Application Guide

How to Apply for Energy Policy Manager

at Climate and Community Project

🏢 About Climate and Community Project

Climate and Community Institute (CCI) is a progressive think tank that bridges research and grassroots movements to advance a just green transformation. Unlike many policy shops, CCI works directly with labor unions, environmental justice groups, and policymakers to turn ideas into real political power, making it a unique place for those who want their work to have tangible impact.

About This Role

As Energy Policy Manager, you will lead CCI’s energy and industrial policy portfolio, shaping research and strategy on critical issues like grid planning, AI data center development, and fossil fuel transition. This role is impactful because you’ll manage projects that directly influence federal and state policy, build coalitions with working-class movements, and communicate findings to decision-makers.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with the research team on a utility policy report, followed by a call with a labor union partner about grid reliability concerns. Afternoon could involve drafting an op-ed on AI data center energy use, then preparing talking points for a congressional briefing, all while juggling project timelines and Slack messages from coalition members.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Climate and Community Project Is Looking For

  • A seasoned energy policy professional with at least 4 years of experience, ideally in think tanks, advocacy, or government, with a deep understanding of the political economy of the energy transition.
  • Someone who already has existing relationships with working-class movement actors, energy advocates, or policymakers—CCI values trust and networks over cold outreach.
  • A strategic thinker who can identify where research can be leveraged for maximum political impact, not just produce academic papers.
  • A strong project manager and communicator comfortable working remotely, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and writing for both expert and public audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate and Community Project

1

In your cover letter, name specific movement partners or policymakers you’ve worked with, showing you already have the relationships CCI needs.

2

Highlight any experience with utility regulation, grid planning, or industrial policy—these are core to the role and set you apart.

3

Mention a time you turned research into a concrete policy win or coalition action, demonstrating strategic use of analysis.

4

Tailor your resume to show project management across multiple energy policy issues, not just deep expertise in one area.

5

Since the role is remote-first, emphasize your experience with asynchronous communication and self-directed work in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your ability to set a research agenda that aligns with movement needs, not just academic interests.', 'Concrete examples of building coalitions between labor, environmental, and policy groups.', 'Your familiarity with the current energy policy debates (e.g., AI data center load growth, transmission planning, fossil fuel phaseout).', 'Why you specifically want to work at CCI—reference their previous reports or campaigns to show genuine interest.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CCI’s recent reports on ‘Building for the Long Haul’ and their work on utility regulation and just transition.
  • → Familiarize yourself with their coalition partners like the Climate Justice Alliance, Labor Network for Sustainability, and the Energy Justice Network.
  • → Understand the political landscape around AI data center energy demand and how it intersects with grid planning and fossil fuel transition.
  • → Review the Inflation Reduction Act’s industrial policy provisions and how CCI has advocated for implementation.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you evaluate the current state of play in the energy sector and identify key areas for CCI to contribute?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex project with multiple partners—how did you handle conflicting priorities?
3 How do you ensure your research is accessible and actionable for grassroots movements, not just policymakers?
4 What’s your approach to building relationships with labor leaders who may be skeptical of a rapid energy transition?
5 How would you communicate CCI’s energy policy positions to a hostile audience (e.g., fossil fuel interests or conservative media)?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t submit a generic application—CCI expects candidates to show deep knowledge of their specific focus on movement-driven research.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical energy expertise without demonstrating how you build political power—this is a policy and strategy role, not just an analyst position.
  • Don’t neglect to mention remote work experience—failing to address how you stay productive and connected in a distributed team can be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Climate and Community Project!

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