Policy Advisor, Upstream

American Petroleum Institute•Washington, DC

8d•$125,929 - $170,691•Hybrid

About The Position

Provide technical, operational, and regulatory leadership to support API’s policy development and advocacy on key member issues affecting upstream oil and gas operations. Advance public policy related to offshore operations and/or wildlife and environmental issues in ways that positively impact exploration and production through regulatory engagement, legislative analysis, and coordinated communications. Represent API, its members, and the industry before federal regulatory agencies and Congress. Manage ongoing work through member committees; in coordination with API Communications, Legal, Government Affairs, Public Affairs and Global Industry Services; and in collaboration with other trade associations, coalition groups, and stakeholders. Develop and implement industry priorities and programs that support API and its members. Develop and execute national, regional, and state-based strategies aligned to API policy positions.

Requirements

5 - 7 years of experience in a similar role, with subject matter expertise in offshore oil and gas operations, federal access issues, and Endangered Species Act policy (Marine Species expertise preferred).
Demonstrated understanding of the offshore oil and natural gas industry, including the regulatory and stakeholder landscape.
Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the department, across the organization, and with member company representatives and allies.
Able to engage effectively with senior executives and support a technical program.
Ability to develop and execute policy agendas and plans; coordinate regulatory compliance efforts; and communicate effectively to gain support from API members and non-member companies.
Exercises strong judgment and discretion when engaging with regulatory agencies, policymakers, and elected officials.
Knowledge of federal administrative law and the rulemaking process.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze federal regulations and legislation affecting the oil and natural gas industry and to develop broad issues-management strategies.
Excellent communication (written, verbal, and visual), planning, and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience in public policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, or government is preferred.
Prior experience working with industry organizations and government agencies is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements policy positions related to offshore oil and gas production, development, and exploration, with emphasis on offshore access, operational safety, and environmental protection.
Maintains working knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and agency procedures; identifies and analyzes areas of concern for the industry; and communicates implications to internal and external stakeholders.
Partners with assigned committees to drive member engagement and consensus on approaches to regulations, legislation, and policies within assigned issue areas, consistent with API policy positions. Supports strategy development and execution with API staff, allied trades, coalitions, and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
Organizes and leads committee meetings, develops agendas, and facilitates outcomes aligned to committee goals.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with API members; the political and regulatory community; business partners; and other stakeholders.
Serves as a subject matter expert coordinating policy position and providing technical expertise for advocacy at the federal and state levels. Ensures consistency and alignment between API policy positions and advocacy efforts.
Provides input to annual budget planning; monitors spending; and manages projects and third-party contractors within area of responsibility.
Represents API and the industry as an advocate and spokesperson with national, state, and local policymakers (for example, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service), as well as private-sector companies, the media, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).