Employment
Acadia Center is committed to a diverse work environment that advances goals to remedy racial, environmental and climate justice issues. We value a workplace of mutual respect, the ability to learn from one another and a team culture of inclusion, shared responsibilities and decision making. People of color encouraged to apply.
Acadia Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Acadia Center seeks to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, military service, and citizenship.
Open Positions
Director, Communications
Description
Acadia Center is seeking a highly motivated, strategic and experienced professional to spearhead the organization’s communications efforts, including media relations, social media and organizational materials. Reporting to the President and working with other executive team members and staff, the Director will ensure a clear and consistent brand in external communications, expand Acadia Center’s visibility and public relations, and manage the workflow between the communications, programs and development teams, ensuring transparency and efficient working processes. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by shaping and executing strategic messaging and communications that elevate our mission, strengthen our profile, and inspire positive change.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish specific communications goals for Acadia Center and develop comprehensive plans and strategies to reach them and measure progress.
- Create a comprehensive communications work plan to meet the communications goals of the organization, incorporating appropriate tactics to disseminate news, have a strong social media presence, promote webinars, speaking engagements for our diverse staff, and do extensive media cultivation.
- Train staff in branding and messaging, equipping them to be effective spokespersons for the organization.
- Build Acadia Center’s profile with the media, cultivating relationships and facilitating media coverage that amplifies our message and initiatives.
- Oversee the development of public-facing materials, such as monthly/quarterly newsletters, donor communications, determining priorities to promote and gather all information.
- Translate policy and advocacy work into persuasive messages; draft press releases, talking points, and op-eds to support advocacy; support coalition messaging.
- Manage websites and social media; produce digital content; track analytics to improve engagement.
- Collaborate with the Development and Programs team to create compelling fundraising communications materials and ensure high-quality donor stewardship.
- Participate as a member of the executive committee, helping to drive the strategic vision of the organization.
- Lead, coach, and support two communications team members to achieve excellence in their work.
- Liaison with industry communications, partner and grassroots organizations
Reporting
The Director, Communications reports directly to the President and CEO, providing regular updates on operational performance, initiatives, and challenges. The President and CEO will evaluate the performance of this position annually during a dedicated performance evaluation session. This structured reporting ensures clear communication and alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. This position will be responsible for the management of two staff and will serve as primary contact for other external communications contractors. The Director, Communications will be an integral member of key teams, including Executive Committee and Communications, PR and Marketing. Participation in these teams ensures alignment with organizational goals, facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, and supports strategic planning and execution.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit marketing, PR and communications.
- Proven track record in building and maintaining press relationships and strengthening brand identity.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills.
- Strong understanding of social media strategy and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to plan effectively, set goals, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills and a results-driven approach to all tasks.
- Proven ability to manage, mentor, and motivate staff.
- Ability to thrive both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, persuasive in written and verbal formats.
- Strong networking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Enthusiasm for Acadia Center’s mission and theory of change.
- Familiarity with climate and clean energy issues is desired.
Benefits
The salary band for the Director, Communications role is $88,000 to $101,000 annually. Acadia Center offers competitive compensation aligned with peer nonprofit organizations, with a salary based on experience and skill level. Compensation is based on factors such as education, work experience, field knowledge, and skill set. For exempt salaried employees, benefits include healthcare, dental, retirement, disability, and PTO.
Senior Policy Advocate, Northern New England
Search Open November 6, 2025, Until Filled
Position Description
Acadia Center is seeking a Senior Policy Advocate to focus on energy and climate policy initiatives in northern New England, particularly Maine and New Hampshire. The position will advance Acadia Center’s regional and state goals, including multi-state and cross-border efforts.
