State Affairs Specialist

Vestas-Steelhead Americas is looking for a motivated and experienced State Affairs Specialist to support our state-level stakeholder engagement strategy and public policy that benefits Steelhead's development portfolio. This role supports public engagement efforts across multiple projects, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. The position offers opportunities to work on projects nationwide, with potential involvement in international initiatives.

State Affairs Specialist - Remote Position

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute public affairs and government relations strategies in Steelhead's priority states.
• Advocate for policies, regulations, and fee structures affecting renewable energy projects, working closely with the Public Engagement, Legal, Development, and Public Affairs teams.
• Track and monitor policy trends impacting or are relevant to Steelhead initiatives, portfolio health or company strategy.
• Create and maintain relationships with industry trade organizations and relevant stakeholders to inform, guide, and protect Steelhead and project strategy.
• Manage and support public hearings, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement, including outreach to government officials.
• Coordinate influencer meetings, crisis communications, community giving, political contributions, and project events.
• Create compelling communications materials, including presentations, talking points, press releases, project datasheets, and website content.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with local businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and tribal stakeholders.
• Oversee external public affairs and public relations agencies to ensure effective stakeholder engagement.
• Manage community development programs in compliance with company policies and state/local regulations.
• Stay informed on project development and permitting milestones, attending project team meetings as needed.
• Represent and advocate for Steelhead's interests in industry organizations.
• Conduct site visits to key project locations to engage with local communities and address project concerns.
• Support communications and public engagement efforts at the state and local levels as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, communications, or renewable energy.
• Background in political campaigns or advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex public affairs challenges in utility-scale renewable energy.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with community leaders, elected officials, NGOs, etc.
• Experience with permitting processes, including state siting legislation.
• Skilled in managing various agencies.
• Commitment to renewable energy, campaigns, and sustainability.
• Demonstrates proficiency in strategic decision-making, communication, and project organization.
• Comfortable presenting in public meetings and hearings.
• Results-driven with well-developed project management abilities.
• Self-motivated and responsive in a changing, evolving environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally as a cooperative colleague and influencer.
• Strategically minded, with the ability to anticipate challenges and craft solutions.
• Experience in facilitating effective meetings and coordinating teams.
• Open to feedback with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Competencies:

• Advanced organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Experienced, versatile, and able to manage well in work settings with shifting requirements.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and database management; graphic design and InDesign experience is a plus.
• Willing to travel as needed (up to 50%).

What We Offer:

We offer an exciting position with great development opportunities in an inspiring environment at the world's largest wind turbine producer. We value initiative, collaboration, accountability, and accuracy. You will become part of an international environment with a focus on sustainability and safety and you will work among colleagues who support each other.

• Attractive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits plans in the industry
• Great benefits coverage that includes dental and vision
• Generous Paid Time Off policies
• Great401(k) plan (with employer match)
• Tuition assistance

CCPA Notice for California Applicants

BEWARE - RECRUITMENT FRAUD

It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails from people pretending to work for Vestas. Read more via this link,https://www.vestas.com/en/careers/our-recruitment-process

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognise the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry's global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We specialize in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.

Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than our competitors in the renewable energy arena. We consider ourselves forerunners within the industry, as Vestas continuously aims to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 185 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, Vestas has an unmatched history demonstrating our expertise within the field.

With 30,000 employees globally, Vestas is a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution - today, tomorrow, and far into the future.

Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives, and gives everyone equal access to opportunity.

To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.