State Policy Director

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All legitimate communication from our recruitment team will come from an official calstart.org email address via email, we will not text you about a role you have not applied to or shown interest in. We will not perform any interviews via text or Zoom chat.

CALSTART does not ask for any fees or personal information such as social security numbers or bank details during the recruitment process.

About Us:

CALSTART is a mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all.

For over 30 years, it’s been CALSTART’s mission to develop, assess, and implement large-scale, zero-emission transportation solutions to mitigate climate change and support economic growth. CALSTART works with businesses, organizations, governments, and communities to create real-life impact toward clean air and equitable access to clean transportation for all. CALSTART provides scientific, technical and policy support for regulatory development and clean technology and infrastructure acceleration.

About The Role: 

CALSTART has an immediate opening for a highly motivated person to join our team as State Policy Director, a position with a significant focus on the state of California. Reporting to the Vice President, Policy, the State Policy Director will support CALSTART’s mission through advocacy to secure government funding and new government programs, including the development of regulations to advance clean and zero-emission transportation that reduces air pollution. 

• Oversee state government relations and regulatory advocacy in the California legislature, key agencies, and the governor’s office:   
• Build and lead stakeholder coalitions on key legislative and regulatory issues.   
• Develop and maintain relationships with key agency staff, legislators, committees, and committee staff (especially budget committees).   
• Advance Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by advocating for strong, practical, achievable and implementable regulations.   
• Encourage state agencies to develop and/or authorize new programs for ZEVs and ZEV infrastructure, including incentive programs, utility infrastructure/charging programs, and financing programs.   
• Support CALSTART’s policy thought leadership, further the legislature’s understanding of CALSTART’s mission and work, and support our members’ brand visibility through hosting an annual CA policy summit.   
• Oversee all other state legislative and regulatory work in partnership with the regional directors.  
• Engage with CALSTART members on policy, lead policy action groups (PAGs) and coalitions.  
• Track and share updates on policy with general membership informed on policy. Draft and submit formal comments and letters on behalf of CALSTART and/or PAGs.   
• Engage with utility regulatory commissions across the country to influence utility programs that support Commercial EVs and public charging, in coordination with regional office directors.  
• Support legislation in states outside CA and engage members on legislation in other states (e.g., OR, WA), such as Low-Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), etc., establishment of new state incentive programs for ZE vehicles and infrastructure.  
• Promote CALSTART’s work with foundations to secure philanthropic funding for policy work.  
• Supervise one or more employees in daily work. 

• Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in public policy, law, business, or engineering strongly preferred   
• 8 years of experience in clean transportation, sustainability, and/or policy advocacy and a passion for advancing the commercialization of clean transportation technologies   
• Expertise in California clean air, climate, and/or transportation policy   
• 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 effectively communicate with technical industry stakeholders, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders, including public speaking experience/skills   
• Strong written communications skills, including experience with formal written comments (legislative, regulatory) as well as more general writing (white papers, policy memos, short fact sheets, etc.)   
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives   
• Ability to manage multiple projects and processes simultaneously in a fast-paced environment  
• Comfortable learning about, understanding, and discussing new vehicle and fuel technologies  
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to develop and manage events and workshops   
• Ability to use legislative and statutory research tools   
• Knowledge of state agency regulatory dockets   
• Knowledge of state agency “rule of practice and procedure”   
• Knowledge of CA legislative procedures, timelines, etc.   
• A passion for the CALSTART mission of working with industry to make air healthy to breathe and to protect the climate and environment

• Experience with writing proposals and securing grant funding from foundations, government  
• Experience working with and securing funding from state agencies   
• Experience working with California Agencies, such as California Air Resources Board 
• Experience advocating for Low Carbon or Clean Fuel Standards 

We understand that not everyone will match the above qualifications 100%. If your background isn't perfectly aligned but you feel you would be a great addition to the team, we'd love to hear from you.

We're a tight-knit team of world-class innovators, business minds, and change agents who believe passionately in our mission and put our team ahead of self. We are committed to the continued development and growth of our employees and invest in your success!

We care about your personal well being as much as your professional success and offer generous benefits to full time employees including: 100% company paid comprehensive health benefits for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance, Retirement plan with generous company contributions, FSA for Health and Dependent Care, 3 weeks of vacation time in the first year of employment, 11 paid company holidays, paid sick time, paid family leave, and more!

Our inclusive environment focuses on making decisions based on merit without regard to race, color, hair texture, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, LGBTQIA+ status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.