How to apply for Director - Texas

About Advanced Energy Economy

Advanced Energy United (formerly Advanced Energy Economy) is a national business association representing companies across the advanced energy industry, from solar and wind to energy storage and electric vehicles. They are unique in that they work directly with state legislatures and regulators to shape policy that accelerates the transition to 100% clean energy, reduce costs, and create jobs. Working here means being at the forefront of energy policy, with a direct impact on the market and regulatory landscape.

About the role

As the Texas Director, you will be the organization's lead legislative and political strategist in Texas, responsible for building relationships with state legislators, administrative officials, and other key decision-makers. You will develop and execute a comprehensive Texas strategy, working closely with United's regulatory and policy teams to achieve successful outcomes on advanced energy issues. This role is impactful because Texas is a major energy state, and your work will directly influence the pace and scale of clean energy adoption, affecting millions of residents and businesses.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with a state senator's staff to discuss a pending bill, then joining a coalition call to coordinate advocacy efforts, followed by internal strategy sessions with United's policy team. You might also spend time analyzing new regulations from the PUC or preparing testimony for an upcoming hearing. The role is dynamic, requiring both independent work and collaboration, with frequent travel to Austin during the legislative session.

Who Advanced Energy Economy is looking for

• Extensive experience in legislative work, issue advocacy, coalition building, and/or organizing, preferably in Texas or a similar state with a complex energy landscape.
• Deep knowledge of Texas energy policy, including the legislative process, regulatory agencies (like ERCOT and the PUC), and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain bipartisan relationships with legislators, staff, and industry partners, and to navigate the political dynamics of the Texas Capitol.
• Strong strategic thinking and self-starting attitude, with the ability to develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy plan in a remote work environment.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your Texas-specific network and experience: mention specific legislators, committees, or agencies you have worked with in Texas.
• Show your understanding of Advanced Energy United's mission and how your work would align with their goals of accelerating clean energy.
• Provide concrete examples of successful legislative or advocacy campaigns you have led, especially those involving coalition building or bipartisan support.
• Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as this role is remote but requires significant in-state presence and travel.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as developing and executing strategy, and working with regulatory teams.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record of achieving policy outcomes in Texas, including specific bills or regulations you influenced.', 'Your relationships with key Texas decision-makers and stakeholders, and how you would leverage them for Advanced Energy United.', 'Your strategic approach to balancing legislative, administrative, and coalition-building efforts to advance clean energy in a politically diverse state.', 'Your passion for clean energy and why you want to work specifically for Advanced Energy United in this role.']

Research before applying

• Review Advanced Energy United's website, especially their Texas-specific initiatives, policy priorities, and recent victories or campaigns.
• Research the current composition and leadership of the Texas Legislature, key committees (e.g., Energy Resources, State Affairs), and relevant regulatory bodies like ERCOT and the PUC.
• Understand the advanced energy industry in Texas: key players, market trends, and recent legislative/regulatory developments.
• Look up recent news articles or reports about Advanced Energy United's work and statements from their leadership to understand their positioning and tone.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you describe a successful advocacy campaign you led in Texas? What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?
• How would you approach building relationships with Texas legislators who may be skeptical of clean energy policies?
• What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for advanced energy in Texas over the next few years?
• How would you work with United's regulatory and policy teams to ensure alignment between legislative and regulatory strategies?
• Describe a time you had to adapt your strategy quickly due to a political shift. How did you handle it?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too generic about your advocacy experience without tying it specifically to Texas and energy policy.
• Focusing only on federal or national experience when the role requires deep Texas-specific knowledge and relationships.
• Neglecting to mention how you would collaborate with internal teams, as the role emphasizes working with regulatory and policy teams.