Policy Associate

The Transportation Policy Associate will work with the senior Houston Organizer and under the supervision of the Texas Director to advocate for clean transportation policies at Port Houston. This work will support the programmatic goals of the Healthy Port Communities Coalition, a Houston-based coalition now in its eleventh year that works to protect the health and welfare of communities and people impacted by the Houston Ship Channel. The Transportation Policy Associate will advocate for Port Houston to use funding from opportunities including, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to purchase clean transportation equipment, particularly electric trucks. The Associate will work closely with a third-party labor organizer and a grant writer employed by Port Houston. They will organize in communities adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel, working with Port Houston to engage local community stakeholders in transportation decision-making that will benefit communities and people.

Public Citizen is a national non-profit consumer organization that works in Texas on energy and climate policy. This is a two-year, grant-supported position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advocate at Port Houston for the purchase and use of clean transportation equipment.
• Participate in meetings and activities of the Healthy Port Communities Coalition (HPCC).
• Conduct community surveys to track interest in clean transportation and support for other federal funding opportunities that could provide direct community benefit.
• Organize town hall events in communities adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel.
• Conduct and present research on federal funding opportunities for Port Houston from sources including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• Generate support among HPCC members and their network for applications by Port Houston for federal funding.
• Public speaking in forums such as the Port Houston Commission and Harris County Commissioners Court.
• Help organize and facilitate coalition and other meetings.
• Phone banking and canvassing as needed to support relevant campaigns.
• Help draft multiplatform social media content, blog posts, and press releases.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  College degree is preferred but not required. Candidates without a degree should have significant professional experience in transportation policy and organizing.

Work Experience:  At least two years of strategic advocacy and organizing. Experience in the following areas will be considered: labor organizing, federal funding, and grant writing.

Skills:  Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to research and interpret federal funding opportunities and grant writing. Ability to organize community events such as surveys, resource fairs, and town halls. Spanish fluency is a plus but not required.

Knowledge: Understanding of transportation policy—especially electric vehicles and freight movement—is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of climate and energy issues is a plus.

Capabilities: Ability to pursue program goals through both community organizing and local government advocacy. Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it to a lay audience. Ability to work independently and in a diverse coalition of nonprofit professionals and volunteers. Comfortable with relationship building in both under-resourced communities and local governments. High energy and enthusiasm.

Location: Applicant must live in or be willing to move to the Houston area. Work will be a mix of remote and in-person in the East Harris County area. Occasional travel to Austin is required.

SALARY and BENEFITS:   $61,068 – $88,365

Competitive salary bases on relevant experience and qualifications and generous benefits package.  Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements). One year grant contingent position,

• Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days
• 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• Sabbatical after 10 years of employment
• Student loan reimbursement program

TO APPLY:

Send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample to ashelley@citizen.org. Please include “Transportation Policy Associate” in the email’s subject line.

Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply. Public Citizen employees are proud members of SEIU Local 500.

About Public Citizen’s Texas office:  

Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent the public interest in Congress, the executive branch, and the courts. We fight for openness and democratic accountability in government; for social and economic justice in globalization and trade policies; for clean, safe and sustainable energy; for strong health, safety, and environmental protections; for safe, effective, and affordable medicines and health care and for the right of consumers to seek redress in the courts. We have six divisions based in our Washington, D.C. offices and an office in Texas.

The mission of Public Citizen’s Texas office is to empower citizens to be effective advocates for a healthy environment and against corporate and governmental irresponsibility. Since 1984, the Texas state office has worked to combat global climate change, promote clean,renewable energy, phase out f fossil fuels, reduce air and water pollution, and end environmental injustices. We work with numerous partner groups, including other national and state nonprofits, local organizations, and community groups. Public Citizen’s Texas office has achieved important victories on climate, energy efficiency, renewable energy, air quality, and waste issues over the past 38 years. We contributed to legislation that led to Texas’ wind boom, established the first in the nation efficiency portfolio standard, established statewide building energy codes, and broadened the rights of Texans to utilize rooftop solar energy. We were deeply involved in creating climate action plans in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Wehave successfully advocated for renewable energy, energy efficiency and local solar goals, policies and programs in Austin, San Antonio, and other parts of Texas.  Our victories in Houston include passage of the City’s truck anti-idling ordinance, passage of the Climate Action Plan, establishment of the Port Houston Citizen’s Advisory Council, and the delay of Port Houston’s Project 11 to procure clean dredging equipmen