The National Hydropower Association (NHA) is seeking a Director of Regulatory Affairs to lead our federal and state legislative efforts. Join the team that champions hydropower, America’s first renewable energy resource, as an essential part of a reliable, carbon-free electricity system.

About NHA:  NHA is a national non-profit trade association dedicated exclusively to advancing the interests of the U.S. hydropower industry, including conventional, pumped storage, and new marine and hydrokinetic technologies.  NHA’s membership consists of over 270 organizations, including consumer-owned utilities, investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, equipment manufacturers, environmental and engineering firms, and attorneys. 

Position Purpose & Responsibilities: NHA is hiring a Director of Regulatory Affairs to maintain and strengthen NHA’s regulatory advocacy program before the Executive branch, including the federal land-management agencies, the conservation services, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and independent regulatory agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  This position, based in Washington, D.C., will report directly to the Vice President of Market Strategies and Regulatory Affairs.

Responsibilities include:

1. Implement NHA’s strategic plan and policy priorities by devising strategic actions working with NHA’s member companies directed at influencing federal regulatory agencies, state agencies, NGO’s, trade associations, and national coalitions.
2. Provide support to NHA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee, the Small Hydro Committee, and relevant working groups within the Uncommon Dialogue.
3. Implementing the Association’s regulatory policy program, including:
   1. Monitor, analyze and assess regulatory impacts to the industry; keep the CEO, standing committees and Board of Directors apprised of developments;
   2. Build alliances with industry wide organizations and special interests to secure support for the Association’s regulatory objectives and maintain awareness of NHA before organizations focusing on small hydro and regulatory compliance issues;
   3. Represent the hydro industry at regulatory related events, meetings, and conferences increasing industry visibility within the regulatory sphere;
   4. Direct development of a strong information sharing program on regulatory issues through such mediums as individual meetings, forums and conferences; and
   5. Provide support to the Association’s legislative affairs program on issues affecting regulatory policy and small hydropower.
4. State Policy: Implement NHA’s Strategic Plan to support industry engagement at the subnational level on policies impacting environmental issues including state legislatures and energy offices, state PUC’s, and state energy/environmental commissions. Build relationships with federal and state agencies.
5. Support, when appropriate, NHA’s legislative or market advocacy work.
6. Regularly communicate with NHA’s board and its member companies on key developments on regulatory issues, facilitate industry members’ ability to network and share information on regulatory practices, and represent the association at industry conferences and meetings.
7. Conference/Information Sharing: Assist in planning conferences, workshops and webinars to facilitate information sharing on regulatory issues and evolving policy and support NHA’s overall conference program including Waterpower Week in Washington, regional meetings, and Clean Currents. 
8. Contribute thought leadership on regulatory issues including by publishing articles in NHA’s Powerhouse publication and other media channels.
9. General Association Management: General support of the membership development function, conferences and program development.
10. Manage an array of regulatory consultants and experts in support of Regulatory and Small hydropower issues.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Bachelors degree in political science, public policy or related field, or JD;
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in senior policy position and regulatory work or related experience in the Administration, on Capitol Hill, a trade association, law firm, or equivalent. Experience managing staff and/or in directing teams. Knowledge of energy issues required, with hydropower experience preferred;
• Experience working with national/regional coalitions.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and working with diverse membership and proven ability to communicate and work with industry members ranging from program directors to senior executives.
• Ability to travel extensively when needed. 
• Dynamic communication skills with speaking experience, political advocacy and analytical skills, and a healthy sense of humor.

Submit cover letter and resume with salary requirements to Kimberly Costner at celebratehydro@gmail.com.