How to apply for Managing Director - Northeast

About Advanced Energy Economy

Advanced Energy United (formerly Advanced Energy Economy) is a national business association representing the full spectrum of advanced energy companies—from solar and wind to EV charging and energy storage. It is unique because it combines policy advocacy, member-driven strategy, and market intelligence to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy. Working here means shaping the policies that will define the clean energy economy while directly supporting the companies building it.

About the role

As Managing Director for the Northeast, you will lead a team of advocates, develop and execute multi-year policy campaigns, and serve as the primary relationship manager for member companies in the region. This role is impactful because you will directly influence state-level energy policy, expand markets for advanced energy technologies, and drive the Northeast’s leadership in clean energy and electrified transportation.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with your team to strategize on a pending bill in Massachusetts, then joining a call with a member company to discuss their priorities. Later, you might testify at a hearing in New York or meet with a key legislator to advocate for a clean energy policy. You could also spend time drafting a campaign plan or coordinating with coalition partners to align messaging.

Who Advanced Energy Economy is looking for

• Proven track record in policy advocacy or government affairs, ideally in energy, environment, or a related field, with experience managing a team.
• Deep understanding of Northeast energy policy landscapes, including key states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and their legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong relationship-building skills with policymakers, member companies, and coalition partners, and the ability to navigate complex political dynamics.
• Strategic thinker who can develop and execute multi-year advocacy campaigns, with excellent communication and public speaking abilities.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in the Northeast specifically—name states, policies, and key players you've worked with to show regional expertise.
• Demonstrate your ability to manage a team and lead campaigns by quantifying successes, such as policies passed or coalitions built.
• Emphasize your experience working with member-based organizations or coalitions, as Advanced Energy United is a membership-driven association.
• Show your understanding of the advanced energy industry by referencing specific technologies or market trends relevant to the Northeast.
• Tailor your cover letter to mention Advanced Energy United's recent policy wins or campaigns in the Northeast to show you follow their work.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience leading policy advocacy in the Northeast, including successful campaigns and relationships with key stakeholders.', 'How you have managed and mentored a team of advocates, with examples of how you built their capacity and achieved collective goals.', 'Your ability to engage and mobilize member companies, including experience in member recruitment, retention, and activation.', "Your strategic vision for accelerating clean energy in the Northeast and how you would leverage Advanced Energy United's unique position to drive impact."]

Research before applying

• Review Advanced Energy United's website, especially their policy priorities, recent victories, and member list, to understand their current focus areas in the Northeast.
• Research the energy policy landscape in key Northeast states, including pending legislation, regulatory proceedings, and key decision-makers.
• Identify Advanced Energy United's key partners and opponents in the region, such as other advocacy groups, utilities, and industry associations.
• Learn about the advanced energy industry's market trends in the Northeast, including growth areas like offshore wind, energy storage, and electric vehicles.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing a multi-year policy campaign in the Northeast, considering the diverse political landscapes across states?
• Describe a time you led a team through a complex policy fight. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?
• How do you balance the interests of member companies with the broader mission of accelerating clean energy?
• What specific Northeast energy policies (e.g., NY's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, MA's Clean Energy Standard) do you think are most critical to advance in the next few years?
• How would you handle a situation where a member company disagrees with Advanced Energy United's policy position on a key issue?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too generic about clean energy—failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of Northeast policies and Advanced Energy United's unique role as a business association.
• Focusing only on policy without showing how you would engage and manage member companies, which is a core part of this role.
• Underestimating the political savvy required—avoid showing a naive or overly idealistic approach to advocacy without acknowledging the need for pragmatic strategies.