Federal Policy Director

Position Overview

CALSTART is seeking a Federal Policy Director to support our mission in Washington, DC. The Federal Policy Director (FPD) will play a key role in working with us and our 200+ member companies to identify, develop, and secure passage of new laws, regulations, and appropriations that support the growth of the clean transportation technology industry nationally. The FPD will also support business development efforts with federal agencies. Advancement of policy is one of the core CALSTART strategies to grow the industry.

The FPD and State Policy Director serve as key interfaces between our member companies, policymakers, and other external stakeholders.

This FPD will:

  • Manage policy (legislation) and regulatory matters
  • Track policy developments and communicate them to our stakeholders
  • Lead policy-focused efforts on behalf of the organization
  • Play an integral support role across our major programs and activity areas
  • Develop relationships and work with us in partnership with our member companies to secure funding from federal agencies for high impact projects
  • Coordinating industry coalitions and leading them to achieve specific policy outcomes
  • advise the CEO and the Board of Directors on and federal policy matters and funding opportunities
  • Reporting to the CEO, will also be expected to work closely and coordinate with our lobbying firm in Washington, DC and its State Policy Director

About CALSTART

CALSTART is a nationally and internationally recognized clean transportation industry organization with offices in multiple states. With more than 25 years of experience, CALSTART works with the public and private sectors to knock down barriers to innovation and drive the transportation industry to a clean and prosperous future.

CALSTART’s member companies are diverse and include Tesla Motors, UPS, Ford, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Peterbilt, General Motors, New Flyer, and Southern California Edison. CALSTART works with these member companies and the broader industry including fleets, manufacturers, public agencies, and fuel providers to advance the clean transportation industry. CALSTART’s work is organized into the major initiative areas; cars, buses, trucks (and off-road vehicles), fuels, and mobility.

CALSTART advances each of these sectors by supporting technology development, assessing and validating new technologies and products, accelerating market growth by supporting clean vehicle incentive programs, providing policy guidance and implementation, and giving valued-added services to its member organizations. CALSTART is a national organization with offices in three states. We believe now is our time and we are planning for growth. If you want a career where you are making a real impact and benefiting both society and the environment, you should consider coming to work for CALSTART.

We are looking for:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in public policy, law, business, or engineering preferred
  • 5-10 years of experience in clean transportation, sustainability, and/or policy advocacy and a passion about advancing the commercialization of clean transportation technologies
  • Familiarity with clean air, climate, and transportation policy nationally
  • A comfort level working and communicating with diverse stakeholder groups
  • The ability to be a “bridge” between policymakers and leaders from the environmental community and industry
  • Strong ability and desire to find common ground and “win-win” policy solutions that advance the clean transportation industry
  • Strong interpersonal communications skills, that include listening and understanding the positions of various groups, as well as speaking/presenting in different situations
  • Ability to speak with technical industry stakeholders, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders with knowledge of tailoring the message and points accordingly
  • Strong written communications skills, ideally including experience with formal written comments (legislative, regulatory) as well as more general writing (white papers, policy memos, short fact sheets, etc.)
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and processes simultaneously in an environment with shifting deadlines and priorities
  • Comfortable learning about, understanding, and discussing new vehicle and fuel technologies
  • Strong facilitation skills with the ability to develop and manage events and workshops
  • A tenacious attitude and belief in being able to overcome significant opposition
  • A passion for the CALSTART mission of working with industry to make air healthy to breathe and to protect the climate and environment

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Experience with writing proposals and securing grant funding from foundations, government
  • Experience in organizing outcome-oriented events
  • Experience in working with and securing funding from federal agencies
  • Residing in Washington DC preferred

 Salary and Benefits

  • Competitive salary depending on experience
  • 100 % Company-paid HMO family health plan including dental and vision care
  • Retirement plan contributions (Simplified Employee Pension Plan) equivalent to 8 percent of the annual actual compensation
  • Eligibility for participation in CALSTART’s Employee Incentive Program (EIP)
  • Flexible work hours as appropriate and we provide funding for transit
  • Committed to employee growth and skills development

How to Apply

If you are up to this challenge, we invite you to apply for the position of Federal Policy Director at CALSTART. Qualified candidates please submit your cover letter and complete resume as soon as possible to [email protected]. Upon receipt of your complete resume and cover letter, we will contact those qualified candidates to proceed in the interview process.

Search Firm Representatives, please read carefully: CEA is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity.

CALSTART, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. As such, CALSTART offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.