Director, External Affairs & Energy Policy

BrightNight; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightNight is seeking a Director of External Affairs in the United States. This high-visibility role leads government relations, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement across priority markets, supporting development and commercial activities in regulated energy contexts.

You will work with development, permitting, legal, and finance teams, representing BrightNight with officials, regulators, and communities to advance projects and protect timelines.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of progressively responsible experience in external affairs, government relations, public affairs, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience in energy, power, utilities, or other highly regulated sectors; IPP/renewable-energy background preferred.
• Track record engaging officials, regulators, state commissions, and community stakeholders on siting, permitting, or large-scale infrastructure.
• Successful management of complex political, regulatory strategies supporting major projects and procurement opportunities.
• Knowledge of power sector business models, PPAs, procurement, and state commission processes.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills with credibility in high-visibility settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, translating technical topics into clear narratives.
• Self-driven with initiative and collaborative approach; able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, communications, environmental studies, or related field; JD/MPP/MBA a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute external-affairs strategies for assigned jurisdictions and projects.
• Lead engagement with local, state, and federal elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community leaders.
• Represent BrightNight in legislative settings, regulatory proceedings, public hearings, panels, and industry events.
• Support development and permitting milestones, including land control, interconnection, environmental review, and local approvals.
• Partner with Commercial and Origination on utility procurement, RFPs, waivers, PPAs, and market access.
• Anticipate, mitigate, and resolve political, regulatory, community, supply-chain, and other risks.
• Provide external-affairs input to project financing and lender diligence.
• Build relationships with communities and shape BrightNight’s narrative around benefits and reliability.
• Provide concise briefings, scenarios, and recommendations for internal partners and senior leaders.
• Develop repeatable frameworks and tools for external-affairs across projects and regions.

Skills

External affairs

Government relations

Policy & regulatory affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy/political science/law/communications/environmental studies

Advanced degree (JD/MPP/MBA) a plus

Job description

BrightNight is seeking a Director of External Affairs in the United States. This high-visibility role leads government relations, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement across priority markets, supporting development and commercial activities in regulated energy contexts.

You will work with development, permitting, legal, and finance teams, representing BrightNight with officials, regulators, and communities to advance projects and protect timelines.