Regional policy manager, central region

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT

As the Policy Manager, Central Region you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping advance the goals of USGBC’s Advocacy & Policy Team. In this role, you’ll take ownership of our state and local advocacy strategy in 20 (+/-) states across the midwestern and southern U.S., driving key initiatives such as engaging policymakers, influencing green building policy, championing the outcomes of green building policy, managing external relationships, and amplifying impact through communications efforts in alignment with our mission and strategic goals.

You’ll report to the State & Local Advocacy Associate Director and be part of a cross-functional team environment where your contributions will help shape impactful outcomes. You’ll work closely with teams like Communications, Market Transformation and Development, and may regularly partner with community leaders and members to elevate policy opportunities, promote LEED and sustainability, and influence state and local legislation.

The expectation is that the Policy Manager, with support and supervision, will build and maintain a strong understanding of relevant building decarbonization and community resilience policy, including the political dynamics and stakeholder positions for priority projects, and proactively identify and implement tasks to advance projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine from time to time an advocacy strategy for USGBC and LEED at the state and local levels, for review and approval; currently planned as: AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, OH, OK, TN, TX and WI. Lead implementation of the approved strategy and priority projects, determined with supervisor.
• Track, analyze, and respond to green building policy developments in legislatures, agencies, and local governments
• Represent USGBC in advocacy coalitions, policy roundtables, and strategic forums
• Build and maintain a strong network of state and local policymakers and USGBC allies to advance policy goals
• Educate elected officials and agency staff through meetings, briefings, events, and lobbying efforts
• Facilitate inclusion of government officials in USGBC events, such as LEED tours and plaque ceremonies
• Develop subject matter expertise in a relevant policy area and contribute to briefs and articles
• Collaborate with internal teams and at times with contracted consultants to monitor and respond to threats and opportunities
• Coordinate with the Communications Director to develop and place policy-related content
• Serve as a local spokesperson and support member for public relations activities and events
• Support team's Federal policy activities in assigned states, as requested

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• At least 4 to 7 years of experience managing state or local advocacy or policy.
• Demonstrated experience communicating about public policy issues preferred
• Experience across multiple jurisdictions and with nonprofit or government entities preferred
• Federal government or policy experience may be considered relevant to meet experience requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Preferred fields of study: Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Science, Energy, Engineering

Technology/System(s)

• Microsoft Suite
• Experience with legislative tracking platforms are a plus but not required

Skills

• Policy monitoring, research and analysis
• Advocacy campaign planning and implementation
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Strategic thinking, entrepreneurial, proactive, and adaptable mindset

Certifications

• LEED Green Associate or LEED AP preferred (or willingness to obtain LEED GA within 12 months)

Please note that salary negotiations will not extend beyond the top of the internal salary range.

Benefits

We offer you:

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional development reimbursement
• We offer a healthcare plan through Cigna that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. USGBC covers 100% of the premiums and an HRA that will assist you and your dependents in reaching the in-network medical deductible. You will only be responsible for the $300 individual / $600 family up front deductible for medical services before the employer funded HRA will process payments for your in-network claims
• Generous paid time off (12 paid holidays, 9 paid personal sick days and based on career level either 2 to 3 weeks PTO), including operations closed for a full week between Christmas and New Year’s
• 6 weeks paid renewal leave after 7 years of continuous service

LOGISTICS

Location: This position is remote in or near the Central Region

Work Schedule: Standard hours for the role are Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM in the Central or Eastern time zone, with flexibility subject to supervisor approval. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during travel.

Travel %: approx. 25% as domestic travel within the Central Region and occasional travel to events outside of the Central Region.

EEO STATEMENT

The U.S. Green Building Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT US

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to accelerating and scaling the transformation of the built environment. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system— and initiatives likes Greenbuild, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy, USGBC empowers professionals to drive market transformation that advances human and environmental health, climate resilience, and equity.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including LEED https://www.usgbc.org/leed, PERFORM https://www.usgbc.org/perform, SITES https://www.sustainablesites.org/, and TRUE Zero Waste https://true.gbci.org/.

We are proud to be globally recognized for our leadership in green building, environmental performance, and sustainable development.

Our Global Impact

• Over 120,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide
• Millions of square feet of certified healthy, efficient, low-carbon space
• Recognition in 180+ countries for innovation in green building and business practices

Why Join Us

At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:

• A purpose-driven, inclusive culture
• Opportunities to grow your career and take ownership of meaningful work
• A chance to make a measurable impact on global sustainability efforts
• We’re seeking team members who thrive in collaborative environments, are committed to excellence, and want to build lasting partnerships that drive change in the built environment.

Meet Our Leaders and Learn More about our Mission:

• U.S. Green Building Council Leaders
• Green Business Certification Inc Leaders

Culture and Values Statement

Working together, each of us advances our mission by respecting all voices, trusting and supporting one another, excelling through collaboration and accountability, and continuously improving ourselves and our organization.

ABOUT OUR TOTAL REWARDS PACKAGE

Salary

Final compensation and benefits will be confirmed at the time of offer and may vary based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, and qualifications.