This role will play an important supporting role advocating for Acadia Center regional and state priorities to promote and implement energy and climate policy advances. These areas focus on clean energy, utility and power grid policy reforms, energy efficiency, and other climate change solutions. Forums include legislative and regulatory proceedings and public engagement work to communicate Acadia Center priorities, solutions and information. The position requires working with partner organizations and building coalitions; drafting public facing position and educational materials; media relations; developing analytical materials; and strategic program planning and coordination with Acadia Center teams.
Responsibilities include advocating for policy reforms, engaging with stakeholders, drafting materials, conducting technical analyses, public speaking and media work and building coalitions. Candidates should have a strong interest in public engagement, sustainable energy and climate issues, with at least five years of relevant experience preferred. Candidates should possess strong quantitative skills and a passion for climate action, energy justice and shaping climate advocacy in ways to resonate with the public. The position requires residency in Maine or New Hampshire and a willingness to represent Acadia Center in person.
Key Responsibilities
- Advance Acadia Center’s regional and state energy and climate policy reforms in northern New England.
- Research and prepare analytical materials that support Acadia Center’s program priorities and project
- Engage in legislative, government agency, community, public engagement, and outreach forums.
- Prepare policy, research, advocacy, and educational materials.
- Draft legislative and regulatory filings.
- Establish strong media relationships and incorporate public engagement strategies as a core part of our advocacy.
- Enhance engagement with community, housing, justice, consumer, and business voices.
- Represent Acadia Center on appointed boards and committees.
- Provide content and coordination with communications and development staff.
- Participate in and inform strategic discussions on regional and state priorities.
Requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information concisely and effectively to critical decision-makers and the public
- Experience and interest in shaping data and analysis to strengthen advocacy materials
- Proven ability to clearly communicate complex regulatory or technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders, both in writing and verbally
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated capacity to build effective alliances to advance shared goals
- Commitment and enthusiasm for sustainable energy, climate, consumer and energy justice progress
- Interest in managing a diverse workload and participating with supervisors and teams in shaping work plans and schedules
- 5 years of relevant work experience
- J.D. or Master’s degree preferred
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) proficiency
Benefits
The expected salary range for the Senior Policy Advocate is $90,000 to $102,000 annually. The position is envisioned as either a full-time, exempt, salaried position or as a contract employee. Requests for flexible schedules will be considered. Acadia Center currently has a remote work policy that may be subject to revision. This position requires residency in New Hampshire or Maine with access to state policymaking forums. Travel to regional forums and internal meetings is expected. Acadia Center offers competitive compensation aligned with peer nonprofit organizations, with a salary based on experience and skill level. Compensation is based on factors such as education, work experience, field knowledge, and skill set. For exempt salaried employees, benefits include healthcare, dental, retirement, disability, and PTO.
Diversity and Climate Justice Commitment
Acadia Center is committed to a diverse work environment that advances goals to remedy racial, environmental and climate justice issues. We value a workplace of mutual respect, the ability to learn from one another, and a team culture of inclusion, shared responsibilities, and decision-making. Acadia Center is devoted to the values and ethics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). People from diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. You can read more about our values regarding DEIJ on our mission webpage here.
About Acadia Center
Acadia Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions and climate policies that promote a livable climate and equitable economy. The organization collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots organizations to create innovative energy policies that address climate change and energy efficiency, focusing on electrification of buildings and transportation, clean energy transition, and resource management. Founded in 1998, Acadia Center engages in advocacy, technical analysis, and community-focused initiatives to drive regional and national action toward sustainable energy practices.
To Apply
To apply, please complete your application here. Phone calls will not be accepted.
Acadia Center offers a creative, respectful, and supportive work environment. Please contact us if you are motivated by the prospect of advancing a clean energy, low carbon future. Acadia Center invites applications from highly motivated people with experience in our issues.
