Associate Clean Energy and Climate Planner

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is hiring an Associate Clean Energy and Climate Planner to collaborate with municipalities on clean energy and climate initiatives. This role involves developing policies, engaging communities, and advancing equity in climate action. Responsibilities include planning climate strategies, conducting outreach, and supporting project management. The position follows a hybrid work schedule, allowing for both in-office and remote work, and emphasizes inclusive practices in clean energy efforts.
About the position

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking an Associate Clean Energy and Climate Planner to work collaboratively with municipalities to plan, develop policies, and implement programs that advance local and regional clean energy and climate goals. This role is integral to supporting community engagement and local climate action planning across MAPC's communities. The Clean Energy Department at MAPC consists of eight full-time staff members who work closely with municipal and state officials, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to develop innovative clean energy and climate programs, procure necessary services and technologies, and advance transformative policies. The Associate Planner will engage in various project work areas, including collaboratively developing municipal and regional climate action plans, increasing building energy efficiency, supporting the electrification of buildings and vehicles, expanding the use of renewable energy, and creating community-focused solutions to address extreme heat and flooding. The position emphasizes advancing equity in the region, guiding the work towards inclusive and empowering public processes. The Associate Planner will report to the Principal Planner on the Clean Energy team and is expected to be innovative, mission-driven, and committed to climate progress and equity. This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with professionals dedicated to building a sustainable future. MAPC is committed to broadening opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented demographic groups in clean energy and climate professions. The organization values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences to support its work. The position is based in downtown Boston, in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office, and follows a hybrid work schedule combining in-office and remote work. Employees are encouraged to develop new ideas to enhance MAPC's planning and policy work, aligning with the organization's strategic priorities of sustainable development, equity, and regional collaboration.

Responsibilities
• Help local governments and community-based partners develop equity-focused plans, policies, strategies, and programs that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build community resilience to climate change.
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• Conduct outreach to diverse stakeholders across communities to inform project development, build relationships with relevant partners, and collect information and data to support community-driven clean energy and climate planning processes.
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• Prepare and present reports on municipal and community energy use and GHG emissions and use that information to propose strategies and policies for advancing communities' climate and equity goals.
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• Support staff with project timelines and budgets for small- to medium-scale technical assistance projects with municipalities.
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• Plan and support virtual and in-person community engagement events to inform the development of local net zero and climate action strategies.
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• Expand and maintain relationships between MAPC and relevant stakeholders, including municipal partners, community organizations, nonprofits, utilities, and state agencies.
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• Contribute to internal strategic discussions to advance the Department's clean energy and climate services and efforts to operationalize equity through project work.
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• Support MAPC's Clean Energy webpage and program materials development.
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• Attend occasional evening and weekend events, and local travel as required.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant work experience, or an Associate's degree with two years of relevant work experience.
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• Experience working on projects independently and in team-based settings, including organizing a project work plan and schedule that leads to successful execution of project work.
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• Ability to communicate about clean energy and climate issues and data to a wide variety of audiences, such as municipal staff, state agencies, community groups, the general public, and elected and appointed officials.
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• Strong organizational, research, writing, analysis, strategic thinking, listening, and public presentation skills, and ability to navigate data sets and identify trends.
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• Ability to work well independently and within a team setting.
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• Interest in public processes, facilitation, and collaboration.
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• Eagerness and ability to learn about and apply clean energy and climate topics in a municipal and regional government context.
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• Enthusiasm for municipal and regional planning topics, and commitment to advancing smart growth, regional collaboration, and equity in Metro Boston.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with federal, state, and local plans and regulations related to clean energy and climate topics and municipal and regional planning.
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• Knowledge of energy efficiency, building electrification, electric vehicles, and/or renewable energy programs and technologies.
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• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite including comfort using Excel to analyze climate and energy data.
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• Skills in graphic design or web design; experience with software and platforms such as WordPress, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or social media platforms.
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• Skills in meeting planning, facilitation, community engagement, and project management.

Benefits
• Commuter assistance
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• 457(b)
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• Disability insurance
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Flexible spending account
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Parental leave
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• Employee assistance program
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• Vision insurance
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• Loan forgiveness
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• Life insurance