Job Description:

Position Summary

The External Affairs Policy Manager supports Deriva Energy's public policy, government affairs, and regulatory engagement efforts by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, conducting policy research and analysis, coordinating stakeholder engagement activities, and supporting advocacy initiatives that advance the company's strategic objectives.

This role serves as a key contributor in evaluating emerging policy issues impacting the renewable energy industry, developing position materials and briefing documents, maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, and supporting interactions with government officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and community organizations. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and relationship-management skills, along with a working understanding of energy policy, regulatory processes, RTO/ISO markets, and the renewable energy sector. This role reports directly to the VP of External Affairs, Regulatory Strategy, and Communications.

This position will be located at Deriva Energy Headquarters based in Charlotte, NC.

Key Responsibilities

Public Policy Development & Research

• Monitor, research, and analyze federal, state, regional, and local legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting renewable energy, energy storage, transmission, and related business operations, with particular attention to Deriva Energy's active development states and RTO/ISO footprints (including PJM, MISO, SPP, and ERCOT)
• Develop policy briefs, issue papers, presentations, and executive summaries to inform leadership decision-making, including regular briefings for C-suite and executive leadership on fast-moving issues
• Support the development and execution of public policy strategies aligned with Deriva Energy's business objectives and growth initiatives
• Evaluate potential business impacts associated with proposed legislation, regulations, and regulatory proceedings
• Assist in developing company positions on policy matters and regulatory initiatives

Government Affairs & External Relations

• Support engagement efforts with elected officials, government agencies, regulators, legislative staff, and industry stakeholders
• Coordinate meetings, briefings, and communications with government and regulatory representatives
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with external stakeholders that support Deriva Energy's strategic priorities
• Represent Deriva Energy's interests in industry associations, coalitions, and working groups, including tracking association positions against Deriva's own interests and flagging areas of divergence to leadership
• Track and communicate key developments emerging from legislative and regulatory activities

Regulatory & Legislative Monitoring

• Maintain awareness of policy and regulatory developments across key markets where Deriva Energy operates or pursues development opportunities, using legislative/regulatory tracking platforms
• Monitor legislative sessions, regulatory proceedings, rulemakings, and agency actions relevant to the company's business
• Coordinate internal communication of policy developments and emerging risks or opportunities, including maintaining a project-level exposure matrix linking policy developments to specific development and operating assets
• Assist in preparing responses, comments, testimony, and other regulatory filings as needed

Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support advocacy initiatives that promote renewable energy development and favorable policy outcomes
• Assist in preparing briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and position statements for executive leadership
• Represent Deriva Energy at public meetings, hearings, conferences, industry events, and stakeholder forums as assigned
• Coordinate policy-related projects and initiatives involving internal and external stakeholders
• Help communicate Deriva Energy's policy priorities and industry perspectives to relevant audiences

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial, Development, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Communications, Operations, and Executive Leadership teams to ensure alignment on policy priorities and advocacy strategies
• Provide policy analysis and strategic recommendations to support business planning and project development activities
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Public Administration, Law, Energy Policy, Communications, Business, or a related field required
• Five (5) or more years of experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory affairs, legislative affairs, political consulting, energy policy, or related fields

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree or advanced education in a related discipline
• Direct experience monitoring or engaging in multi-state legislative and regulatory processes
• Experience working with legislative, regulatory, or governmental processes
• Renewable energy, utility, energy storage, environmental, or infrastructure industry experience
• Familiarity with RTO/ISO market structures (PJM, MISO, SPP, ERCOT) and FERC proceedings
• Experience with legislative/regulatory tracking software

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at federal, state, and local levels
• Knowledge of energy policy, renewable energy markets, and regulatory frameworks preferred
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear business implications
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to travel periodically for meetings, conferences, legislative sessions, and industry events

Success Factors

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and stays informed on emerging policy and industry trends
• Builds credibility and trust with internal and external stakeholders
• Communicates effectively with audiences ranging from technical subject matter experts to executive leadership and government officials
• Operates with professionalism, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail
• Supports Deriva Energy's mission through proactive engagement, strategic thinking, and effective advocacy
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date tracking of policy and regulatory developments across all assigned jurisdictions, with timely escalation of material risks or opportunities
• Delivers briefing materials and executive summaries within agreed turnaround times
• Contributes measurably to regulatory and legislative outcomes (e.g., comments/testimony submitted, favorable rule or bill language achieved) in assigned issue areas

Working Conditions

• This role is based in Charlotte, NC
• Employees must live within a reasonable daily commute to the designated office location or willing to relocate
• Four (4) days in office required, option to work remotely one (1) day per week

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Matching
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave

Additional Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Deriva welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Deriva includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.