Policy Associate Temporary Role

At MCE, we tackle the climate crisis with a shared commitment to innovation, community, and equity. Together, we foster an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible work environment where creativity thrives, work-life balance is prioritized, and every voice is valued.

MCE is a not-for-profit public agency that has set the standard for clean energy in our communities since 2010. We provide more renewable power at stable rates, and deliver cutting-edge energy programs to residents and businesses across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano. Our team, drawn from all walks of life, embodies a shared passion for environmental stewardship and community service. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals innovating and collaborating to make our communities more energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

MCE is in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in San Rafael and Concord. Employees have the option to work remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in the office, depending on the role responsibilities and any in-person meeting requirements. I am happy to provide more details if needed.  

We value a range of experience. Even if you feel that you do not meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Under the general direction of the VP of Policy, the Policy Associate will manage a regulatory proceeding caseload and provide support for MCE’s state and federal legislative advocacy.  

The Policy Associate supports MCE’s regulatory and legislative advocacy through activities including policy analysis, regulatory compliance, project management, and internal and external stakeholder engagement.  

The Associate will help the Policy team with day-to-day tasks, regulatory and engagement tracking, policy analysis and strategy, project management, regulatory compliance, and assist with coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders. This is a temporary six-month position.  

• →Develop policy analyses and recommended positions for key issues affecting MCE and CCAs from a results-oriented perspective. 
• →Assist with and/or manage a regulatory proceeding caseload, including drafting. responses and comments, coordinating with other CCAs and/or external counsel, and communicating with regulatory agency staff. 
• →In collaboration with other MCE departments, draft Advice Letters as required by the CPUC, and either lead or support associated with next steps and follow-up. 
• →Assist with regulatory compliance at CPUC, CEC, and other regulatory bodies. 
• →Monitor and assist with communications from MCE’s internal and external stakeholders. 
• →Prepare talking points for Policy team meetings with legislators and regulators. 
• →Build and maintain relationships with key policy stakeholders. 
• →Build and maintain project management tools for the Policy team. 
• →Manage and maintain a database of regulatory and legislative contacts. 
• →Maintain an annual bill tracking spreadsheet. 

Estimated Breakdown of Time Spent on Various Work Areas 

• →Regulatory and Legislative Tasks 90% 
• →Other  10% 

A bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, public policy, environmental science, political science, environmental justice, or other closely related field. Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience and one (1) year of analytical or advocacy work, preferably for a public utility, or other public not-for-profit agency, or regulatory agency.  

• Community Choice Aggregation and the California electric sector is preferred. 
• California energy and environmental issues generally, including environmental justice and other equity concerns. 
• Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 
• Adobe suite. 

• Utilize project management skills to coordinate among stakeholders, agency staff, and others to advance MCE’s policy positions. 
• Manage multiple priorities and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment. 
• Be thorough and detail-oriented. 
• Take responsibility and work independently. 
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons encountered during the performance of duties. 
• Demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, and the highest levels of accountability, integrity, judgment, and confidentiality. 
• Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

As a part of the application process, all candidates must submit the following:  

• Cover letter (maximum one page) about what interests you in applying for a temporary position as a Policy Associate.  
• Current Resume.  
• Answer all the applicable questions within the application. 

As we narrow our pool of applicants, candidates moving through the recruitment may participate video cross-team panel interviews, and video executive interviews. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be scheduled when a qualified pool of candidates has been identified. MCE Reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time. 

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At MCE, we are committed to fostering a workplace rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. As part of this effort, we’ve included a few optional questions to help us better understand your background, experiences, and how we can create a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.

MCE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MCE offices support an environment that is accessible to those with reduced mobility. We are happy to provide more details if asked.

MCE makes reasonable accommodations of any known physical or intellectual limitations for qualified applicants with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs, and other conditions protected by applicable law.