Government Affairs Lead - South Central & SPP (Energy & Data Centers)

Intersect • Austin, TX

50d • $214,000 - $225,000

About The Position

As part of Intersect’s Government Affairs team, you’ll serve as the regional digital policy expert for the South Central region, supporting expansion across the broader Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and ERCOT footprints. This role coordinates state-level legislative activity in partnership with the Head of Texas Government Affairs and leads regulatory engagement affecting the company’s business interests, including work with state agencies, utility commissions, grid operators (ERCOT and SPP), and administrative and executive branch officials.
You’ll represent Intersect externally with trade associations, digital infrastructure organizations, energy and data center industry groups, and NGOs, while leading campaigns to advance legislative and regulatory priorities. The role supports Intersect’s growing AI and cloud-infrastructure strategy and works closely with regional Development, Permitting, and Community Engagement teams. This position reports to the Head of State Government Affairs and is based in-region (Texas preferred), with required in-person engagement across assigned states.

Team Overview
This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect’s mission to accelerate the clean energy transition by shaping policy environments that enable responsible growth at scale. Through close collaboration with internal partners and external stakeholders, the Government Affairs team ensures alignment between company priorities, political realities, and market conditions, helping unlock long-term value for communities, customers, and the business.

Requirements

• At least 5+ years of private-sector experience interacting with state energy policy or managing government affairs • in Texas or comparable South Central states
• Experience working on public policy issues related to data centers, digital infrastructure, cloud computing, AI, or other large energy-intensive facilities
• Familiarity with the policy landscape surrounding cloud services and AI, including data governance, cybersecurity, and AI safety or accountability, with the ability to translate technical concepts into policy-relevant terms
• Experience navigating land use, zoning, and permitting processes for large-scale industrial, digital, or energy infrastructure projects
• Working knowledge of environmental resource issues associated with large energy-intensive facilities, including energy and water usage, emissions, and power procurement, and the ability to advocate for practical, data-driven policy solutions
• Understanding of electric power system planning for large loads, including interconnection, transmission constraints, and co-location strategies for new generation or storage
• Demonstrated success in coalition-building and stakeholder alignment
• Strong political judgment and commercial sensibility
• Excellent problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills
• Ability to summarize complex issues and translate them into actionable strategies
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Highly driven, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with the ability to work effectively in a remote-first environment
• Ability to maintain discretion and exercise sound judgment

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with ERCOT and SPP market design and interconnection processes, strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Advance State Legislative and Regulatory Strategy
• Represent the company before state legislatures, public utility commissions, grid operators (ERCOT, SPP), and relevant state agencies across Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and adjacent states
• Identify and advance strategic policy priorities enabling energy and data center/AI infrastructure development
• Advocate the company’s positions and build consensus across legislative offices, regulatory staff, grid operators, and industry partners
• Lead campaigns and deploy resources to accomplish Government Affairs objectives at the state level
• Build and Manage External Relationships
• Maintain strong relationships with policymakers, executive officials, staff, and regional stakeholders
• Engage actively in regional and national associations related to energy, data centers, cloud infrastructure, and AI policy
• Build coalitions of aligned corporate, community, and third-party interests to advance priority outcomes
• Represent Intersect with trade associations, digital infrastructure organizations, industry groups, and NGOs
• Provide Internal Policy Leadership and Insight
• Serve as an internal expert on government and regulatory dynamics in assigned states and translate emerging risks into recommended actions
• Understand critical milestones for development, permitting, and community engagement teams and provide support where a government affairs nexus exists
• Manage internal communications and reporting on policy issues, regulatory developments, and advocacy efforts
• Manage Resources and Operations
• Plan, budget, and manage outside consultants, lobbyists, technical advisors, and legal counsel
• Manage and deliver the regional political contribution budget effectively and transparently
• Potentially manage regional Government Affairs staff as the team expands
• Support additional responsibilities as required to advance company objectives

Benefits

• 100% premium coverage for you and your dependents on medical, dental, and vision
• Unlimited PTO, plus two company-wide breaks (Fourth of July & end of year)
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, plus 6 additional weeks for birth parents; access to family planning and family care support through Carrot and Maven
• Free access to Spring Health, including 5 free therapy and psychiatry sessions, plus a Headspace account for mindfulness and meditation through our physical health vendor, Wellhub+
• $150 monthly food stipend, $150 monthly reimbursement for cell phone and internet, pet insurance allowance, full home office setup, free access to UrbanSitter with $625 in quarterly company-paid credits, ActiveHero, and One Medical

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed