How to apply for California Government Affairs Associate Director

About Building Decarbonization Coalition

The Building Decarbonization Coalition brings together building industry stakeholders, energy providers, environmental organizations, and local governments to electrify California's homes and workspaces. The group focuses on convening, policy analysis, and consumer awareness to push for zero-emission buildings. This is a policy and advocacy organization, not a utility or contractor, so the work centers on changing state and local rules and funding.

About the role

The California Government Affairs Associate Director supports the Coalition's California work. The role likely involves tracking legislation and regulatory proceedings, building relationships with state agencies and lawmakers, and coordinating with member organizations. Because buildings are the second-largest source of climate pollution in California, this position directly shapes the policy framework for electrification.

A typical day

A typical day may include reviewing new bill language or regulatory filings, meeting with legislative staff or agency officials, and coordinating with Coalition members on a joint position. The role likely involves some travel to Sacramento for hearings or meetings. Because the job is remote, much of the work happens over video calls and email, so clear written communication matters.

Who Building Decarbonization Coalition is looking for

• Has direct experience in California state government affairs, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies, especially on energy, buildings, or climate policy.
• Can explain how a bill becomes law in California and how agencies like the CEC and CPUC make rules.
• Has existing relationships with California legislators, legislative staff, or agency officials working on energy and buildings.
• Can translate technical building decarbonization policy into clear talking points for lawmakers, member groups, and the public.

Tips for this application

• Name specific California bills, CPUC proceedings, or CEC programs you have worked on. The Coalition works on building electrification policy, so show you know the state's actual policy landscape.
• Explain how you have coordinated with multiple stakeholders: building industry groups, energy providers, environmental organizations, and local governments. This coalition's model depends on convening diverse parties.
• Address the remote nature of the role. Say how you stay effective working remotely while still maintaining relationships in Sacramento and across California.
• Use the cover letter to describe one concrete policy outcome you helped achieve, such as a bill amendment, a local ordinance, or a funding allocation.
• Check the Coalition's website and recent public statements before applying. Reference a specific report, letter, or campaign they have worked on to show you follow their work.

What to cover in your cover letter

Focus on your California policy experience and any building electrification or energy work. Explain how you have built coalitions among groups that do not always agree. Describe your track record of moving policy through the legislature or a state agency. State clearly why you want to work on building decarbonization specifically, not just climate policy in general.

Research before applying

• Read the Coalition's published reports, comment letters, and policy positions on their website.
• Look up current California legislation and CPUC proceedings related to building electrification and note where the Coalition has taken a position.
• Find out who the Coalition's member organizations are and how they interact with state government.
• Check recent news about California building codes, the California Energy Commission, and local gas bans or electrification ordinances.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Which California building decarbonization policies or proceedings have you worked on, and what was your role?
• How would you build support for electrification among groups that may resist, such as builders or utilities?
• How do you track and prioritize multiple bills and regulatory dockets at the same time?
• Describe a time you had to explain a technical energy or building issue to a lawmaker or their staff.
• How would you work with local governments across California that are at different stages of adopting electrification policies?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with only federal or non-California policy experience and no sign you understand Sacramento's legislative and regulatory process.
• Writing a generic climate policy cover letter that does not mention buildings, electrification, or the Coalition's specific approach.
• Ignoring the coalition-building part of the job and presenting yourself only as a lone policy analyst or lobbyist.