About Advanced Energy Economy

Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and its 501(c)(3) affiliate, Advanced Energy United, are leading national organizations accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy and electrified transportation. They unite diverse businesses—from startups to Fortune 500s—to advocate for policies that expand markets for advanced energy technologies, reduce costs, and create jobs. Working here means shaping high-impact policy campaigns that drive real-world clean energy adoption.

About the role

As Managing Director for the Central U.S., you will lead a team of advocates to develop and execute multi-year policy advocacy strategies across key states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota. You’ll be responsible for member engagement, coalition building, and direct lobbying to advance clean energy and transportation policies. This role is pivotal in expanding AEE’s influence in a region critical to the national energy transition.

A typical day

A typical day might involve a morning call with your team to review legislative developments in Illinois and Michigan, followed by a meeting with a member company to align on advocacy priorities. In the afternoon, you might testify before a state legislative committee or meet with a utility commissioner, then end the day drafting a strategy memo for an upcoming campaign. Expect frequent travel within the region and virtual collaboration with colleagues across the country.

Who Advanced Energy Economy is looking for

Proven leadership in policy advocacy, with at least 8-10 years of experience in energy, environmental, or regulatory affairs, including team management.
Deep knowledge of Central U.S. energy markets, state legislative processes, and utility regulation; existing relationships with policymakers and stakeholders in the region.
Strategic thinker who can craft and execute multi-year campaigns, with a track record of achieving policy wins.
Strong coalition-builder and communicator, able to engage diverse members and partners, and represent AEE in public forums and media.

Tips for this application

Highlight specific policy victories you’ve led in the Central U.S., naming states and legislative outcomes.
Demonstrate familiarity with AEE’s member companies and their priorities by referencing recent AEE reports or campaigns in your cover letter.
Show your ability to manage remote teams and cross-state advocacy efforts, as this role is remote and regionally focused.
Use the cover letter to outline a 90-day entry plan that includes meeting key stakeholders and assessing current campaigns.
Connect your personal network in the region to potential member engagement opportunities, and be explicit about how you’d leverage those relationships.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record of developing and winning clean energy policy campaigns in the Central U.S., with quantifiable results.', 'Experience leading and mentoring advocacy teams, including remote management and cross-functional collaboration.', 'Ability to engage and grow member companies, including examples of how you’ve mobilized business voices for policy change.', 'Your strategic vision for advancing AEE’s mission in the region, aligned with their 100% clean energy and electrified transportation goals.']

Draft a cover letter

Research before applying

Review AEE’s recent policy wins and active campaigns in the Central U.S., such as in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
Understand the structure and mission of Advanced Energy United vs. Advanced Energy Economy, and how they collaborate.
Identify key member companies in the region and their policy priorities by browsing AEE’s member list and recent press releases.
Read AEE’s reports on topics like transportation electrification, utility business models, and clean energy markets to align your language with theirs.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

How would you approach building a multi-year advocacy strategy for a state like Ohio or Michigan, considering political dynamics?
Describe a time you led a coalition that included diverse business interests to achieve a policy win. What was your role?
How do you prioritize among multiple state-level campaigns with limited resources?
What’s your experience with utility regulation and engaging with public utility commissions?
How would you handle a situation where a member company disagrees with AEE’s policy position?

Practise interview questions

Common mistakes to avoid

Focusing only on federal policy experience without demonstrating state-level advocacy success, especially in the Central U.S.
Failing to show how you’ve managed or mentored a team, as this role requires strong leadership and people management skills.
Using generic language about clean energy without referencing specific AEE campaigns, states, or policy mechanisms (e.g., renewable portfolio standards, EV rebates).

Deadline

No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.