Volunteer Energy Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Progress is a public policy research and advocacy organization focused on advancing progressive solutions across climate, energy, economic, and social policy.

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Location Washington, D.C., United States (On-site)

Type Full Time

Salary $65,000 to $78,000 per year

Experience Mid Career (3+ years)

Deadline Preference given to applications submitted by August 28, 2026

The organization's Energy and Environment team works at the intersection of research, legislation, regulation, and public engagement to develop policies that address climate change while promoting environmental justice, economic opportunity, and equity.

This role places you directly inside one of the most influential climate policy spaces in the United States.

Climate policy does not begin with legislation.

It begins with research, analysis, evidence, and the ability to translate complex ideas into policies that lawmakers, stakeholders, and communities can understand.

This role offers an opportunity to influence federal and state climate policy by producing research that supports legislative action, regulatory reform, and public engagement.

If you enjoy policy analysis, climate research, and transforming data into actionable recommendations, this position provides an excellent entry point into high impact climate policy work.

Conduct quantitative and qualitative climate and energy research

Analyze federal and state legislation

Evaluate administrative policies and regulatory developments

Provide research support across the Energy and Environment department

Develop expertise in climate and energy policy, particularly within the power sector

Write reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, and research publications

Develop articles and opinion pieces for different audiences

Create social media content that communicates complex policy issues

Support the drafting, production, and publication of policy materials

Collaborate with researchers, advocacy organizations, and policy experts

Work with internal and external partners to advance policy priorities

Participate in coalition building and issue based partnerships

Strengthen relationships across the climate policy community

Represent American Progress in external meetings

Engage with policymakers, coalition partners, media representatives, and Capitol Hill staff

Communicate technical policy concepts to nontechnical audiences

Support public conversations around climate and energy policy

Coordinate meetings, events, and policy initiatives

Support coalition activities and program planning

Manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ensure policy initiatives move from concept to completion

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

At least three years of professional experience in energy, climate policy, or a related field is preferred

A master's degree is considered an advantage

Relevant internships, activism, volunteer experience, and professional experience may be considered

Knowledge of climate and energy policy

Understanding of legislative and administrative policymaking processes

Strong quantitative and analytical skills

Ability to interpret datasets, graphs, and policy evidence

Understanding of energy systems and power sector policy

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong project management abilities

Ability to manage multiple deadlines

Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams

Committed to addressing climate change

Passionate about environmental justice and equity

Comfortable working across multiple policy areas

Respectful of diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds

Aligned with American Progress' mission and progressive values

Comprehensive employee benefits package

Union represented position

Opportunity to work alongside leading climate policy experts

Exposure to federal legislative and regulatory processes

Professional development within a nationally recognized policy organization

Opportunity to contribute directly to climate and energy policy development

Climate policies influence everything from electricity prices and industrial emissions to environmental justice and public health.

But policies do not write themselves.

Behind every climate bill, regulatory proposal, and policy reform is a team of researchers translating evidence into action.

This role places you at the center of that process.

You won't simply be studying climate policy.

You'll be helping shape it.