Policy Principal - Central

Position Description

United seeks an enthusiastic, smart, innovative Principal with a background in issue advocacy and/or coalition building at the state level to join our policy and campaign team. The principal will work with United team members to develop and implement multi-year strategies and initiatives designed to achieve policy successes at the state level that will accelerate the clean energy transition while expanding markets for the advanced energy industry. The Principal will craft and execute creative strategies to: enact pro-advanced energy policies in key states in our Central Region, primarily Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with secondary focus on  Wisconsin and Texas; educate and build support for advanced energy technologies and policies among key decision-makers within states; engage in regulatory proceedings in states; support and advocate for the implementation of the state and federal laws by state regulatory and executive agencies; defend existing advanced energy policies; and educate and activate policymakers and executive agency staff on regional solutions needed to achieve 100% clean energy. The principal will also lead, execute and/or support United’s regulatory engagements in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Candidates will need to have the ability to travel to meet with United members, coalition allies and stakeholders, and public officials.   

Key Skills for Success 

Have A Mind for Policy: Market opportunities for the advanced energy industry are driven by policy. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of regulatory processes but also some knowledge of legislative processes. Experience in energy and utility policy is a bonus but not completely necessary. 

Be Small “p” Political: Recognizing opportunity, understanding power dynamics, and building coalitions to seize policy opportunities is a key to success for creating a policy environment that allows advanced energy to thrive. The ideal candidate doesn’t need to have an extensive background in politics but does need to know how legislative and regulatory systems work and be able to recognize whether an issue is better addressed in the regulatory or legislative arena. A candidate should be excited about engaging in the politics of the policy-making process and building rapport and relationships with agency staff and decision makers. 

Project Management Skills & a Drive to Get Things Done: The ideal candidate must have the ability to keep multiple projects organized and on track, communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, and the drive and sense of urgency to advance policies while simultaneously navigate relationships with various types of entities (legislators, regulators, staff of decision-makers, members, allied organizations, etc.) 

Responsibilities 

• Serve as point person for United’s work in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, and support our engagements in Texas and Wisconsin, while collaborating and coordinating with United policy team members, as well as members, partners and allies.
• Develop and implement strategies to accelerate achievement of 100% clean energy and meet short- and long-term policy objectives. These could be legislative, administrative, or regulatory, or a mix of all three. 
• Work with United member companies to develop policy positions and reach consensus on policy positions on key issues. 
• Draft comments, testimony, reports, presentations, fact sheets, and other written and visual materials needed for education and advocacy efforts and deliver verbal presentations as necessary.  
• Work with our communications team to identify opportunities for United to seek earned media coverage. Draft press statements, write blog posts, participate in webinars, engage with reporters, and create opportunities to showcase advanced energy.  
• Organize member engagement opportunities through direct decision-maker engagement (policy briefings, candidate education, etc.), earned media, and participation in legislative, rulemaking, and administrative processes, as needed. 
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with coalition partners and identify and cultivate relationships with new allies. Engage in coordination and advocacy efforts with coalition allies in support of clean energy goals. 
• Manage attorney relationships and their engagement in regulatory efforts as needed.  Work with in-state lobbyists to identify key decision-makers and their staff with whom to engage on policy education and advocacy efforts.
• Travel on an as needed basis (up to 30%) within the region and occasionally elsewhere, for advocacy days, meetings with key allies and stakeholders, conferences, trainings, member convenings, and other efforts on behalf of United. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, public policy, or communications preferred or applicable comparable experience; master's degree in a relevant area or law degree is a plus.
• 4-6 years of professional experience in regulatory policy work related to the energy, climate, or utility sector. 
• Superb written and verbal communications skills.  A candidate must be able to independently draft clear, comprehensive, and persuasive written documents appropriate for intended audiences.
• Intellectual curiosity, inquisitive nature, and excellent listening and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in professional settings participating in and, when necessary, leading efforts toward an agreed upon goal and being “bottom line” responsible for quality finished products.
• Entrepreneurial approach, flexible attitude, and ability to handle multiple projects in a deadline-sensitive environment. 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Performance-oriented individual with a strong work ethic, demonstrated initiative, and commitment to achieving goals.
• Understanding of politics and outside game to move policy including communications, direct lobbying, and grassroots/grasstops organizing.
• Interest in energy and transportation issues and an understanding of the importance of policy advocacy to advance an organizational agenda.
• Must have a sense of humor, recognize there is always more to learn, and not take oneself too seriously.
• Must be willing to travel.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is required to sit for long periods of time; reach with hands and arms; may need to balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, walk up and down stairs.

Job type: Full-time; regular

Location: REMOTE; residence in the U.S. required; residence in Illinois, Indiana or Michigan highly preferred

Salary starting at: $78,000

Start Date: January/February 2025

 Advanced Energy United Perks include:

•    Remote work and flexible schedule

•    Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families 

•    Medical premiums covered for employees at 100%

•    Flexible spending plans for health care and dependent care 

•    Profit sharing opportunities and annual merit-based compensation increases

•    $50/month personal wellness reimbursement

•    $50/month phone stipend

•    Up to $200 reimbursement for home office set-up

•    Accrued Paid Time Off, 11 federal holidays, and an annual end-of-year closure

•    Parental Leave

•    Professional development reimbursement

•    401(k) plan (with matching incentives)

•    WMATA Transit Smart Benefits (DC, MD, VA employees)

Advanced Energy United is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application, interview process, and/ or to perform essential job functions please contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@advancedenergyunited.org. We are committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice across our organization (“DEIJ”). We also incorporate these values into our mission of making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. We know that varied perspectives and a commitment to social justice are needed to succeed in making the United States an advanced energy economy. We commit to building and supporting an inclusive workforce that represents different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints.