Policy Director, Transportation

Key Responsibilities

Policy Visioning & Strategy

• Design and articulate transportation policy solutions that are both ambitious and actionable for both the state and federal levels, in consultation with the VP, Policy and the States Team
• Define and shape policy and advocacy strategy for engagement on sustainable transportation issues while providing strategic guidance to the VP, Policy and other teams on a regular basis as a leading transportation policy expert and thought leader for the organization
• Proactively identify and advance campaigns to defend against ongoing federal attacks on clean transportation policy, while ensuring continued state leadership and ambition
• Independently direct and lead key workstreams, including the development of both behind-the-scenes policy materials for policymakers (e.g. memos, responses to requests for research and technical assistance) as well as public-facing policy products (e.g. blogs, memos, reports) for our priority transportation initiatives

Cross Team Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate smooth collaboration with the communications and digital teams to develop advocacy, media, digital, and partnership strategies to advance the transportation policy vision
• Serve as expert capacity in the transportation sector for our regional and state teams
• Proactively identify and advance key transportation policy and spending reforms at the state level, including spearheading a new efforts focused on shifting state level transportation investments away from highways and to public transit, multi-modal and electrification efforts

Partnerships & External Representation

• Maintain key partnerships and identify new partnership opportunities across transportation issues areas to advance a shared policy vision and enhance the cohesion of the climate movement
• Represent the organization independently in external venues requiring both subject matter expertise and political acumen, including meetings with policymakers and partners
• Present clear and actionable policy recommendations on a regular basis to state policymakers across the country and within our priority states grounded in both sustainable transportation and affordability
• Represent the organization in state and national media as appropriate

Fundraising

• Actively participate in fundraising efforts, working with the Fundraising Team  to develop relationships and new opportunities with key funders in the transportation sector

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative climate policy leader with deep expertise in transportation policy and a strong commitment to advancing ambitious and equitable climate solutions. They bring a track record of developing and advancing policy strategies that translate big ideas into action at both the state and federal level.

This person is a systems thinker who understands the central role transportation plays in addressing the climate crisis and building a more equitable economy. They are passionate about accelerating the transition to clean transportation, including vehicle electrification, expanded and improved public transit, and investments in multimodal infrastructure, while advancing policies that improve affordability and access for communities.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable shaping long-term policy vision and executing near-term advocacy strategies. They are skilled at identifying policy opportunities, producing compelling research and analysis, and developing policy products that inform decision-makers and drive progress. They thrive in fast-moving environments and can independently lead complex policy workstreams while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

A successful candidate is also an effective communicator and relationship builder. They are confident engaging with policymakers, advocates, funders, and media, and can translate complex policy issues into clear and persuasive recommendations. They bring political awareness and strategic judgment, enabling them to navigate evolving federal and state landscapes while helping partners coordinate around shared goals.

Above all, the ideal candidate is motivated by Evergreen Action’s mission and energized by the challenge of building bold, durable climate policy that delivers real-world impact. They thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic working environment. They are excited to work with partners across the climate movement to defend progress, advance innovative solutions, and help shape a thriving, just, and inclusive clean energy future.

Qualifications

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We know that candidates from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply if they don’t believe they meet every one of our qualifications as described below. We encourage you to apply so that we can learn more about you.

Core Experiences and Competencies

• Significant and proven experience in state and/or federal climate policy research or analysis, with an extensive knowledge of the transportation sector, with respect to vehicle electrification as well as bolstering public transportation and reforming state transportation governance and finance
• Experience working in government, a non-profit, or a campaign setting is preferred
• Strong organizational abilities, including the ability to set vision, direction, and strategy
• Strong written communication skills, including being capable of authoring high-impact policy products and communicating with policymakers and advocates
• Strong verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to build trust with key stakeholders, including staff, consultants, and funders
• A strong commitment to and enthusiasm for our mission and defeating the climate crisis