Common Defense: Veterans Power America Organizer

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Full job description

Location: NM

Reports to: Director of Climate Justice

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

**Hours: **20-30 hrs/week

About Us

Veterans Power America, a program of the Common Defense Education Fund, is leading the charge in advocating for a clean energy future—mobilizing veterans to drive the deployment of renewable energy projects, create high-quality jobs, and enhance national security through energy independence.

Veterans Power America is a bold, veteran-led movement that is actively implementing meaningful shifts towards clean energy development. We are invested in swift, equitable and scalable solutions to meet the challenges of our time. Meet the moment with us by bringing your organizing skills to a growing team that is driving the future of clean energy solutions.

Position Overview

The Part Time Organizer - Veterans Power America is responsible for devising and executing strategic grassroots campaigns that mobilize veterans in support of utility-scale clean energy project approvals. This role serves as a critical bridge between local veteran communities, municipal and state-level decision-makers, and clean energy developers to ensure that projects move forward efficiently and equitably. In 2025 and 2026, the Part Time Organizer will lead our day to day efforts to meet our goal of helping secure approval for new clean energy capacity and furthering other local and state climate objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Member Organizing and Recruitment

• Veteran Engagement: Conduct proactive outreach via multiple channels to recruit new veteran advocates.

• Motivate veterans to participate in siting-focused campaigns and ensure they have the necessary tools to advocate effectively.

• Grow and facilitate state organizing committee (SOC) meetings with a specific focus on clean energy project updates and volunteer roles.

• Track and report on organizing metrics, ensuring accuracy in Action Builder and other data systems.

2. Clean Energy Siting & Advocacy

• Advocacy Strategy Execution: Implement local advocacy strategies for securing project approvals and help veterans navigate permitting, zoning, and regulatory processes.

• Regulatory Monitoring: Track relevant legislative or regulatory developments that impact clean energy siting in assigned states; keep leadership informed of emerging challenges or opportunities.

• Community & Coalition Building: Identify and cultivate relationships with community partners, environmental justice groups, and local decision-makers. Organize public forums or workshops to educate communities on the benefits of clean energy.

• Technical Assistance (Entry-Level): Coordinate with developers or local agencies to gather accurate information on project timelines, permitting requirements, and community concerns. Share this knowledge with veteran advocates so they can participate effectively in public comment periods or hearings.

3. Campaigns and Actions

• Identify opportunities and propose new siting-related actions to advance our clean energy goals (e.g., local petition drives, council testimonies).

• Plan and execute successful local actions, events, and mobilizations that highlight the role of veterans in supporting clean energy.

• Develop organizing materials (e.g., fliers, toolkits) specific to clean energy projects.

4. Media and Public Engagement

• Serve as a spokesperson for Veterans Power America, advocating for clean energy siting and veteran leadership in the transition to renewables.

• Establish relationships with local and state press outlets to pitch stories on successful campaigns and veteran involvement.

• Prepare veteran advocates for media appearances, ensuring alignment with our messaging and strategy.

5. Professional Development

• Engage in specialized training on clean energy siting, policy, or advocacy.

• Develop proficiency in analyzing local permitting documents, as well as best practices for building public support around technical issues.

• Maintain knowledge of state and national clean energy developments relevant to Common Defense and VPA objectives.

6. Coalitions and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with allied organizations (environmental justice groups, local advocacy organizations, civic groups) that can assist in local siting campaigns.

• Represent Common Defense in coalitions focused on clean energy, providing detailed report-backs to the team.

7. Team Leadership

• Co-facilitate training modules for members or staff on siting processes, environmental justice, and best practices for public testimony.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of **1 year **of experience in grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, or labor/electoral organizing.

• Background in clean energy advocacy at the local, state, or national level.

• Experience in coalition-building and working with diverse stakeholders (community organizations, government agencies, industry partners).

• Military experience or deep familiarity with veteran culture and engagement.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

• Ability to travel within key states and work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred:

• Experience with clean energy siting, permitting, or advocacy in New Mexico.

• Background in veteran-centered organizing or strong ties to the veteran community.

• Familiarity with environmental justice concernsrelated to renewable energy deployment.

• Proficiency in Action Network/Action Builder, Google Suite, Slack, and digital organizing tools.

• Experience in lobbying, legislative advocacy, or direct government relations.