Senior Director, Policy (Federal)

The Senior Director, Policy (Federal) supports Elevate’s mission by ensuring its mission and strategies are well-represented in the federal policy environment and brings Elevate’s expertise to federal policy actions. The Sr. Director, Policy (Federal) leads Elevate’s federal policy initiatives and advocacy efforts and collaborates with the Policy Team to inform integration of those efforts at the state and local levels; ensuring the furtherance of Elevate’s mission to advance clean, affordable energy, and water at the intersection of racial economic justice. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy is a newly created position and is responsible for furthering Elevate’s leadership and effectiveness in the federal space, creating opportunities to partner with, and is responsive to the needs of environmental justice and other historically underserved populations and communities. The Sr. Director, Federal Policy keeps Elevate staff, partners, stakeholders, and the broader policy ecosystem informed on relevant federal initiatives. The position represents Elevate in key White House and federal department initiatives and leads and serves on working groups, advisory groups, and other relevant federal policy forums.

The Sr. Director, Policy (Federal) reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer and works virtually from the Washington, DC, Maryland – Virginia area to attend in-person meetings, Congressional hearings, and other relevant in-person federal policy-related activities and events. Willingness to travel approximately 30% as needed to Elevate’s corporate headquarters in Chicago, IL, and for key meetings with funders, partners, and other relevant travel needs is required. This position is also required to work outside of regular working hours, including but not limited to, congressional hearings and meetings, policy forums, press conferences, and other key activities.

Responsibilities

In partnership with the External Affairs, Programs, and Strategic Partnerships divisions, lead the overall development of Elevate’s federal policy strategies, actions, visibility, and internal and external capacity building.
In partnership with the Sr. Director of Policy, lead and inform the development of Elevate’s organizational policy platform and policy agenda by partnering across the organization and with strategic external partners and key stakeholders.
Execute the implementation of Elevate’s policy agenda at the federal level working closely with the communications and research and innovation teams to inform the development of advocacy tools and resources to support successful policy agenda execution.
Collaborate closely with Elevate’s state policy staff to inform federal state and local strategies.
Develop and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, key federal department staff, and other key policymaking bodies and influencers.
Design and implement additional activities that spotlight Elevate’s issues, promising practices, champions, and encourage policymakers to adopt strong, principled positions on our policy issues.
Ensure comprehensive internal communication to keep Elevate’s leadership and staff informed about key federal actions and the implications for our work.
Represent Elevate at external policy forums, including in-person meetings, conference calls, and events that occur outside daytime working hours and on short notice.
Participate in the development of funding proposals, develop reports and presentations to funders, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a relevant subject areaor equivalent work experience required
At least ten (10+) years of relevant professional experience tracking and analyzing legislative actions and bills for their immediate and long-term impact. Including direct experience working on Capitol Hill, with federal departments, and in partnership with key stakeholders on both policy and regulatory initiatives
Longstanding experience working with and on behalf of racial equity and justice and communities that have been historically disinvested
Deep understanding of political and federal legislative processes
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and balance multiple high-level responsibilities simultaneously, including bringing projects or initiatives to scale
Familiarity with climate and environmental policy and its practical implications
Brings a sense of joy and positivity, and demonstrates persistence, initiative, and creativity
Experience working within an organization and in collaboration with people of all backgrounds and cultures
Works in a nonpartisan manner with a wide variety of partners in the advancement of policy and regulatory goals
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with ability to produce high-quality analysis of laws and/or legislation, often under short notice
Strong self-starter with previous team management experience
Public speaking skills and ability to speak on behalf of the organization, often before Members of Congress and federal officials
Ability to maintain confidentiality when required

Organization Description

We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, promote economic participation, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.

At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there’s no better place to grow your career than Elevate.

Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an exempt individual contributor position with a salary range of $125,000 – $135,000, based on experience.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ADA Accommodation

Elevate will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elevate. Contact the People Team with any questions or requests for accommodations.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through our candidate portal at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/. Search for “Senior Director, Policy (Federal)” to find the position listing.

Please note that Elevate will only contact candidates via an elevatenp.org email address. We will never ask a candidate for payment of any kind as part of the hiring or onboarding process or send payment to any candidate prior to completing the hiring and onboarding process.

No phone calls please.