Application Guide
How to Apply for Minnesota Environmental Justice Manager, Full Time Exempt (Remote)
at Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy
🏢 About Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy
CEED is a Minneapolis-based 501c3 nonprofit that envisions a just transition transforming the economy and democracy to benefit communities and the environment. What sets CEED apart is its deep commitment to Minnesota and Midwest-led solutions, building cross-sector coalitions that center environmental justice, climate justice, and energy democracy. Working here means joining a values-driven team that is visionary, compassionate, pragmatic, and mutually accountable, with a strong focus on community power and policy impact.
About This Role
As the Minnesota Environmental Justice Manager, you will lead CEED’s Minnesota-focused efforts to build and strengthen coalitions that advance environmental justice and energy democracy. You will work closely with the Midwest Program Director to develop and implement strategies that ensure communities most impacted by climate change and the fossil fuel economy can actively shape and win environmental policies. This role is pivotal in driving CEED’s mission in Minnesota, from organizing capacity building to policy advocacy and narrative change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with community partners and coalition members to strategize on a just transition policy campaign, reviewing research or policy briefs, and coordinating with CEED’s Midwest Program Director on upcoming initiatives. You might also spend time facilitating a workshop on organizing capacity or drafting communications to amplify community voices in Minnesota’s environmental policy debates.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy Is Looking For
- Deep knowledge of Minnesota’s environmental justice landscape, including key communities, policies, and stakeholders.
- Proven experience in coalition building, community organizing, and policy advocacy, preferably in the Midwest or similar contexts.
- Strong understanding of just transition, environmental justice, climate justice, and energy democracy principles.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners and to support community-led initiatives.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with experience in narrative change and capacity building.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy
Highlight your specific experience in Minnesota and your understanding of its environmental justice issues—CEED explicitly encourages candidates with MN knowledge.
Emphasize any past work in coalition building or cross-sector partnerships, as this is central to the role.
Show alignment with CEED’s values (Visionary, Compassionate, Pragmatic, Mutually Accountable, Integrity, Invested in Community) in your cover letter and resume.
Mention your familiarity with just transition, environmental justice, and energy democracy frameworks, and how you've applied them in practice.
If you are not currently in Minnesota but willing to relocate, clearly state your willingness and note that relocation funds are available.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your connection to Minnesota and why you are committed to advancing environmental justice there.', "Specific examples of successful coalition building or organizing campaigns you've led, especially those involving policy change.", 'How you embody CEED’s values and would contribute to their mission of a just transition.', 'Your understanding of the intersection between environmental justice, climate justice, and energy democracy, and how you would apply it in this role.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore CEED’s website, especially their mission, values, and current campaigns in Minnesota and the Midwest.
- → Research recent environmental justice policy developments in Minnesota, such as the Minnesota Environmental Justice Mapping Tool or relevant legislation.
- → Learn about key environmental justice organizations and coalitions in Minnesota that CEED might partner with.
- → Understand the concept of 'just transition' and how CEED applies it in their work, including energy democracy and climate justice.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about your Minnesota connections or experience—CEED values specific local knowledge.
- Focusing only on national or global environmental issues without tying them to Minnesota’s context.
- Using generic language about coalition building without concrete examples of successful partnerships and outcomes.
- Neglecting to mention how you would center community leadership and power in your work.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy!