EDP Renewables is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and currently operates in more than 25 markets. With eight offices and several sites, at EDP Renewables North America, we are experienced developers and operators of renewable energy. Our portfolio includes wind farms, solar parks, energy storage projects, and green hydrogen solutions throughout the continent. We are ranked among the top 5 in the U.S. in operational renewable energy capacity.
Our company is part of EDP, a global energy group present in around 30 markets with a particular emphasis on renewable energies. With more than 45 years of experience, we have been consolidating a relevant presence on the world energy scene based on the commitment to be all-green by 2030, leading the energy transition. With more than 13,000 employees around the world, we are committed to using our energy and heart to drive a better tomorrow.The person in this position will be part of EDPR’s State Government Affairs team, and report directly to the Associate Director of State Government Affairs and Community Relations.
The position will cover two main areas of responsibility.First, the Government Affairs Senior Associate will be responsible for advancing EDPR’s and the broader renewable power industry’s interests through favorable policies developed at the state level in a region of several states in the Midwest, including primarily Indiana and Wisconsin, in addition to Michigan, Minnesota, North and South Dakota. Such policies would expand market and commercial opportunities for wind, solar and battery storage projects, reduce impediments to the development of EDPR projects, and ensure EDPR’s profitability.To develop these policies and prevent the adoption of policies not in EDPR’s interests, the Senior Associate will monitor and engage in legislative and executive branch activities, which may include assisting in the drafting of legislation, providing testimony before legislative or executive bodies, arranging meetings between key policymakers and EDPR executives, and any other appropriate means.
This can include meetings with federal officeholders either in their local district offices or, occasionally, trips to the national capital to meet with federal legislators and officials.Where applicable, the Senior Associate will engage and direct activities of contract lobbyists, working on behalf of EDPR, and will represent EDPR in trade associations to which the company belongs, including occupying leadership positions within those associations where possible. The Senior Associate will also be tasked with developing political giving plans for the states for which they are responsible and will promote colleague participation in the company employees’ political action committee.The Senior Associate will develop a solid understanding of EDPR’s business model and will regularly engage with and other teams within the company, including development, origination, environmental, operations, transmission, marketing, communications, and any applicable department. The Senior Associate will engage in regularly scheduled meetings and calls with other elements of the company and will provide regular oral and written reports on developments and activities within the states for which they are responsible. The second primary area of responsibility, which could amount to up to 30-40% of total time, is to provide direct support for individual company projects that require approval by local or state governments. As an acknowledged expert in government affairs, the Senior Associate will provide advice and guidance to the development team and others as they navigate local permitting and other approval processes and will monitor local media coverage impacting EDPR interests.The Senior Associate, along with peers in the department, will also help provide training to any colleagues within the company who have reason to interact with public officials, so that they have the tools to ensure those interactions are to EDPR’s benefit. The Senior Associate will also support Community Relations colleagues in such activities as hosting open houses or public meetings around EDPR projects.
Main Accountabilities:
- Represent EDPR in engaging with external consultants, public relations firms, lobbyists, trade associations, allied stakeholders, and others in building support for the company’s positions with elected and appointed officials, and other policy advocates and opinion leaders in the clean energy and climate advocacy community.
- Ensure EDPR and any lobbyists or consultants engaged by the company are in full and legal compliance with all requirements in the states for which the employee is responsible.
- Conduct research and analysis on markets, technologies, and policies to assist EDPR’s strategy with respect to entering new geographic markets and new technology markets, and with respect to shaping and advocating for new policy initiatives.
- Offer pro-active and innovative ideas that advance EDPR interests and increase public and policymaker support for EDPR projects.
- Prepare and present communications to key personnel, including executive leadership, outlining the implications of the market and policy analysis you’ve prepared.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to manage and channel information and analysis to those for whom it is of strategic or tactical value.
- In addition to supporting EDPR’s core business of utility-scale renewable and energy storage projects, when necessary, provide assistance to EDPR’s other business lines, including distributive generation and hydrogen.
- Additional duties as required.
Direct Reports:
None
Travel: 25-40%
Employment Type:
Full-Time
Work site:
Hybrid ModelWhat we are looking for:
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Energy/Environmental Policy/Law, Journalism/Communications, or a comparable field.
- 2+ years of related professional experience
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software and other online tools
- Competency in analytical problem solving; strong communication skills
Behavioral Requirements:
- Problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
- Ability to be self-motivated and to perform duties independently
- Ability to prioritize activities based on timing and impact so the focus is on the important
- Excellent project management and time-management skills
- Demonstrated efficiency in managing multi-disciplinary task
- Proven ability to learn new software programs
- Strong interest in renewable energy, other clean energy technologies, and climate policy
- Strong interpersonal skills, including a commitment to collegial relationships
- Ability to build relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders and with policymakers of often widely diverse views and philosophies
- Exemplary standards of integrity, honor, safety, management, ethics, quality, and productivity
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
- Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment
- Speech/Reading: Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
- Lifting: Ability to lift items weighing up to 15 pounds
- Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
- Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary
