Application Guide

How to Apply for National Policy & Advocacy Campaigner (Remote in US & PR)

at Solar United Neighbors

🏢 About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors stands out as a national nonprofit that empowers everyday people to drive the clean energy transition by going solar, joining together, and advocating for their energy rights. Working here means you'll be part of a mission-driven team that values grassroots power and equitable access to solar and storage, with a strong focus on community organizing and policy change.

About This Role

As the National Policy & Advocacy Campaigner, you will lead impactful campaigns to influence state and federal decision-makers, expanding equitable access to distributed solar and storage. You'll engage SUN's network of solar owners and supporters through action alerts, events, and toolkits, while coordinating with coalitions to advance long-term and rapid-response legislative campaigns.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a coalition call to align on federal advocacy tactics, followed by drafting an action alert for SUN's network. You could spend the afternoon analyzing state legislation, then wrap up by training volunteers for a phone banking session targeting a key state utility commission vote.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Solar United Neighbors

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Solar United Neighbors Is Looking For

  • A seasoned grassroots organizer with 5+ years of experience mobilizing activists and working with coalition partners in legislative or regulatory campaigns.
  • A strategic thinker with strong analytic and writing skills, capable of building narratives, alliances, and tactics to win issue campaigns.
  • An experienced project manager who has successfully led multi-state initiatives (2+ years) and can work independently while collaborating across teams.
  • A creative campaigner who thrives on developing innovative advocacy tactics, from phone banking to rapid-response actions, and is passionate about energy justice.

📝 Tips for Applying to Solar United Neighbors

1

1. Highlight specific examples of multi-state campaigns you've led, including the number of states and how you coordinated across them.

2

2. Demonstrate your grassroots mobilization skills by detailing how you've grown activist networks and used tools like action alerts or phone banking.

3

3. Showcase your understanding of distributed solar and storage policy issues, such as net metering, community solar, or interconnection standards.

4

4. Tailor your resume to emphasize coalition-building experiences, especially with environmental justice or energy advocacy groups.

5

5. In your cover letter, reference SUN's mission and specific campaigns or victories they've achieved (e.g., solar co-op programs or state policy wins).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for equitable energy access and alignment with SUN's mission of a clean, resilient energy system.", "Provide concrete examples of how you've mobilized grassroots supporters to influence policy decisions at the state or federal level.", 'Highlight your experience managing projects across multiple states, including challenges and how you overcame them.', 'Mention your ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a focus on creative advocacy tactics.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → 1. Review SUN's current campaigns on their website, especially their 'Go Solar' and 'Fight for Your Energy Rights' initiatives.
  • → 2. Read recent blog posts or press releases about their policy wins in states like Florida, Virginia, or Maryland.
  • → 3. Understand the key federal and state policies affecting distributed solar, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and net metering rules.
  • → 4. Look into SUN's solar co-op model and how it integrates with their advocacy work.
Visit Solar United Neighbors's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 1. Describe a successful advocacy campaign you led: what was the goal, strategy, and outcome?
2 2. How do you engage and motivate grassroots activists, especially in a remote setting?
3 3. Walk us through how you would plan a rapid-response campaign for a federal solar policy issue.
4 4. How do you balance competing priorities across multiple state campaigns?
5 5. What is your experience with coalition dynamics, and how do you handle disagreements among partners?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1. Focusing too much on personal solar experience rather than organizing and advocacy skills.
  • 2. Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference SUN's specific mission or campaigns.
  • 3. Neglecting to demonstrate project management experience across multiple states, which is a key requirement.

📅 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 Solar United Neighbors!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →