Manager, Government Affairs

Job Description

The Manager of Government Affairs will oversee the development and implementation of the Company's government affairs and legislative strategy at the federal, state, and local levels. This role is dual-pronged: it is responsible for maintaining and deepening Ormat's existing relationships surrounding current operations, while simultaneously leveraging deep regulatory expertise to push the next frontier of the clean energy transition through Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). We are seeking an experienced legislative and regulatory veteran who can navigate complex policy landscapes to drive Ormat's commercial EGS expansion across North America. The Manager will work cross-functionally to influence regulatory pathways, create new regulations, enable progressive legislation, and pave the way for advanced project development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive federal, state, and local legislative strategies to enable, accelerate, and de-risk the commercial expansion of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) across North America. Manage the Department's participation in various legislative/regulatory proceedings and stakeholder processes.
• Maintain, protect, and strengthen existing relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, elected officials, and host communities surrounding Ormat's current operational portfolio.
• Manage the company's intervention and participation in key regulatory proceedings, rulemaking workshops, and stakeholder processes to shape favorable policies for next-generation geothermal technology. Represent the Company's position in hearings and workshops; assist with public relations strategies.
• Monitor, analyze, and track evolving legislative proposals and regulatory shifts; translate complex policy changes into actionable insights to inform corporate business strategy and executive planning. Manage the Company's community outreach efforts supporting development projects.
• Monitor applications to agencies and milestone schedules; regularly update federal, state, and local representatives on project progress and build regulatory alignment to facilitate smooth project development.
• Represent Ormat's position in legislative hearings, public workshops, and industry conferences; collaborate cross-functionally to design public relations and community outreach strategies for greenfield development.
• Active engagement and attendance at industry workshops, regulatory conferences, trade shows, and coalition meetings.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including long distances by car and air, while operating a vehicle in a safe manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Environmental Sciences, Public Policy, Engineering, Business, or a comparable field; an advanced degree (J.D., MPA, or Master's in Policy) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs, public policy, or government relations within the energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory hurdles facing advanced clean energy technologies, with a strong preference for candidates possessing direct familiarity with geothermal, subsurface, or mineral leasing regulations.
• Proven track record working with federal land management agencies (e.g., BLM, USFS) on projects in the Western U.S., including developing political and regulatory strategies to resolve project siting, environmental review (NEPA), and permitting conflicts.
• Exceptional problem-solving, negotiation, and written/oral communication skills, with a proven ability to distill complex technical frameworks into compelling policy arguments.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic priorities, build cross-industry coalitions, and execute regulatory strategies that drive tangible commercial business expansion.
• Ability to set strategic priorities and execute business expansion strategies.
• Must be able to use and acquire knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation. Must be proficient in MS word, Excel, PowerPoint, and use of the internet.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in an office environment.
• This position requires sitting 80% of the time and standing and walking 20% of the time.
• Must have the ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds without assistance.