Session Associate, Legislative Affairs

Session Associate, Legislative Affairs

Application Deadline: 17 October 2026

Department: Policy Solutions & Implementation

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: St. Paul

Compensation: $4,800 / month

Description

Each legislative session, Fresh Energy works to support a range of priorities at the Minnesota State Legislature to help move Minnesota towards an equitable, carbon neutral economy. Minnesota has historically been a regional leader in clean energy policy; advancing solutions at the state capitol is critical to seeing the greenhouse gas emissions reductions we need both here in Minnesota, as well as nationally. The role of the session-only position will help support the fast-paced work of tracking and advancing our priorities. This position will work with the Policy Solutions and Implementation team, the Communications team, policy experts across our organization, and organizational partners to support these efforts. 

The Session Associate, Legislative Affairs is a temporary, full-time position with a start date in mid- December of 2026 and an end date in late May 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Support Fresh Energy’s capacity to deliver legislative advancements in clean energy policy, in coordination with Fresh Energy’s public affairs strategy. 

• Act as key team member for advancing Fresh Energy’s legislative priorities during the 2026 legislative session.
• Read, track, and share relevant bill introductions internally.
• Attend and monitor legislative committee hearings and floor sessions (this will be a combination of virtually and in-person).
• Communicate internally with the Public Affairs team and Fresh Energy staff about relevant developments at the Capitol.
• Represent Fresh Energy in coalition meetings with partner organizations.
• Coordinate with Capitol staff members and Fresh Energy policy experts regarding Fresh Energy written and verbal testimony in committees.
• As needed, develop written materials to submit to legislative committees for the public record.
• Support Fresh Energy’s communications team by contributing written content for Fresh Energy’s website, social media and digital platforms. 
• Conduct and/or participate in specific policy and legislative research tasks and projects as assigned.

Actively participate in Fresh Energy’s culture of collaboration and model our core values.  

• Model organization core values such as acting with honesty and integrity and acting to advance equity and justice. 
• Exhibit a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and provide leadership in continually advancing Fresh Energy’s commitment to equity and being an anti-racist organization. 
• Work effectively in the context of the Public Affairs team, the broader Fresh Energy team, and with external partners, enhancing collaboration by maintaining good communication, seeking and respecting diverse viewpoints, engendering trust, fulfilling responsibilities, and ensuring that all team members and their contributions are valued. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Interest in legislative advocacy and working familiarity with Minnesota’s legislative process. 
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines for completion of projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skill
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and general comfort level with learning new IT applications and platforms.
• Commitment to the mission & values of Fresh Energy. 

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience meeting annual targets.  
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

Benefits

The position will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Six (6) days of PTO from day 1 of employment (must be taken within the duration of their employment at Fresh Energy with your coach’s agreement), and applicable Fresh Energy paid holidays, with a flexible, family-friendly schedule.  
• Eligible to participate in medical and dental plans, additional voluntary vision, long-term disability, life, AD&D insurance. Employee may elect COBRA after the duration of their employment at Fresh Energy ends.
• We incentivize transit, biking, and walking, offering a dollar-for-dollar bus pass match. We also offer $3 for each trip to and from work by bike or walk, and an indoor bike storage area. There is the option to partake in the building’s fitness center and showers that are available for Fresh Energy staff as part of being a tenant of 81 on Seventh.
• Eligible to participate in Fresh Energy’s 403(b) plan.
• Eligible for reimbursement up to $65/month for Coach approved cellphone plan.
• Employee will be provided with an organization owned laptop and subsequent IT equipment as required by the role.
• Eligible to participate in individual and joint professional workshops and trainings. The employee may participate in 1 training course outside of Fresh Energy, with coach approval. 
• Short Fridays - the Fresh Energy office closes at noon every Friday. 
• We are intentional in co-creating a relevant and inclusive flexible hybrid workplace. We foster a respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. Learn more about working at Fresh Energy here: https://fresh-energy.org/our-team/working-at-fresh-energy/