How to apply for Senior Policy Principal -Northeast

About Advanced Energy Economy

Advanced Energy United (formerly Advanced Energy Economy) is a national business association representing the full spectrum of the advanced energy industry—from solar and wind to energy storage, efficiency, and electric vehicles. What sets them apart is their focus on market-based, technology-neutral policies that accelerate the clean energy transition while reducing costs and creating jobs. Working here means directly influencing state-level policy in one of the most ambitious clean energy regions in the country.

About the role

As Senior Policy Principal for the Northeast, you will lead Advanced Energy United's legislative and political engagement in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. You'll be the face of the organization in these states, building relationships with lawmakers and regulators, developing and executing advocacy strategies, and working with a broader team to win policies that expand markets for advanced energy. This role is pivotal because these states have some of the nation's most aggressive clean energy goals, but implementation is lagging—your work will directly bridge that gap.

A typical day

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with legislators or their staff, internal strategy sessions with colleagues, and drafting testimony or policy comments. You could also be monitoring hearings, coordinating with member companies, or traveling to a state capital for in-person advocacy. The role is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring both independent initiative and collaborative teamwork.

Who Advanced Energy Economy is looking for

• Proven experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or issue advocacy, ideally at the state level in the Northeast or similar policy environments.
• Deep understanding of energy policy, particularly in clean energy, utilities, or advanced energy markets; familiarity with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island legislative processes is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with legislators, regulators, and diverse stakeholders, including businesses and advocacy groups.
• Self-starter with excellent communication skills, able to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with a distributed team.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any direct experience working with legislatures or regulatory bodies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island—specific state knowledge is highly valued.
• Emphasize your ability to develop and execute advocacy strategies, including examples of successful policy wins you've contributed to.
• Show your familiarity with Advanced Energy United's policy priorities by referencing their recent reports, testimony, or campaigns in your application.
• Demonstrate your remote work capability by mentioning past successes in distributed teams and your ability to manage relationships across geographies.
• Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as 'legislative engagement,' 'policy advocacy,' 'energy transition,' and 'market expansion.'

What to cover in your cover letter

Your cover letter should focus on: (1) your specific experience in Northeast state policy and why you're passionate about advancing clean energy in that region; (2) a concrete example of a legislative or advocacy win you helped achieve, detailing your role and the outcome; (3) your ability to build coalitions and work with diverse stakeholders, including businesses and policymakers; and (4) your understanding of Advanced Energy United's unique business-oriented approach to clean energy advocacy and why that resonates with you.

Research before applying

• Review Advanced Energy United's website, especially their policy priorities, recent blog posts, and state-specific initiatives in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
• Research the current energy policy landscape in these three states: key legislation, regulatory proceedings (e.g., DPU dockets), and the positions of major utilities and advocacy groups.
• Identify the key legislators and regulators in each state who are influential in energy policy, and understand their stances.
• Look up recent news about Advanced Energy United's campaigns or victories in the Northeast to understand their approach and impact.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you describe a time you successfully influenced energy legislation or regulation? What was your strategy and what was the result?
• How would you approach building relationships with key legislators and regulators in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, especially those who may be skeptical of clean energy policies?
• What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for advanced energy in the Northeast over the next 2-3 years?
• Advanced Energy United represents a broad range of technologies and companies. How would you balance competing interests within the membership to advocate for unified policy positions?
• This role is remote and covers three states. How do you manage your time and prioritize when you're not in a central office?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too generic about clean energy—failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of the Northeast states' policy environments and Advanced Energy United's unique business-focused approach.
• Focusing only on environmental advocacy without showing an understanding of market-based, technology-neutral solutions that appeal to a broad range of advanced energy companies.
• Neglecting to highlight legislative or regulatory experience—this role requires direct engagement with policymakers, so lacking that background is a major red flag.