Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement

WHO WE ARE

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for more than 250 million Americans and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States.

EEI employees are required to work in office Monday-Thursday, and have the option to work remotely on Fridays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT:

The Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement will lead EEI’s external engagement strategy, ensuring EEI’s external partnerships, educational activities, and political activities are fully integrated with and supportive of EEI’s broader priorities. Reporting directly to the Chief Advocacy Officer, this individual will lead a dedicated team responsible for EEI’s Political Action Committee (PAC), the Edison Foundation (a 501(c)3 organization), and strategic contributions to other advocacy-aligned entities. This role demands a proven federal government affairs professional with deep relationships on Capitol Hill, a sophisticated understanding of election law and campaign finance compliance, and the strategic acumen to deploy a dedicated partnership investment portfolio to meaningfully advances EEI member priorities.

Other important responsibilities of the Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement:

Strategic Partnerships & Contributions

• Oversee and manage all contributions to and partnerships with various organizations, including advocacy-aligned entities, ensuring strategic alignment and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Establish and maintain rigorous due diligence processes for evaluating potential partnership recipients, assessing alignment with EEI’s policy priorities, member interests, and compliance obligations.
• Develop metrics and reporting frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of all partnership expenditures, ensuring EEI receives commensurate value from each relationship.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key external partner organizations, coalitions, and advocacy groups that share EEI’s policy priorities and can amplify the industry’s voice.

PAC Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for EEI’s Political Action Committee, including fundraising strategy and annual giving plan development in alignment with member priorities and EEI’s federal advocacy goals.
• Anticipate major policy developments and emerging legislative and regulatory trends affecting the electric utility industry and develop forward-looking giving strategies that proactively position EEI’s priorities with federal policymakers.
• Leverage established relationships with Members of Congress, congressional leadership, and senior congressional staff to enhance EEI’s PAC giving.
• Appropriately solicit contributions and promote fundraising activities within EEI and with members.
• Ensure all PAC solicitations, fundraising, disbursements, and reporting activities are conducted in full compliance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) campaign laws and other legal and regulatory obligations.

EEI Foundation Oversight

• Oversee Edison Foundation activities, ensuring programmatic alignment with member priorities related to educating stakeholders on the value of electricity and the energy grid.
• Lead effort to scale the Edison Foundation, identifying where the organization can better collaborate with EEI’s policy teams and external stakeholders to increase impact.
• Represent the Edison Foundation externally in various forums and with government officials.
• Ensure the Edison Foundation’s independence from member advocacy and lobbying activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. In addition:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in federal government affairs, political strategy, advocacy, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of success in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience managing PAC operations, political contribution strategies, and/or partnership investment portfolios in a trade association, corporation, or advocacy organization context.
• Deep, current relationships with Members of Congress, congressional leadership offices, and senior Hill staff across both chambers and parties.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal Election Commission rules and regulations, campaign finance law, lobbying disclosure requirements, and the compliance obligations applicable to trade association political activities.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage credibly and effectively with member CEOs, senior government officials, congressional members and staff, and a broad range of external stakeholders.
• Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to represent EEI at the highest levels with member companies, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work with significant autonomy while maintaining close collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Travel is required to various EEI meetings and meetings with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the electric utility sector, energy policy, or federal energy regulation, including familiarity with FERC, EPA, DOE, and congressional energy committees is preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should apply online through EEI’s career site. EEI uses Clear Company as our applicant tracking system. An application is considered when all required fields are completed.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $190,000 – $290,000. Starting annual salary will be determined on individual qualifications. EEI also offers an annual performance incentive which is prorated for mid-year start dates. This incentive is typically up to 15% of the base salary. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness incentives and programs, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEI is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Employment M/D/F/V.