Washington, DC, American Wind Energy Association
The Manager of Siting Policy will lead AWEA efforts on key siting challenges, including wildlife policies, land use, federal agency siting policies, visual resource management and radar and airspace conflicts. Incumbent will coordinate industry strategy and execution of siting policies through the AWEA Siting Committee and relevant subgroups; supervise staff members leading AWEA’s offshore wind work and sound and health activities; provide assistance to the Public Affairs team in responding to siting related inquires and NIMBY efforts.
Essential Functions/Major responsibilities: Monitor policy development and conduct analysis on siting related issues, primarily at federal level, secondarily at state level. Includes both proactive policy development and reactive analysis and comments. Develop consensus and coordinate with AWEA members on policy development and analysis through the Siting Committee, Radar/Military Subcommittee, Permitting Workgroup and other entities as appropriate. Engage federal agencies on siting policies, in close coordination with AWEA members and AWEA staff. May include preparation of regulatory filings on siting policies to federal agencies and initiating meetings with agency staff and appointees. Lead AWEA efforts related to wildlife research and development, including working closely with the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative, the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative, and the American Wind and Wildlife Institute. Work closely with wildlife, land, and other environmental groups to find areas of policy agreement to advance responsibly sited wind energy projects and transmission. Consult with AWEA regional partners on regional, state, and local siting policies and provide assistance where necessary. Assist AWEA legislative staff as necessary in lobbying regarding wind siting, permitting and NIMBY issues with federal agencies. May include preparation of testimony, research, position papers and talking points as appropriate. Incumbent will speak on behalf of AWEA and the wind industry with media outlets on wildlife and other siting issues; assist AWEA Public Affairs team in preparation of material regarding wind siting, permitting and NIMBY issues. Responsibilities may include researching and preparing publications, writing articles, press releases, and participation in AWEA workshops. Will supervise outside contractors hired by AWEA to assist on wildlife and radar issues; assist members in the development of position statements regarding wind siting, permitting and NIMBY areas; assist the Conference & Education staff in developing professional and informative siting-related workshops and sessions at AWEA events; assist and advise members on current developments in the wind siting, permitting and NIMBY areas. This may include participation in list serves, forming an advisory group or individual outreach. Assist with fundraising for collaborative wildlife research projects between industry and other partners. May include preparation of reports and briefing events, coordination with wildlife biologists, NGO staff and government representatives; Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualified candidates must possess the ability to analyze technical/research data and information, and make effective oral and written presentations; emphasis on ability to explain technical and economic concepts to diverse audiences; demonstrated ability to facilitate consensus; technical writing and editing skills; knowledge/understanding of political/legislative process; demonstrated knowledge of computer software applications, such as MS Office; capacity to work as a team player, while identifying and resolving problems independently; ability to prioritize and complete a variety of tasks efficiently; flexibility and ability to work well under pressure. Some travel may be required.
AWEA is a fast-paced, high-energy organization with a very ambitious agenda and staff that is highly motivated. This position may experience high work demands under tight timelines.
Education and/or Experience: While a Master’s degree in biology, environmental science or related fields, with minimum of two years relevant experience is preferred any combination of education and progressively responsible experience enabling applicants to perform the duties of the position will be acceptable. Familiarity with key federal wildlife statutes required. Energy/renewables experience preferred.
To apply: Send resume to sitingjobs(at)awea.org (please use “Manager of Siting Policy” in subject line) or mail to AWEA, 1501 M Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, attention HR.
AWEA is Metro accessible and provides a generous benefit package. To learn more visit www.awea.org.
AWEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer