered during the performance of duties.
• Demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, and the highest levels of accountability, integrity, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

MCE Culture

At MCE, we are committed to fostering a workplace rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. MCE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MCE offices support an environment that is accessible to those with reduced mobility. MCE makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs, and other conditions protected by applicable law.