External Affairs Policy Manager

Deriva Energy•Charlotte, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The External Affairs Policy Manager supports Deriva Energy's public policy, government affairs, and regulatory engagement efforts by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, conducting policy research and analysis, coordinating stakeholder engagement activities, and supporting advocacy initiatives that advance the company's strategic objectives. This role serves as a key contributor in evaluating emerging policy issues impacting the renewable energy industry, developing position materials and briefing documents, maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, and supporting interactions with government officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and community organizations. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and relationship-management skills, along with a working understanding of energy policy, regulatory processes, RTO/ISO markets, and the renewable energy sector. This role reports directly to the VP of External Affairs, Regulatory Strategy, and Communications. This position will be located at Deriva Energy Headquarters based in Charlotte, NC.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Public Administration, Law, Energy Policy, Communications, Business, or a related field required
Five (5) or more years of experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory affairs, legislative affairs, political consulting, energy policy, or related fields
Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at federal, state, and local levels
Knowledge of energy policy, renewable energy markets, and regulatory frameworks preferred
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear business implications
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Excel
Ability to travel periodically for meetings, conferences, legislative sessions, and industry events
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or advanced education in a related discipline
Direct experience monitoring or engaging in multi-state legislative and regulatory processes
Experience working with legislative, regulatory, or governmental processes
Renewable energy, utility, energy storage, environmental, or infrastructure industry experience
Familiarity with RTO/ISO market structures (PJM, MISO, SPP, ERCOT) and FERC proceedings
Experience with legislative/regulatory tracking software

Responsibilities

Monitor, research, and analyze federal, state, regional, and local legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting renewable energy, energy storage, transmission, and related business operations, with particular attention to Deriva Energy's active development states and RTO/ISO footprints (including PJM, MISO, SPP, and ERCOT)
Develop policy briefs, issue papers, presentations, and executive summaries to inform leadership decision-making, including regular briefings for C-suite and executive leadership on fast-moving issues
Support the development and execution of public policy strategies aligned with Deriva Energy's business objectives and growth initiatives
Evaluate potential business impacts associated with proposed legislation, regulations, and regulatory proceedings
Assist in developing company positions on policy matters and regulatory initiatives
Support engagement efforts with elected officials, government agencies, regulators, legislative staff, and industry stakeholders
Coordinate meetings, briefings, and communications with government and regulatory representatives
Build and maintain productive working relationships with external stakeholders that support Deriva Energy's strategic priorities
Represent Deriva Energy's interests in industry associations, coalitions, and working groups, including tracking association positions against Deriva's own interests and flagging areas of divergence to leadership
Track and communicate key developments emerging from legislative and regulatory activities
Maintain awareness of policy and regulatory developments across key markets where Deriva Energy operates or pursues development opportunities, using legislative/regulatory tracking platforms
Monitor legislative sessions, regulatory proceedings, rulemakings, and agency actions relevant to the company's business
Coordinate internal communication of policy developments and emerging risks or opportunities, including maintaining a project-level exposure matrix linking policy developments to specific development and operating assets
Assist in preparing responses, comments, testimony, and other regulatory filings as needed
Support advocacy initiatives that promote renewable energy development and favorable policy outcomes
Assist in preparing briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and position statements for executive leadership
Represent Deriva Energy at public meetings, hearings, conferences, industry events, and stakeholder forums as assigned
Coordinate policy-related projects and initiatives involving internal and external stakeholders
Help communicate Deriva Energy's policy priorities and industry perspectives to relevant audiences
Partner with Commercial, Development, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Communications, Operations, and Executive Leadership teams to ensure alignment on policy priorities and advocacy strategies
Provide policy analysis and strategic recommendations to support business planning and project development activities
Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned