State Affairs, Lead Specialist

Vestas•Portland, OR

9d•Remote

About The Position

Vestas-Steelhead Americas is seeking a proactive, politically savvy, and strategic State Affairs Lead Specialist to develop and execute state-level government affairs, stakeholder engagement, and public policy strategies that support Steelhead's development portfolio. This role is responsible for identifying and influencing legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting project siting, permitting, transmission, energy markets, and renewable energy development across Steelhead's priority states. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the State Affairs Lead Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to project teams and company leadership, representing Steelhead before elected officials, regulators, industry associations, trade organizations, and key external stakeholders. This position plays a critical role in advancing Steelhead's policy priorities, protecting company interests, and supporting successful project outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Affairs, Communications, Law, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, stakeholder engagement, renewable energy, infrastructure, or a related field.
Demonstrated success developing and executing legislative, regulatory, advocacy, or public affairs strategies.
Strong understanding of state legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, permitting requirements, and political landscapes.
Experience representing organizations before elected officials, regulatory agencies, trade associations, coalitions, and industry groups.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, community leaders, industry stakeholders, and business organizations.
Excellent communication, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and influence outcomes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and stakeholder, legislative, or issue-tracking databases (Quorum).
Willingness to travel as needed (up to 35%).

Nice To Haves

Experience in renewable energy, transmission, energy storage, utility regulation, lobbying, political campaigns, or related infrastructure sectors preferred.
Strategic and political thinker with strong policy judgment.
Skilled at influencing decision-makers and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Advanced relationship-building and coalition-management capabilities.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable business recommendations.
Effective communicator and public spokesperson.
Ability to manage competing priorities and complex projects under tight deadlines.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of state government affairs, stakeholder engagement, and public policy strategies in support of Steelhead's development portfolio.
Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, political, and market developments, providing strategic guidance to project teams and leadership.
Represent the company before state legislators, regulators, executive branch officials, industry associations, and key external stakeholders.
Develop and execute advocacy strategies, including legislative testimony, regulatory comments, policy positions, and issue briefs.
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, tribal governments, and other stakeholders as relevant.
Lead participation in trade associations, coalitions, and strategic partnerships to advance company priorities.
Manage external consultants, lobbyists, and public affairs partners while coordinating cross-functional engagement efforts.
Provide ongoing political and policy risk assessments, briefings, and recommendations throughout the project development lifecycle.
Other duties as assigned.