Job Description
Director of State Campaigns
Energy Advocacy Organization
Our client, a startup Energy Advocacy Organization, has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search. Please get in touch with Angel Fimbres-Barcelo at angel@recruitbigfish.com for any questions or referrals regarding the role.
Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive policy change. Learn more at recruitbigfish.com.
Position Summary
Our client, a startup Energy Advocacy Organization focused on policy development in states with conservative majorities, has retained Big Fish to lead this search.
The client is a startup 501(c)(4) state advocacy organization focused on advancing supply-side energy reforms that accelerate new energy deployment, modernize the grid, and drive economic growth. We work primarily in growth-oriented states with conservative governing majorities, where energy policy is central to economic competitiveness and infrastructure development.
Beginning in 2026, the startup Energy Advocacy Organization will launch coordinated campaigns in three to five states to advance bipartisan, market-oriented reforms that attract investment, speed energy development, and keep prices affordable.
The Director of State Campaigns will own strategy and execution across these priority states — ensuring disciplined campaign plans, measurable milestones, strong political intelligence, and high-performing local teams. This role will serve as a senior partner to the Executive Director in shaping organizational growth and long-term strategy.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead state-level campaigns at a pivotal moment in U.S. energy policy.
What you will do
Develop and direct multi-year policy campaigns in three to five states — setting strategy, aligning tactics, and ensuring execution delivers measurable legislative and regulatory outcomes.
Lead and manage in-state consultant teams, lobbyists, and coalition partners — driving clear workplans, political strategy, communications execution, and legislative engagement.
Build durable coalitions capable of advancing reforms in politically diverse states with conservative governing majorities.
Develop performance dashboards and deliver regular progress reports tied to defined KPIs for leadership and funders.
Collaborate and coordinate closely with policy and communications teams to deploy research, messaging, and strategic assets across states.
Develop and oversee state-level political engagement strategies, including direct investments, grant-making, and aligned PAC giving that support the campaign strategy.
Travel frequently to priority states to maintain strong political intelligence and stakeholder relationships.
Represent the startup Energy Advocacy Organizationin legislative hearings, regulatory proceedings, and high-level stakeholder forums.
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director on long-term growth and expansion.
Monitor emerging state-level political and market developments and flag potential expansion opportunities aligned with the startup Energy Advocacy Organization's mission.
What You Bring
7+ years leading multi-state advocacy, legislative, or public affairs campaigns, with direct responsibility for strategy and outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to design and win complex legislative or regulatory campaigns, including managing lobbyists, consultants, coalition partners, and communications strategy.
Political sophistication and experience operating effectively in states with conservative governing majorities.
Comfort navigating electricity market dynamics and infrastructure policy.
Experience developing political engagement or PAC strategies in one or more states.
Strong public speaking and persuasive writing skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating in a startup, high-performance environment.
Willingness to travel (approximately 30–50%) to support in-state campaigns.
Location:
Remote.
Compensation:
Salary range: $150,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience, with performance-based compensation growth over time.
Salary Range $150,000 - $180,000