Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Associate (or Senior Policy Associate)

at We Build Progress

🏢 About We Build Progress

We Build Progress is a progressive organization dedicated to advancing equitable climate and clean energy policies. They focus on helping communities leverage public funding and governmental authorities to create tangible change, making them a unique player in the policy space. Working here means contributing to impactful, community-centered policy initiatives that address pressing environmental and economic challenges.

About This Role

As a Policy Associate, you will support the Livable Futures team in advancing equitable climate and clean energy priorities. This role involves policy research, writing, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on translating policy goals into concrete actions. You'll have the opportunity to work across a portfolio of progressive policies, from climate to housing, and see initiatives through from strategy to implementation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching federal and state funding opportunities, drafting policy memos or blog posts, and coordinating with coalition partners on a campaign. You could be managing project timelines, tracking grant deliverables, and preparing for stakeholder meetings, all while collaborating remotely with the Livable Futures team.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who We Build Progress Is Looking For

  • A strong understanding of climate policy, clean energy, and public finance, with the ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into actionable plans.
  • Excellent research and writing skills, capable of producing clear, persuasive policy briefs, reports, and communications for diverse audiences.
  • Proven project management experience, including managing workplans, tracking deliverables, and coordinating multiple stakeholders to meet deadlines.
  • Experience engaging with coalition partners, government agencies, and community organizations, with a commitment to equity and inclusive practices.

📝 Tips for Applying to We Build Progress

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with climate policy, public funding mechanisms, and project management, using keywords from the job description.

2

Provide concrete examples of how you've managed complex projects, coordinated partners, and delivered policy outcomes in previous roles.

3

Demonstrate your commitment to equity and community engagement by showcasing relevant volunteer work, advocacy, or projects that center marginalized communities.

4

Research We Build Progress's recent initiatives and publications, and reference them in your application to show genuine interest and understanding.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across distributed teams, with examples of remote collaboration.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Highlight your passion for equitable climate and clean energy policy and how your background aligns with the organization's mission.", 'Describe specific projects where you conducted policy research and writing, and how your work contributed to tangible outcomes.', 'Emphasize your project management skills, including your ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and track deliverables to successful completion.', 'Mention your experience with public funding, tax credits, or financing tools, and how you can help communities leverage these resources.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Visit the We Build Progress website to learn about their mission, current projects, and the Livable Futures team's specific initiatives.
  • → Read recent reports or policy briefs published by the organization to understand their policy focus and writing style.
  • → Look up the team members on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and the organization's culture.
  • → Explore any news articles or blog posts about We Build Progress to see their impact and public presence.
Visit We Build Progress's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach helping a community understand and leverage federal tax credits for clean energy projects?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex policy initiative with multiple partners. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
3 What experience do you have with stakeholder engagement, and how do you ensure equity in your engagement strategies?
4 How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects and deadlines? Can you give an example?
5 What do you know about We Build Progress's Livable Futures team and its current priorities? How do you see yourself contributing?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the organization's specific focus on equitable climate policy.
  • Overlooking the project management aspect of the role – be sure to highlight your organizational and coordination skills.
  • Failing to demonstrate a deep understanding of public funding mechanisms, tax credits, or governmental authorities relevant to the position.

📅 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 We Build Progress!

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