Policy Director
Date Posted: Aug 21, 2025
Requisition ID: 464217
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Office of Energy Development:
The Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) was established to shepherd the state's energy plan. OED focuses on the development and implementation of comprehensive energy planning for the state that utilizes all of Indiana's energy resources and supports a strong, dynamic, and growing economy. OED strives to be a national leader in the creation of innovative policy solutions and programs for affordable, reliable energy.?
Role Overview:
The Policy Director leads the Indiana Office of Energy Development's (OED's) legislative affairs and energy policy initiatives. Fulfillment of this requires engagement with stakeholders and legislators during the legislative process and the development of energy policy initiatives. The Policy Director serves as the lead advisor for the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) on a myriad of policy-related matters in the electricity industry, including the multi-faceted and various energy topics surrounding the production, generation, and use of energy in Indiana. This position also manages the agency's Policy Division, leading staff in furtherance of Indiana's energy policy. The Policy Director is responsible for understanding the complex environment of energy policy, including an understanding of the utility regulation framework, the impact of new and emerging technologies on the electric grid, and the local, state, and federal policy movement related to energy development. Incumbent also serves as a technical resource and subject matter expert within the office.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Lead and develop the agency's legislative affairs and energy policy initiatives in alignment with Indiana's energy policies and priorities.
Serve as a legislative liaison for the office during legislative session, which includes responding to constituent casework; communicating with the Governor's office, legislators and their staff, and lobbyists; and monitoring and developing policy positions on relevant pending legislation that affects the office or Indiana's energy landscape.
Lead the agency's public engagement and education efforts and develop objectives and strategies to accomplish the agency's mission in this area.
Lead the development and execution of OED's communications strategy related to the office and Indiana's energy priorities to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
Support the development of the agency's grant strategies, including funding opportunity applications, program development, grants to subrecipients, strategic communications, and the final awarding of grants to ensure alignment with agency objectives and mission.
Both within state government and without, engage stakeholders and represent the office's interests and viewpoints on various energy-related topics.
Make public presentations on Indiana's energy policy to constituents and stakeholder groups.
Maintain in-depth understanding of new and emerging issues, initiatives, and trends in the energy industry.
Maintain awareness of regulatory issues in utility and environmental fields through developing relationships with relevant regulatory staff in other state agencies such as the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Collect and analyze industry data that may have an impact to Indiana's energy landscape.
Coordinate information and data sharing with state and federal agencies, universities, schools, and industry groups.
Monitor and report on federal energy-related legislation that may impact OED.
Participate in site visits to work with energy stakeholders.
Assist the Finance and Grants Directors in follow-up, reporting, and other program administration concerns for energy programs and projects, as needed.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required.
Extensive written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations of federal, state, and local constituents, stakeholders, and elected officials.
General knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to travel throughout the State, and sometimes to out-of-state conferences, seminars, or events. Overnight travel is approximately two or three times a year.
Strong ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong ability to make independent, informed decisions, sometimes with incomplete data or information.
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and adapt to different projects and/or tasks.
Experience
Public policy experience, especially energy-related public policy experience strongly preferred.
General knowledge of Indiana's energy ecosystem strongly preferred.
Grant administration at either the state or federal level preferred.
Understanding of Indiana's legislative processes a plus.
Familiarity with Indiana's energy stakeholders a plus.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.
