Vice President of Federal Affairs

Title/Role: Vice President of Federal Affairs  

Reports to: Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications 

Department: Policy 

Type:  Exempt  

Location/Base: Negotiable  

ORGANIZATION PROFILE 

Oceantic (The Network) is a nonprofit organization that provides networking, communications and educational platforms to support stakeholder's participation in the offshore wind and other ocean renewables industries and contribute to the industry’s supply chain growth. We partner with private industry and government agencies to build a resilient supply chain that will create and sustain jobs, benefit local economies, and ensure cost-effective clean energy. We advance our mission by connecting developers, policymakers, academics, and community and workforce leaders through events, education, digital tools, and policy initiatives to grow the vital offshore wind and ocean renewables sectors 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Vice President for Federal Affairs will lead the Oceantic Network's engagement with federal government entities, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and strategic partners to help advance offshore wind and other ocean-based renewable energy developments and their related supply chains. The Vice President for Federal Affairs will work to position the Network as a trusted information source regarding market development, supply chain development, and technological advancement before policymakers and stakeholders, and forge strategic partnerships to advance critical policy or regulatory updates. The Vice President for Federal Affairs will serve the Network’s members by leveraging their expertise and experience, and ensuring the Network’s membership base is well represented and well informed regarding potential federal actions. To achieve these goals, the Vice President will work closely with other members of the policy department, and collaboratively across other departments including communications, events, and membership. This executive role requires a blend of strategic thinking, policy expertise, and a deep understanding of the renewable energy landscape, especially offshore wind and other ocean-based renewable energy.  

POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Federal Affairs and Policy 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive federal affairs strategy that advances offshore wind and positions the Network as a trusted information source and vital partner 
• Directly engage with federal legislative offices, federal agencies, non-governmental entities, international partners, and others to educate and inform stakeholders on the offshore wind market and its supply chain, and the Network’s abilities and tools 
• Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulatory proposals, and policy developments affecting offshore wind energy; working with communications and policy departments, draft either responsive comments or educational membership communications  
• Represent the Oceantic Network in coalitions, public forums, and industry events, articulating the organization's policy positions and advocacy efforts. 
• Form new and maintain existing partnerships with DC-based non-governmental entities to coordinate advocacy strategies and to position the Network as the leading voice on U.S. market intelligence and supply chain needs 
• Pioneer the Network’s efforts to offer member services to ocean energy renewable supply chain businesses by identifying federal agency partners, learning about regulatory hurdles or policies, and supporting content creation in close collaboration with membership, West Coast staffers, and the Network’s events team.   
• Lead regularly-meeting member working groups on likely topics as an ad hoc federal affairs committee, ocean energy renewables, and others as assigned; help drive working group towards actionable outcomes not limited to thought-leadership papers, regulatory comments, or new events  
• Take leadership role in developing international relationships, including within the Americas, and represent the Network before relevant boards, events, or foreign missions 
• Work closely with the President/CEO and Senior Vice President for Policy on unforeseen special initiatives and projects that advance the organization’s mission and goals, and help strategize organizational position within the wider ecosystem 

Organization-Wide Membership, Policy & Communication Support 

• As appropriate, build the Network’s industry visibility, reputation, and brand including contributing to thought leadership, influencing decision and opinion makers, representing the Network at conferences and events, and writing/developing OSW industry white papers and research 
• As appropriate, contribute to speaker identification and content creation for Network events, training, website, newsletters, social media and podcasts. 

Business Development 

• All staff must identify and pursue new business opportunities and potential members within the ocean renewables industries and engage and retain existing members to enhance their experience with the organization. 
• Update Salesforce with leads and contacts that help actively pursue business development efforts for all Network programs, projects, services, products, and events 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of relevant experience in government affairs. Political background preferred. 
• Ability to approach challenging situations while thinking quickly on your feet and propose solutions to problems as they arise. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior and executive leaders across international, national and local levels  
• Experience in foundations, nonprofits, or the public sector, highly desirable 
• Exceptional attention to detail 
• Customer service orientation  
• Proven track record of project management and research and skills  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  
• Collaborative, solution-oriented team leader and colleague 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), Asana and Adobe Acrobat 
• Experience Salesforce, desirable 
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure with professionalism 
• Flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity. Willingness to handle complex and mundane matters 
• Ability to promote a team culture of accountability and results 

If Position Is Remote:  

• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills 
• Ability to take direction and/or accept tasks from multiple people 
• Ability to deal effectively with deadlines and time pressures 
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, set priorities, and multitask  
• Ability to think quickly and follow through accordingly 

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION: 

The salary range for this position is commensurable with experience. For full-time, benefit eligible employees, the Network offers an excellent range of benefits including: 

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental and Vision Benefits 
• Employee Life Insurance 
• Employee Short- & Long-Term Disability 
• Paid Vacation 
• Generous paid leave 
• 401K Plan 
• Bonus Paid Time Off: In addition to vacation days, sick leave, and personal days for work-life balance. We often provide at least one additional week per year.  
• Flexible Work Hours: Ability to adjust workday start and end times to help balance work with personal obligations more effectively. 
• Remote Work Options: For seasoned professionals, we allow three-day work outside the office. 
• Professional Development: In-house training, access to online courses, or opportunities to attend workshops that improve skills. 

Full benefits package available upon request.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Work is in an office environment 

TRAVEL 

• Up to 15% excluding regular trips to the Network’s headquarters in Baltimore 

The Oceantic Network provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Business Network for Offshore Wind complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.