Policy Manager

BACKGROUND & SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Forth is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) trade association with a closely related 501(c)(3) charity, the Forth Mobility Fund. Forth works to advance electric, smart, and shared transportation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond through innovation and industry development; demonstration and pilot projects; policy advocacy; and consumer engagement. Forth also operates the nation’s first brand-neutral electric mobility showcase, as well as a range of other projects. Learn more on our website.

Forth’s continued growth has led us to create a new position focused on promoting policies to ensure that electric and smart mobility benefits traditionally underserved communities. The primary role of this position is to lead a new project, in partnership with the Greenlining Institute, that will build the capacity for equity-focused organizations and traditionally white-led environmental and transportation organizations to work together more productively to achieve shared policy objectives. We will pursue this goal by launching a Community of Practice that provides hands- on support directly to teaming advocacy organizations in 3-5 states, while also building a community among these teams in which they can learn from and support one another across state lines.

We seek candidates who are focused and organized; enthusiastic about electric mobility; and have demonstrated experience working on state level policy advocacy and partnering with traditionally underserved communities. Forth is a growing, dynamic organization; the successful candidate will be expected to be flexible, wear many hats, work independently, and play an active role in the organization’s development.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Coalition Building and Education (~40%). The Policy Manager assists the Senior Director in convening advocacy organizations across the U.S. to build a “Community of Practice” (CoP). The CoP will focus on building the capacity of organizations to develop equitable policy approaches for transportation electrification

• Support the building of relationships with environmental justice and equity organizations, transportation and environmental organizations, rate payer groups and consumer protection organizations and transit advocates
• Plan an “Annual Convening” of the Community of Practice and support the development of specific strategies and a campaign plan for the CoP
• Organize, deliver, or support other gatherings, meetings, and projects related to equity, electric mobility, and policy
• Partner with other staff to ensure key messages are integrated into all our programs and communications, as appropriate

Program Management (~40%). Working closely with the Senior Director, the Manager facilitates programs that advance electric mobility in traditionally underserved communities. The Manager will be the primary manager of Forth’s “Community of Practice” (CoP) project.

• Create and distribute outreach materials to recruit participants to the “Community of Practice”; lead kickoff meetings in multiple states with participants
• Support the development of campaigns that promote equitable transportation electrification policies and provide regular support on this topic for CoP members
• Work closely with community-based organizations to seek and identify ways to advance new mobility options for traditionally underserved populations
• Manage consulting and fee for service roles for work with partners relating to transportation electrification, equity and policy

Development and Organizational Management (~20%). The Manager works with other staff to cultivate funding support for programming. Forth operates with a growing staff, so the Manager must be flexible and prepared to assist where needed.

• Cultivate potential sources of financial support, meet with potential funders, and draft proposals and progress reports
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and best practices in order to adjust strategies over time
• Other responsibilities as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• A passion for Forth’s mission and values
• Three to five years of experience in policy development and advocacy; relevant Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years of this experience
• Demonstrated self-motivation, ability to work independently, and attention to detail without losing a “big picture” perspective
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and understanding of key DEI concepts
• Excellent cross-cultural communications skills, both written and verbal
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally, occasionally overnight; valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 35 pounds to assist with event set up
• An ability to take the work seriously, without taking yourself too seriously

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of the electric mobility field, transportation policy, or related fields
• Existing relationships with relevant stakeholders
• Experience working in a non-profit with a mission-driven staff and board
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple conflicting projects, meeting deadlines while maintaining a healthy work-life balance

COMPENSATION

Starting salary range is $40,000 to $55,000 commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation annually, fully paid health, dental and vision insurance for employee and all dependents and an employer retirement contribution after six months (no match required.) We also provide access to electric vehicles for business use.

TO APPLY

To ensure full consideration, please apply by January 3 by submitting your resume and cover letter through our HiringThing site. We will continue accepting applications after this date, but cannot ensure all will be reviewed. All candidates will be notified once we have made a hiring decision.

Forth values a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI(+) community are strongly encouraged to apply. Forth believes an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture, challenge business as usual, and bring their whole selves to work. We strive to provide those candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process. If we can offer accommodations for you in the recruitment process or you have feedback on how to make our recruitment more accessible, please contact Associate Director Gina Avalos at GinaA@forthmobility.org.