Development Associate
Position Description
Acadia Center is seeking a Development Associate to manage a pipeline of institutional and major gifts accounts. As part of the development team, you will play an integral role in advancing Acadia Center’s institutional portfolio. The person in this role will support the Director, Foundation and Major Gifts in the management of existing grants, identification of new opportunities through research, proposal writing, reporting, and development of supporting materials to achieve fundraising goals and grant deliverables. This position will also work closely with teams across the organization, including programs, finance and communications to support grant implementation and donor stewardship. Acadia Center offers a creative, respectful, supportive work environment and seeks to build strong, diverse partnerships and networks.
Responsibilities
The position will have four primary areas of responsibility: (1) researching prospective foundations;(2) coordinating internal grants management; and (3) editing, drafting, and preparing foundation proposals and reports, (4) preparing meeting briefs and other collateral materials to support the leadership with donor prospecting.
- Manages the reporting process for current grants, including tracking deadlines, writing narrative reports, and working with programs team on prepare narrative reports for donors.
- Writes and edits proposals for new and renewed funding from institutional donors including philanthropic foundations, corporate foundations, family foundations and DAFs.
- Conducts research on prospective funders and grant opportunities.
- Collaborates with internal teams to effectively gather information necessary for the development and submission of funding proposals, concept notes and grant applications.
- Prepares necessary collateral materials and meeting briefs to support fundraising initiatives.
- Maintains grant calendar and ensures that the team is meeting the donor deadlines.
- Participates in donor meetings along with the leadership team.
Requirements
- Strong enthusiasm for Acadia Center’s mission and approach to advancing equitable climate solutions
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience with donor research and materials preparation
- Excellent organizational, grants management, and internal coordination skills
- Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines; sets priorities and schedules
- Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills
- Microsoft Office suite is a must
- Experience with Salesforce is a plus
- Strong verbal and written communication; knowledge and appreciation for grammar
- Collaborative, strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively
- Bachelor’s degree required, additional experience a plus
Benefits
Acadia Center compensation is competitive with non-profit peer groups. Compensation levels are expected to range from $65,000 to $75,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and familiarity with tasks needed. This is a full time or contractual (1099 required) position. Benefits include health care, dental, retirement, disability, and vacation. Acadia Center remains largely on a remote work schedule with in-office meetings as needed.
Position Location: NYC preferred, but open to Acadia Center locations in Boston, MA, Maine, Providence, RI or Hartford, CT.
Reports to: Director, Foundation and Major Gifts.
To Apply
To apply, please complete your application here. Phone calls will not be accepted.
Diversity and Climate Justice Commitment
Acadia Center is committed to a diverse work environment that advances goals to remedy racial, environmental, and climate justice issues. We value a workplace of mutual respect, the ability to learn from one another, and a team culture of inclusion, shared responsibilities, and decision-making. Acadia Center is devoted to the values and ethics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. People from diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Acadia Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Acadia Center seeks to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, or ancestry, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital or civil union status, military service, citizenship, or any other characteristics and traits protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Open Internships and Fellowships
Roger E. Koontz Fellow in Law and Climate Policy
Summer 2026
Posted: December 2025 – Position filled
Acadia Center is seeking motivated law and policy students to apply for its Roger E. Koontz Fellowship in Law and Climate Policy. The Koontz Fellow will work with Acadia Center staff – policy experts, researchers, attorneys, and communications professionals– on projects that directly impact the organization’s work. Depending on the work, the Fellow may have the opportunity to meet with policymakers, attend public meetings, and engage in coalition interactions. Projects will be assigned based on skills and interests and could include the following:
• Clean Energy and Community Engagement: Scoping issues for legal and policy review related to community and stakeholder engagement in the anticipated expansion of the region’s clean energy projects, power grid, and transmission, such as a review of the adequacy of current permitting processes to seek and engage community-level input.
• Energy Regulatory System Reform: Researching legal issues and policy solutions on issues involving the need to reform approaches to regional power grid and state-level utility planning, financing, and governance so that it advances clean energy, climate, consumer, and energy justice goals.
