Principal

The Ad Hoc Group, LLC (AHG)
AHG is a specialized consulting firm that helps climate tech startups grow successful businesses in complex, regulated markets. We are experts at the intersection of policy and business, on a mission to help scale the technology businesses needed to combat climate change. We’ve assisted companies like Dandelion, Rondo Energy, Charm Industrial, VEIR, Octopus Energy, Stripe Climate, SPAN, Impulse, and many more to shape their market and accelerate growth.

AHG is a team of advisors and consultants with a wide range of professional backgrounds. We’re passionate about solving the climate crisis and believe that building successful climate tech companies is essential to this solution. We bring experience as startup operators, founders, and energy market experts, and strive to connect with startups, advocates, investors, regulators, and customers within the climate tech community. We build authentic, long-term relationships based on human connection and the belief that community is more powerful than a network. You can read more about our values and company culture [here].

About the Position

Principals at AHG are senior consultants who manage multiple project teams and client accounts. The Principal leads client engagements, helping clients develop and implement go-to-market, sales, and policy strategies to advance revenue and growth goals. This role leverages industry expertise and relationships to deliver insights and business outcomes, ensuring that AHG consistently meets or exceeds client expectations. The Principal also supports business development and is expected to build and deepen relationships in the market.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with experience in a client-facing role at the intersection of business and policy, eager to impact climate tech startups. Successful Principals find professional development opportunities at AHG, including a pathway to company leadership. Principals report to a member of the Leadership Team.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as lead consultant and project manager on client engagements, collaborating with junior colleagues, advisors, and the Leadership team to develop and execute go-to-market strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Develop strategic collateral to support business outcomes for clients, including sales and investor decks, proposals, regulatory comments, and testimony before public utility commissions and other bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with AHG’s clients, VC partners, utility officials, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
• Represent and advance clients’ interests with key stakeholders as an extension of their team.
• Manage the professional development of junior client-facing consultants.
• Support AHG’s growth through business and organizational development efforts.
• Build AHG’s brand through thought leadership and industry events.

What We’re Looking For

Core Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience in organizations such as startups, consulting firms, utilities, government, or advocacy groups; a combination is preferred.
• 3+ years in a client-facing role (e.g., sales, business development, policy advocacy) in the energy sector or with startups.
• 2+ years of people management experience with a proven ability to mentor and coach junior staff.
• In-depth expertise in energy policy and markets, with significant experience in one or more of AHG’s focus areas: eMobility, Grid/Energy Services, Building Decarbonization, Industrial Decarbonization, Resilience, and Carbon Removal.
• Strong network within the utility, climate tech, and government sectors, including public utilities commissions, governor’s energy offices, and federal agencies.
• Proven ability to achieve business outcomes in complex regulatory markets.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with frequent context-switching.
• Collaborative work style with experience in cross-functional and matrixed environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information through accessible narratives.
• Strong prioritization skills and focus on objectives that support startup growth.
• Critical and empathetic thinker with a nuanced understanding of climate policy and energy justice issues.

Preferred Requirements

• MBA, MPP, or related Master’s degree.

Location

Flexible with a preference for one of our hub cities. AHG is a hybrid/remote firm with offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, and New York. Up to 15% domestic travel may be required. We hold mandatory team retreats twice a year in our hub cities.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting pay for this role is typically between $160,000 and $190,000, depending on experience, location, and other job-related factors. The role is eligible for a bonus (15%+ annually) and participation in the Equity Incentive Plan, allowing employees to share in AHG’s growth and success. We offer competitive benefits, including a 401(k) with a 3% employer contribution, group medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $1,500 annual professional development benefit, and flexible PTO.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the Ad Hoc Group’s online portal, indicating the position for which you are applying. In your cover letter, address the following questions: Can you provide an example of a client engagement that led to a critical win in an energy market? What was your approach, and what lessons would you bring to AHG?

Interview Process and Timeline

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• 2-3 interviews will be conducted in October and early November.
• Top candidates will complete a homework assignment, possibly presented to a panel.
• Finalists will be invited for in-person interviews in one of our hub cities.
• Reference checks will be conducted for 2-3 finalists.
• We anticipate making an offer by the end of November or early December, with a start date in December or January 2025.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to AHG’s values and success. We are committed to building an inclusive culture and encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Climate change disproportionately affects historically marginalized communities, and we believe that addressing the climate crisis requires the leadership and inclusion of those most impacted. AHG is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming candidates from varied backgrounds and perspectives. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email [email protected].

This position is at-will, and this description is a summary of the typical responsibilities. Actual duties may differ, and other tasks may be assigned.