Policy Manager, Central Region

As the Policy Manager, Central Region you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping advance the goals of USGBC’s Advocacy & Policy Team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of our state and local advocacy strategy in 20 (+/-) states across the midwestern and southern U.S., driving key initiatives such as engaging policymakers, influencing green building policy, championing the outcomes of green building policy, managing external relationships, and amplifying impact through communications efforts in alignment with our mission and strategic goals.

You’ll report to the State & Local Advocacy Associate Director and be part of a cross-functional team environment where your contributions will help shape impactful outcomes. You’ll work closely with teams like Communications, Market Transformation and Development, and may regularly partner with community leaders and members to elevate policy opportunities, promote LEED and sustainability, and influence state and local legislation.

The expectation is that the Policy Manager, with support and supervision, will build and maintain a strong understanding of relevant building decarbonization and community resilience policy, including the political dynamics and stakeholder positions for priority projects, and proactively identify and implement tasks to advance projects.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and refine from time to time an advocacy strategy for USGBC and LEED at the state and local levels, for review and approval; currently planned as: AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, OH, OK, TN, TX and WI. Lead implementation of the approved strategy and priority projects, determined with supervisor.
Track, analyze, and respond to green building policy developments in legislatures, agencies, and local governments
Represent USGBC in advocacy coalitions, policy roundtables, and strategic forums
Build and maintain a strong network of state and local policymakers and USGBC allies to advance policy goals
Educate elected officials and agency staff through meetings, briefings, events, and lobbying efforts
Facilitate inclusion of government officials in USGBC events, such as LEED tours and plaque ceremonies
Develop subject matter expertise in a relevant policy area and contribute to briefs and articles
Collaborate with internal teams and at times with contracted consultants to monitor and respond to threats and opportunities
Coordinate with the Communications Director to develop and place policy-related content
Serve as a local spokesperson and support member for public relations activities and events
Support team’s Federal policy activities in assigned states, as requested

Experience

At least 4 to 7 years of experience managing state or local advocacy or policy.
Demonstrated experience communicating about public policy issues preferred
Experience across multiple jurisdictions and with nonprofit or government entities preferred
Federal government or policy experience may be considered relevant to meet experience requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
Preferred fields of study: Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Science, Energy, Engineering

Technology/System(s)

Microsoft Suite
Experience with legislative tracking platforms are a plus but not required

Skills

Policy monitoring, research and analysis
Advocacy campaign planning and implementation
Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Strategic thinking, entrepreneurial, proactive, and adaptable mindset

Certifications

LEED Green Associate or LEED AP preferred (or willingness to obtain LEED GA within 12 months)

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

Tagged as: Law/Policy