Policy Advisor, Upstream

API - American Petroleum Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Diversity and inclusion workplace initiatives

Job summary

API - American Petroleum Institute is seeking a candidate in Washington, DC, to provide technical and regulatory leadership in policy development affecting upstream oil and gas operations. This role includes developing strategies aligned with API policy positions.

The ideal candidate should possess 5-7 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, particularly in public policy advocacy. Key responsibilities involve managing member committees, developing industry programs, and serving as a spokesperson with regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a similar role, with subject matter expertise in offshore oil and gas operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the offshore oil and natural gas industry.
• Knowledge of federal administrative law and the rulemaking process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policy positions related to offshore oil and gas production.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, policies.
• Build and maintain relationships with API members and other stakeholders.

Skills

Legislative and regulatory analysis (federal and state)

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication skills

Project and vendor/contractor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

5-7 years of experience in a similar role

Expertise in offshore oil and gas operations

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Provide technical, operational, and regulatory leadership to support API’s policy development and advocacy on key member issues affecting upstream oil and gas operations. Advance public policy related to offshore operations and/or wildlife and environmental issues in ways that positively impact exploration and production through regulatory engagement, legislative analysis, and coordinated communications. Represent API, its members, and the industry before federal regulatory agencies and Congress.

Manage ongoing work through member committees; in coordination with API Communications, Legal, Government Affairs, Public Affairs and Global Industry Services; and in collaboration with other trade associations, coalition groups, and stakeholders. Develop and implement industry priorities and programs that support API and its members. Develop and execute national, regional, and state-based strategies aligned to API policy positions.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policy positions related to offshore oil and gas production, development, and exploration, with emphasis on offshore access, operational safety, and environmental protection.
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and agency procedures; identifies and analyzes areas of concern for the industry; and communicates implications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Partners with assigned committees to drive member engagement and consensus on approaches to regulations, legislation, and policies within assigned issue areas, consistent with API policy positions. Supports strategy development and execution with API staff, allied trades, coalitions, and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• Organizes and leads committee meetings, develops agendas, and facilitates outcomes aligned to committee goals.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with API members; the political and regulatory community; business partners; and other stakeholders.
• Serves as a subject matter expert coordinating policy position and providing technical expertise for advocacy at the federal and state levels. Ensures consistency and alignment between API policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Provides input to annual budget planning; monitors spending; and manages projects and third‑party contractors within area of responsibility.
• Represents API and the industry as an advocate and spokesperson with national, state, and local policymakers (for example, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the National Marine Fisheries Service), as well as private‑sector companies, the media, think tanks, and non‑governmental organizations (NGOs).

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years of experience in a similar role, with subject matter expertise in offshore oil and gas operations, federal access issues, and Endangered Species Act policy (Marine Species expertise preferred).
• Demonstrated understanding of the offshore oil and natural gas industry, including the regulatory and stakeholder landscape.
• Additional experience in public policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, or government is preferred.
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the department, across the organization, and with member company representatives and allies.
• Able to engage effectively with senior executives and support a technical program.
• Ability to develop and execute policy agendas and plans; coordinate regulatory compliance efforts; and communicate effectively to gain support from API members and non‑member companies.
• Exercises strong judgment and discretion when engaging with regulatory agencies, policymakers, and elected officials. Prior experience working with industry organizations and government agencies is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal administrative law and the rulemaking process.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze federal regulations and legislation affecting the oil and natural gas industry and to develop broad issues‑management strategies.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, and visual), planning, and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Core Competencies

• Legislative and regulatory analysis (federal and state)
• Committee facilitation and member consensus‑building
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management (members, agencies, Hill, coalitions)
• Policy strategy development and execution
• Clear, persuasive writing and briefings (talking points, comment letters, memos)
• Project and vendor/contractor management (scope, timelines, budget)
• Cross‑functional collaboration (Legal, Communications, Government Affairs)
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in external representation

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 10% - 20% but may vary based on individual job needs and function.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all‑encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

This salary range is DC based and may be adjusted accordingly due to candidate’s geographic location. Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.