Director, Upstream Policy

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers. 

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families.  More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.

Job Summary

Manages API’s staff, directs work, and provides technical, operational, and regulatory leadership and guidance to API, the Exploration and Production Environmental Subcommittee, the Hydraulic Fracturing Issues Group, and other committees as required. 

Focuses on achieving API’s mission of influencing public policy through advocacy and education before the Executive branch and Congress through communications efforts and by representing the industry before federal regulatory agencies and Congress.   

Develops strategy, and the tools for implementing the strategy, through member committees and in coordination with API Communications, Legal, Government Affairs and Global Industry Services departments and through collaboration with other industry trade associations, industry coalition groups and interested stakeholders to best position API and the upstream industry for successful advocacy on relevant issues. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, management, policy-formulation and strategy development on Upstream policy issues with a focus on hydraulic fracturing, and other environmental issues including water and waste. Works with member companies on priorities, the development of programs, and the implementation of program activities to achieve industry goals. 
• Interfaces with other segments, resources groups, and issue teams to ensure programs and budgets meet priorities and objectives. Monitors and measures effectiveness of program implementation and budget expenditures. 
• Advances public policy that positively impacts upstream environmental management and regulation and other issues as required through regulatory practice, legislative analysis, and API communications strategy by representing the industry and promoting its policy positions before federal regulatory agencies and Congress. 
• Learn, understand, apply, and communicate applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and agency practices and procedures.   
• Coordinates with Office of General Counsel, Office of Federal Relations, Office of Communications, and other API offices including State Petroleum Councils as appropriate to help API and its committees develop and implement the necessary strategy to address the relevant issues. 
• Recognizes and quickly understands issues that significantly impact the industry. Quickly responds to events and provides information/data for API to communicate industry viewpoint.   
• Identifies, analyzes, and highlights proposed regulations and legislation to identify areas of concern for the industry. Creates advocacy and analytical documents on regulatory and legislative proposals.   
• Communicates clearly and concisely on complex issues to meet the audience’s expectations. Effectively communicates points of disagreement, facilitates development of a consensus position, and articulates solutions positively. Able to communicate technical or complex issues in a simple/clear manner for broad understanding. 
• Able to provide effective, accurate, and concise written products. 
• Able to communicate effectively with members, executives, media, other API staff, and other trade association representatives. 
• Gives presentations and speeches at conferences and other similar events to promote the API position.    
• Develops project/issue plans that identify schedule, costs, resources and necessary roles and responsibilities. Demonstrates organization and planning skills to execute project/issue effectively and on time. Demonstrates ability to prioritize and work quickly under pressure.  
• Develops relationships and coordinate issues with allied oil and gas and business organizations, as well as other third-party stakeholders for the purpose of building broad support for relevant issues. 
• Manages project contracts and develops relationships with vendors and API financial operations to ensure that contracts are effectively processed and performed upon.   
• Works with industry representatives and API staff on the development of API standards and technical programs to help advance and promote safe operations.   

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to Upstream Department Staff and interfaces with other segments, resources groups, and issue teams to ensure programs and budgets meet group priorities and objectives and will report to the Vice President of Upstream Policy.  
• Provides staff leadership to assigned committees.  May provide guidance to and coordinate the activities of other API staff on areas of expertise and strategy implementation.  

 Qualifications

• Requires 10 years of experience in a similar role and subject matter expertise.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years management experience and advanced subject matter expertise. 
• Requires knowledge of key programmatic, operational, and financial issues and priorities.
• Experience with industry issues or related/transferable regulatory advocacy, with technical knowledge of broad industry operations preferred. Experience in public policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, or government may serve as comparable experience.   
• Knowledge of federal administrative law and rulemaking process.  
• Demonstrated abilities in interpreting and analyzing federal regulation/legislation in relation to the oil and natural gas industry and developing broad issues management strategies. 
• Travel required.  

 Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer 
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion 
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines 
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

 Travel Requirements

•  Up to 25% 

Percentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value.  We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all.  All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best-qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.