About Sovereign Energy 

Sovereign Energy prioritizes Indigenous voices and leadership to achieve a just, equitable, and sustainable energy future. Operating at the intersection of energy, environment, and cultural resource preservation, we recognize the adverse impacts of ongoing energy extraction, exploitation, and political barriers on Tribal energy sovereignty, Tribal Nation building, and Indigenous communities. Our mission is to transform this landscape by empowering Indigenous communities to spearhead a regenerative energy future, advance climate goals with meaningful actions, and advocate for reparations for the injustices inflicted by harmful energy practices. We achieve this through our foundational initiatives: Renewable energy education, Tribal capacity building, policy and regulatory advocacy, and cultural resource protection.

As an Indigenous-led organization, Sovereign Energy is committed to supporting Tribes and Indigenous people by adhering to values that reflect our cultural core beliefs.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Tribal Energy Policy Coordinator will support with: 

Scope of Work 

Research & Writing 

• Proactively research, track, and analyze federal, state, local, and Tribal policy issues and latest research trends in the energy sector, synthesizing information to determine how it will impact Sovereign Energy’s work and target communities.

• Develop detailed policy briefs, reports, and recommendations based on data-driven insights.

• Assist in the development and execution of advocacy strategies, including drafting, reviewing, and revising policy and regulatory/administrative technical comments (especially under the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act), letters, and other documents.

• Write and edit clear and concise short-form op-eds, articles, briefs, proposals, and reports that translate complex local, state, and federal policies and analyses into digestible information and policy recommendations for different audiences, including Tribal governance, policymakers, and the renewable energy sector.

• Assist with closing research gaps in existing work products and provide edits, citations, literature reviews, and project management.

• Extract, collect, and aggregate data across databases, survey responses, and other sources; ensure data quality by verifying existing data for consistency and accuracy; code data for analysis; and analyze coded data to generate research findings and policy recommendations.

• Synthesize and derive actionable research conclusions that inform recommendations for policy and regulatory interventions or legislative advocacy.

Outreach & Engagement 

• Build and collaborate with coalitions of stakeholders —including Tribal leadership, Tribal entities, frontline communities, environmental justice advocates, federal and state entities, and renewable energy developers — on topics such as transmission development, renewable energy siting, and cultural resource protection.

• Present research and policy findings at webinars, funder meetings, via the media, or at conferences and other forums.

• Support development and actionize distribution and audience engagement plans by actively participating in planning meetings and listening sessions with partners and clients to develop report themes and content.

• Partner with stakeholders to identify actionable research and engage in participatory research methodologies.

• Participate in or organize convenings to identify new research topics, partner with organizations and other stakeholders advancing Sovereign Energy’s policy recommendations, or learn about a diverse array of policy and research needs.

Organizational 

• Provide thoughtful leadership about the direction of the organization, the design of our strategy and impact, and the implementation of our work.

• Support refining a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns Sovereign Energy’s policy and regulatory work with its mission, Tribal priorities, and programmatic areas as an internal roadmap for Policy & Regulatory Advocacy work through 2026 and beyond.

• Build Sovereign Energy’s presence and foster a positive public image of the organization among Tribal communities and networks through networking and speaking engagements.

• Support effective integration of organization-wide priorities and planning efforts.

Qualifications 

• Deep understanding of the principles and practices of Tribal Nation building, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental and climate justice.

• Knowledge of federal statutes related to Tribal sovereignty, Tribal renewable energy development, environmental preservation, and Tribal historic and cultural resource preservation.

• Strong political analysis of Indigenous issues from both lived and professional experience.

• Proficiency with scientific material related to energy and the environment.

• Ability to translate, identify, and integrate all relevant technical material for energy projects.

• Experience in technical assistance, feasibility assessments, project planning, and energy development.

• Experience in identifying and securing funding for energy projects.

• Strong research skills with the ability to summarize and explain complex issues and concepts clearly and concisely.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Minimum of three years of experience working directly with Tribal Nations and Tribal entities.

• Minimum of two years of experience in legislative or regulatory affairs. 

• Minimum of two years of experience in science communication, media studies, grant writing, or technical reporting.

Mindsets

• Strong commitment to serving Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities within a mission-driven organization.

• Passion for building strong new capacity at a growing organization

• Effective project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Enthusiasm for Tribal energy issues and educational opportunities.

• Strong strategic thinking and excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy. 

• High motivation, initiative, and the ability to collaborate in both team-based and individual work settings.

Location 

This is a remote position; however, applicants must reside in New Mexico. The role may require in-state travel up to 25% of the time.

Position Details

• This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $70,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience. 

• Benefits will begin after a 90-day probationary period.

• Health and Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance provided

• Time-Off Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 3 weeks annually

  • Personal Leave: 4 days annually

  • Floating Holidays: Available to accommodate religious and cultural observances

How To Apply 

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to marissa@sovereignenergy.org with the subject line:  “Tribal Energy Policy Coordinator” by November 30, 2025. 

Please note that the hiring process includes two virtual interviews and a written assignment.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Sovereign Energy team!