• Building Energy and Energy Justice: Using legal analysis to advance organizational initiatives on energy efficiency and building decarbonization to understand better the connections between energy equity and environmental justice issues and develop policy recommendations for housing and transportation/mobility.
• Legislative/Statutory Analysis: For example, examining state laws to assess agencies’ existing authority to advance policies to cap GHG emissions and trade emissions allowances.
• Regulatory Intervention Support: In policy dockets, rate cases, and other adjudicated proceedings before Public Utilities Commissions (PUC), provide legal support for ongoing regulatory interventions through discovery, interrogatory requests, testimony drafting, and more.
• Energy contract and procurement legal analysis and advocacy: in regional settings, such as multi-state procurements for offshore wind, or regional procurements for public policy transmission upgrades, help Acadia Center dissect and understand provisions of RFPs, contracts, and ISO-NE tariffs filed before FERC for their impact on costs, reliability, emissions reductions, equity, and beyond.
The position will also provide the opportunity to gain exposure to and understanding of climate and clean energy issues by drafting public comments, policy memos, or explanatory outreach materials, attending webinars, coalition meetings, and meeting with government officials and other stakeholder groups.
Candidates should possess a selection of the following skills:
• A strong interest in environmental, energy, or climate law and policy.
• An interest in the application of data, consumer, health, and equity analyses to law and policy.
• Interest in the role of energy efficiency and other clean energy programs, public policy, community,
state, and regional engagement, electric and gas utilities, buildings, and transportation energy use.
• Self-guided literature research, legal/docket research, conducting interviews, and preparing summaries.
• Knowledge of social media and digital media best practices is helpful.
• JD is preferred, MPP/MPA candidates are welcome to apply as well if they possess relevant legal experience.
The Koontz Fellow position is fully remote, though there may be possibilities for in-person connections near Acadia Center staff locations in Rockport, ME; Boston, MA; Providence, RI; Hartford, CT; and New York City. The fellowship is expected to run full-time for 8-10 weeks in June, July, and August and can be structured as full or flex time. Acadia Center will provide a stipend of $8,000-$13,000 (full-time level) depending on factors such as educational level, background experience, and schedule. Applicants are encouraged to seek support from other school or work support programs, such as those offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Diversity and Climate Justice Commitment
Acadia Center is committed to a diverse work environment that advances racial, environmental, and climate justice. We value a workplace of mutual respect, the ability to learn from one another, and a team culture of inclusion, shared responsibilities, and decision-making. We apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice values to our program and organization’s activities and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply.
Honoring Roger E. Koontz, Esq. (1940-2021)
Roger Koontz had an illustrious career as one of New England’s leading energy attorneys. Born in a small town in rural Illinois, Roger attended a one-room schoolhouse, winning a National Merit Scholarship and graduating with a BS in chemistry from the University of Illinois. He obtained his JD at Yale Law School, beginning his career at the New Haven Legal Assistance Association before moving to Connecticut Legal Services, where he served as Executive Director. His strong interest in environment and energy issues led him to staff the Conservation Law Foundation’s Connecticut office and form the firm Silverstone & Koontz with his friend and public interest attorney, David Silverstone, in Hartford for 17 years. Later, as counsel to Tyler, Cooper & Alcorn, Roger represented nonprofit organizations and small power producers on energy and utility issues. In 2001, Roger came out of retirement to assist Acadia Center, then Environment Northeast/ENE, in its efforts to stop an attempt by Enron Corporation to transfer over 100 million dollars from two new, publicly funded state clean energy funds into a project owned wholly by an Enron subsidiary. Roger’s legal skills helped defeat the project, a startling blow to one of the nation’s most powerful corporations. Roger worked with Acadia Center for the next decade as Senior Counsel, where he left his mark on a wide range of clean energy and regulatory reform precedents. Roger was a beloved mentor and friend to numerous staff. We are grateful for his work and presence in our organization.
To Apply
Current law and policy students with an interest in environmental, climate, or energy law and policy are invited to apply.