Director, Federal Affairs

About Us

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the leading voice of today’s multi-tech clean energy industry, representing energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar, clean hydrogen, and transmission companies. ACP is committed to meeting America’s energy and national security goals and building our economy with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power. Learn more at cleanpower.org
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Position Summary

The Director, Federal Affairs advances ACP’s federal advocacy by leading congressional engagement within a defined portfolio that includes appropriations, the Farm Bill, and select aspects of offshore wind policy. In this capacity, the Director develops and executes strategies that strengthen the industry’s presence on Capitol Hill, build constructive partnerships with policymakers, and ensure ACP remains a trusted and solutions-oriented resource.

This role works in close coordination with the Vice President of Federal Affairs and fellow Directors to ensure portfolio efforts align with ACP’s broader federal affairs strategy. The Director also collaborates across internal teams and with external consultants to deliver integrated advocacy that reflects both near-term opportunities and ACP’s long-term positioning.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Lead and own ACP’s congressional engagement and advocacy strategy within the assigned portfolio areas—appropriations, the Farm Bill, and select offshore wind issues—ensuring alignment with the broader federal affairs strategy led by the Vice President and coordinated across other Directors.

Expand and strengthen relationships with legislators and staff across all levels of Congress, positioning ACP as a constructive, credible, and solutions-oriented partner.

Develop and execute advocacy strategies within the assigned portfolio that enhance the visibility and reputation of the clean power industry, ensuring messaging reflects long-term credibility and resilience.

Represent ACP externally at hearings, briefings, fundraisers, coalition meetings, and other political forums relevant to the assigned portfolio.

Prepare and deliver high-quality advocacy materials, including fact sheets, policy briefs, and member-facing updates tailored to congressional and policymaker audiences in the portfolio areas.

Facilitate member engagement in legislative advocacy, identifying key champions and opportunities to align company voices with ACP’s portfolio priorities.

Guide and coordinate external consultants/lobbyists working on appropriations, the Farm Bill, or offshore wind, ensuring their efforts complement ACP’s strategy, messaging, and reputation goals.

Collaborate across ACP departments (Policy, Communications, State Affairs, Member Relations) to ensure integrated messaging and coordination on portfolio priorities.

Monitor and analyze legislative developments in appropriations, the Farm Bill, and offshore wind, providing timely updates, strategic recommendations, and forward-looking analysis to senior leadership and members.

Serve as lead staffer for relevant ACP member committees or working groups, guiding discussion, strategy development, and advocacy execution specific to the assigned portfolio.

Education, Experience & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, environmental science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

8+ years of experience in legislative or government affairs roles, with demonstrated knowledge of the federal policymaking process.

Previous Hill staff or federal lobbying experience and familiarity with the appropriations process required.

Demonstrated ability to own and drive strategy within a defined policy portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Proven success in building and maintaining relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and member companies; able to communicate effectively with audiences at all levels.

Familiarity with federal energy and appropriations issues, including key statutes and regulatory bodies (DOE, Ag, EPA). Familiarity with agriculture policy/Farm Bill is a plus.

Strong record of advocacy and representation, including preparing persuasive materials, delivering concise briefings, and representing organizational priorities in external forums.

Demonstrated strength in planning and strategy, including anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and aligning initiatives with long-term objectives.

Experience guiding and influencing across teams, member committees, or external partners, with the ability to foster collaboration and shared accountability.

Recognized subject matter expertise in federal policy processes, with the ability to translate complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.

Excellent judgment and decision-making skills, balancing multiple inputs to propose effective solutions under tight timelines.

Ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, and thrive in a fast-paced advocacy environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); experience with CRM or advocacy platforms a plus.

Willingness to travel outside of the DC area several times per year as well as attend regular DC area meetings, events, fundraisers, etc.

Job Conditions

We are a fast-paced, high-energy organization with a very ambitious agenda and a staff that is highly motivated. This position may experience high-level work demands and independent decision-making under tight timelines. Occasional travel outside of the Washington, DC area for meetings or events may be required. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. ACP will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this position is $125,000–$150,000. At ACP, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs. ACP offers 401k, PTO and sick leave, commuter benefits, wellness reimbursement, and professional development/tuition reimbursements for eligible employees.

This privacy notice applies to the processing of personal information that ACP collects about candidates for employment. Throughout the application process, ACP may collect some or all of the following categories of personal information: name and address; email address; age or date of birth; race or other demographic information; occupation and employment history; phone number; education; and/or social security number or other identification data.

ACP provides this information to third-party service providers to store and process this data on our behalf, for background checks, and for regulatory compliance. ACP does not sell any applicant personal information.

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