ABOUT FRESH ENERGY
Fresh Energy is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization with a mission to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies.
For more than 30 years, Fresh Energy has been a north star leader advancing a swift, equitable transition to clean energy in Minnesota and beyond. We’re working to decarbonize Minnesota’s five primary economic sectors—electricity, buildings, transportation, heavy industry, and agriculture—by designing and advocating for policies, advancing implementation in key venues, and informing and inspiring the public through multifaceted communications.
Together, we are committed to ensuring Minnesota has a carbon free economy by mid-century and vibrant quality of life where all can thrive. As we conduct our work, Fresh Energy lives its core values, creating a dynamic and welcoming workplace.
JOB OVERVIEW
This position is responsible for providing substantial support and project execution for Fresh Energy’s Electricity program. The policy associate advances Fresh Energy’s priorities and program goals working independently under the direction of the program director. This primarily involves engagement in regulatory proceedings at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The policy associate is expected to contribute to analysis of key dockets and represent the organization’s positions in front of the Commission.
Reporting to the program director, the policy associate will work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance the implementation of Fresh Energy’s strategic targets within the Electricity program.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This position performs similar functions to those of a Regulatory Analyst or Rates Analyst at an electric utility or regulatory agency. A successful candidate will need to be able to work independently, effectively handle multiple projects at once, take initiative and leadership in their area of work, while collaborating closely with the internal team and external partners.
Strong candidates will have direct experience and familiarity with electric utility regulation and energy policy, in at least some of the following priority policy issues: integrated distribution planning, grid modernization, DER program design, integrated resource planning, demand response programs, and electricity rate design in service of affordability, equity, and beneficial electrification. Specific responsibilities may include:
- Conduct regulatory, legislative, legal, technical, economic, and financial analysis related to policy proposals and approaches. Think critically and strategically about policy proposals and communicate your analysis to a range of audiences.
- Serve as a subject matter specialist on a specific issue portfolio, to be finalized in consultation with the program director. See the list of priority policy issues above.
- Write and submit comments/testimony to policy makers, particularly the Public Utilities Commission, in proceedings related to your issue area portfolio.
- Represent Fresh Energy in an official capacity in front of regulators and the legislature, and make oral presentations to collaborators, utilities, and other stakeholders as part of the program’s outreach and advocacy functions.
- Hold responsibility for specific elements of the Electricity program’s goals, including by identifying opportunities to advance novel policies, engaging with stakeholders, and executing advocacy strategy on a specific issue portfolio.
- Support Fresh Energy’s work in improving energy access and advancing equity initiatives in our local communities.
- Actively identify and implement cross-department opportunities to better achieve Fresh Energy’s mission and imperatives through work between or across teams such as Buildings, Transportation, Heavy Industry and Agriculture, Public Affairs, Communications, and Energy Access and Equity.
- In collaboration with the Communications department, create and publish reports, white papers, web content, e-newsletters, and other program information. When appropriate, work to optimize media coverage of program goals, activities, and successes; this may include media interviews as well as writing op-ed pieces.
- Contribute to the planning, execution, and reporting of program work, including supporting the creation and management of the annual budget for the program.
- Adaptability in assuming new responsibilities in the department as need arises at Fresh Energy.
ORGANIZATONAL VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS
All staff are expected to:
- Participate in a culture of collaboration across the organization.
- Select and follow through on activities that support fundraising at Fresh Energy, in collaboration with the development team.
- Identify and track how your work advances Fresh Energy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Act in a way that reflects Fresh Energy’s guiding principles and core values of courage, optimism, respect, and equity.
- Adhere to Fresh Energy’s personnel policies, found in our employee handbook.
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of core work area through professional experience or academic training.
- Commitment to collaboration.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Previous experience working at a Public Utilities Commission is a plus.
- Motivation to learn, and or apply analytical tools and policy analysis.
Minimum Education & Experience:
- One or more years of relevant experience in a professional setting.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or college coursework with additional professional experience or,
- A master’s or professional degree in a relevant field such as law, energy analysis, public policy, or public administration may substitute for 12 months of work experience.
- Experience working in energy sector analysis or a related field is a plus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Duties are performed in a flexible hybrid work environment. In the office, all staff members are expected to reserve meeting rooms as needed. When working remotely, a stable Wi-Fi connection and access to a functional computer are required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Move equipment weighing up to five pounds or less
- The position frequently remains in a stationary position 75% or more at a time
- Travel to conferences and meetings is required (approximately 3-5% of work time)
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Software: Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat, and other software applications necessary for the role and as required.
- WiFi connection and router are for home or remote work
- Laptop computer or desktop
- Copier/scanner/copier machine
- Smartphone that can integrate MS360
- Video conferencing applications on laptop and cellphone (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others as required)
- Software relevant to energy utility analysis or legislative session and human resources.
STARTING SALARY RANGE
$60,000 – $65,000 based on experience along with opportunity for an annual salary change based on organization budget, its performance, equity across teams, and organizational strategy.
FRESH ENERGY OFFERS AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE
- A 36-hour workweek where every Friday is a half-day
- Front-loaded personal time off starting at 24 days for first year employees, including 15 days of paid holidays
- Pays 90% of an employee’s medical, dental, and vision plan, and 50% for the employee’s dependents in the same plan
- Contributes to an employee’s HSA or FSA plan
- Offers paid short-term, long-term disability and life insurance
- Contributes 5% towards an employee’s retirement plan, where an employee is 100% vested in their 403(b)-plan starting day 1 of employment
- Incentivize biking, walking, and the use of transit. Fresh Energy also has a parking program for employees with personal vehicles.
- A generous 12 weeks of parental leave and family care leave, of which 6 weeks of these leaves are paid for by Fresh Energy. Additional supporting leaves are available.
- An optional cell-phone incentive plan
- Promotes and allocate funds for individual and all-staff professional development
APPLICATION DETAILS
Priority application deadline is June 9, 2025 with an estimated start date in late July.
