Senior Director, State Legislative Affairs

Edison Electric Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Wellness incentives

Transportation subsidy

Professional development opportunities

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

A leading energy association is looking for a Senior Director of State Legislative Affairs to oversee the engagement with state officials and advance policy priorities. This role requires a strong background in state government affairs with at least 12 years of experience, preferably in the energy sector. The candidate will supervise staff, represent the association at key conferences, and track legislative trends, all while driving strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in state government affairs with energy industry experience preferred.
• Experience in national state legislative organizations helpful.
• Proficient in writing clear and persuasive documents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engagement with state elected officials and advocate for policy priorities.
• Represent EEI at legislative conferences and promote electric power business model.
• Manage State Legislative Affairs budget and supervise two direct reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Communication

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

MS Office products

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Policy tracking software

Job description

Who We Are

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for more than 220 million Americans and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States.

EEI employees are required to work in office Monday‑Thursday, and have the option to work remotely on Fridays.

Key Responsibilities Of The Senior Director, State Legislative Affairs

The Senior Director, State Legislative Affairs will oversee EEI’s day‑to‑day engagement with state elected officials and advocate for the industry’s policy priorities. Engage with third‑party groups and leverage stakeholders to advance EEI member policy objectives. Engage and manage relationships with national state legislative and governor groups, as well as state policy think tanks to advance policy positions for EEI members. Work closely with EEI member company officials and internal EEI teams to develop and implement advocacy strategies and tactics to advance state policy priorities.

State Legislative Engagement and Partnerships (80%)

Represent EEI at conferences for national state legislative and governors’ groups and think tanks. Work to advance EEI’s key priorities with the various elected official groups and state think tanks and to promote the business model of the electric power industry.

State Issue Tracking (10%)

Work with the EEI External Affairs team and member companies to track key trends and develop and implement strategies and tactics to advance policy priorities.

Team Management (10%)

Oversee State Legislative Affairs programmatic budget. Supervise 2 direct reports: the Manager of State Legislative Affairs and the Manager of State Legislative Research.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required; advanced is preferred.
• 12 years or more of relevant state government affairs experience. Energy industry experience preferred.
• Experience and relationships in national state legislative organizations, such as NGA, NCSL, CSG, etc. Expertise energy and/or electricity policy a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups to build consensus.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including staff supervision and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including the ability to develop clear, persuasive, and technically sound materials.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to think strategically and drive organizational objectives in a fast‑paced, evolving policy environment.
• Experience working with or within industry associations, government, or policy‑focused organizations is a plus.
• Strong experience with MS Office products. Experience with policy tracking is a plus.
• Travel requirement: up to 60 percent of the time.

Compensation

The salary range for the role is $160,000-210,000. Starting annual salary will be determined on individual qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness incentives and programs, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities. The role is eligible for a performance based bonus for the 2026 calendar year which is paid out the following March.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEI is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity