Director / Manager, Policy and Government Affairs

ACT (Alliance for Climate Transition) is the trusted business voice and connective thread for the energy transition and climatetech industry in the Northeast. We bring together companies, innovators, investors, policymakers, utilities, workforce partners, and strategic stakeholders to strengthen markets, accelerate deployment, and build a more resilient, equitable, affordable, and competitive regional energy economy.

At a time of unprecedented change in the energy sector, ACT works at the intersection of policy, innovation, workforce development, and strategic communications to address the barriers and opportunities shaping the future of energy. Through advocacy, convening, coalition building, market development, and thought leadership, ACT helps create the conditions necessary for clean energy and climatetech solutions to scale and succeed.

ACT's members and partners span the energy transition ecosystem, including clean energy developers, technology providers, manufacturers, investors, utilities, energy service companies, workforce organizations, research institutions, and large energy users. Together, they represent the businesses and organizations building the energy systems, technologies, and workforce of the future.

Position Summary

ACT is seeking a Director / Manager of Policy & Government Affairs to support and advance the organization's policy, advocacy, and government affairs efforts across New England.

This role is ideal for a policy professional who is passionate about the energy transition and interested in helping shape the legislative, regulatory, and market frameworks that will define the future of the Northeast energy economy.

Working closely with the Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, the Director/Manager will help develop policy positions, build and lead stakeholder coalitions, manage advocacy initiatives, engage members and partners, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and represent ACT in public forums. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator, strategic thinker, relationship builder, and project manager who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. 

Coalition leadership is central to this role: ACT brings together diverse companies and partners into common cause, and this person will be a primary convener, aligning stakeholders with varied and sometimes competing interests, sustaining momentum through complex negotiations, and translating member input into unified positions.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development & Advocacy

• Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative, regulatory, and market developments across New England.
• Conduct policy research and develop recommendations on issues affecting clean energy, climatetech, grid modernization, workforce development, and energy affordability.
• Draft policy memoranda, comment letters, testimony, briefing materials, position statements, and advocacy communications.
• Support ACT's participation in legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder proceedings.
• Coordinate member input and technical expertise to inform ACT policy positions.
• Develop policy updates, presentations, and educational materials for members and external audiences.

Government Affairs 

• Build and maintain productive relationships with policymakers, regulators, agency staff, coalition partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent ACT at public meetings, hearings, conferences, and stakeholder forums.
• Organize and support advocacy activities, including legislative meetings, lobby days, and policy-focused events.
• Help identify opportunities to advance ACT priorities through strategic partnerships and coalitions.

Coalition Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build, convene, and lead issue-based coalitions and working groups, bringing together members, allied organizations, and external stakeholders around shared policy goals.
• Facilitate alignment among partners with diverse and sometimes competing interests, developing consensus positions and maintaining cohesion through negotiation.
• Manage coalition operations end to end: setting agendas, driving decision-making, coordinating joint advocacy, and keeping partners engaged and accountable to shared objectives.
• Represent coalition positions in legislative and regulatory proceedings, public meetings, and stakeholder forums.

Member Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Serve as a trusted policy resource for ACT members.
• Lead and support policy committee meetings, working groups, and member briefings.
• Respond to member inquiries regarding policy developments and market trends.
• Support development of policy-related content for newsletters, webinars, events, and other member communications.
• Help elevate member perspectives and expertise through ACT's advocacy and communications efforts.

Organizational Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues across ACT's policy, innovation, workforce, membership, and communications initiatives.
• Support grant reporting, project deliverables, and organizational planning efforts related to policy programs.
• Contribute to ACT's membership recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts by demonstrating the value of ACT's policy work.
• Assist with special projects and organizational priorities as needed.
• As a member of a small, mission-driven team, contribute to cross-organizational efforts related to membership growth, member retention, sponsorship development, fundraising, events, and strategic partnerships that advance ACT's mission and long-term sustainability.
• Support funder, sponsor, and member engagement by providing policy expertise, participating in meetings and presentations, contributing to proposals and reports, and helping demonstrate the value and impact of ACT's work.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Environmental Studies, Energy Policy, Business, or a related field. Advanced degrees are welcome but not required. 

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience in public policy, government affairs, advocacy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
• Experience working on energy, climate, environmental, infrastructure, economic development, or related policy issues preferred.
• Familiarity with New England energy markets, state government processes, and regulatory structures is highly desirable.
• Experience working with coalitions, trade associations, nonprofits, government agencies, or industry organizations is a plus.
• Existing relationships with key New England states’ policymakers is ideal, but not required.
• Preferred experience navigating the intersection of energy policy, economic competitiveness, affordability, reliability, workforce development, and climate goals.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and policy research capabilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and compelling messages.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-starter who can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• Passion for advancing the clean energy transition and climate economy.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with CRM systems, project management tools, and policy tracking platforms is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is remote, with periodic travel throughout New England for meetings, events, conferences, and legislative or regulatory engagement. Some evening and early morning meetings may be required.

ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to operations@joinact.org.