We are a mission-driven non-profit association advancing a reliable, affordable, and lower-carbon energy future across the Northwest. Our work spans natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen—with policies and partnerships that support decarbonization, and maintain safe, resilient, affordable gas infrastructure. We collaborate with utilities, infrastructure developers, policymakers, trade allies, and community partners to strengthen the region’s energy transformation.
The Director of Advocacy and Outreach supports the strategic execution of the association’s advocacy, outreach, communications, and coalition-building efforts. This role blends policy advocacy, government affairs, internal and external communications, public/media relations, and stakeholder engagement to advance the organization’s mission and influence.
This individual will serve as a public representative of the association, deliver compelling written materials, strengthen coalitions, and ensure the organization’s voice is consistent, credible, and impactful.
The ideal candidate brings strong writing and communication skills, deep curiosity and passion for energy, proven experience in policy or political campaigns, and a talent for building durable partnerships.
1. Policy Advocacy & Government Affairs Support (20%)
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Track, analyze, and summarize legislation, rulemakings, regulatory filings, and policy proposals across Northwest states.
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Draft issue briefs, fact sheets, comment letters, testimony summaries, and policy analysis for internal and external audiences.
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Support government affairs strategy with message development, rapid response, and alignment of communications with policy goals.
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Conduct research on emerging issues (RNG, hydrogen, decarbonization pathways, infrastructure, reliability, affordability, building energy policy, etc.).
2. Communications & Public Relations (35%)
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Develop and deliver clear, compelling content for newsletters, blogs, websites, reports, social media, webinars, and member communications.
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Manage social media presence—curating content that elevates key issues, policy trends, and member priorities.
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Coordinate public relations and media outreach, including drafting press releases, op-eds, talking points, and backgrounders.
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Maintain message consistency across all communication channels and support executives with speeches, presentations, and talking points.
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Represent the association publicly at events, forums, and media engagements as needed.
3. Coalition Building & External Engagement (35%)
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Strengthen and expand relationships with partner organizations, trade allies, academic institutions, and community groups.
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Coordinate and support the growth of coalitions, facilitating communications, shared priorities, and joint advocacy opportunities.
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Support cross-sector collaborations on decarbonization, energy affordability, and infrastructure reliability.
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Develop stakeholder engagement strategies that increase the association’s influence and visibility.
4. Organizational Leadership & Strategy (10%)
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Help refine advocacy strategies and messaging frameworks that reflect the region’s evolving energy landscape.
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Support event planning and execution for policy roundtables, webinars, and conferences.
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Manage contractors, consultants, or creative partners when needed.
Required
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7–10+ years of experience in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, communications, or related fields.
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Exceptionally strong writing and editing skills; able to translate complex policy/technical content into clear, accessible messages.
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Proven ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, including policymakers, members, media, coalition partners, and the general public.
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Experience representing an organization in public forums, including panels, hearings, or media engagements.
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Demonstrated success in coalition building and stakeholder relationship management.
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Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies that support advocacy, policy, and organizational goals.
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Familiarity with state and regional policy processes, particularly energy, climate, or infrastructure issues.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
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Deep interest in and passion for energy, decarbonization pathways, and the role of gas, RNG, and hydrogen in the energy transition.
Preferred
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Background in political campaigns, legislative offices, or government affairs.
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Experience in energy, utilities, clean fuels, climate policy, or technology industries.
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Experience supporting or managing coordinated advocacy campaigns.
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Existing relationships with Northwest policymakers, media, or energy-sector stakeholders.
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Proficiency with analytics, social media tools, and legislative tracking systems.
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Experience leading or significantly contributing to organizational communications planning, including message frameworks, editorial calendars, and rapid-response protocols.
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Familiarity with earned media strategy, digital advocacy communications, and reputation management in a policy or issue-driven environment
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Mission Alignment: Passionate about balanced, affordable, reliable, and low-carbon energy pathways through credible advocacy and communications.
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Strategic Communication: Crafts persuasive, concise messages tailored to policymakers, members, media, and the public, aligning communications with advocacy and policy objectives.
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Policy Fluency: Synthesizes legislative and regulatory issues quickly and accurately, translating complex policy into actionable insights and communications.
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Coalition Builder: Builds trust, fosters collaboration, and nurtures relationships across diverse partners to advance shared advocacy goals.
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Media & Public Presence: Confident, articulate communicator who can represent the organization effectively in public forums, media settings, and stakeholder engagements
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Project Leadership: Organized, detail-oriented, and able to drive complex initiatives on time and under deadline pressure, with minimal oversight
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Remote position with a preference for candidates located in the Portland, Oregon, metro area.
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Occasional travel (25-35%) for legislative sessions, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and coalition activities.
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Some travel and work hours may align with legislative calendars, public, community, and grassroots meetings in after-hours or weekend settings.
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Competitive salary commensurate with experience and location.
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Comprehensive benefits package (medical, retirement, paid leave, professional development, bonus).
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Compensation (salary plus bonus) Range: $115,000 – $145,0000
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Applications will be evaluated as received and remain open until filled.
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Please send a cover letter, resume, and relevant work to Kelly Fukai at kfukai@nwga.org