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Federal Strategy Director

Georgia, United States

We seek an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as our Federal Strategy Director. This role will drive innovation in infrastructure permitting, environmental policy, and project management for complex, high-profile projects. The ideal candidate will leverage 20 years of experience across federal, state, and private sectors to lead initiatives that streamline regulatory processes, optimize project delivery, and expand the use of sustainable infrastructure solutions. The ideal candidate shall utilize federal permitting and environmental policy expertise to work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, and non-profit organizations, to shape policy, deliver results, and enhance operational efficiency. 

What Will You Do at ESA

Leadership and Strategic Direction

  • Provide expert guidance on environmental policy and permitting strategies for major infrastructure projects.
  • Collaborate with executives, stakeholders, and interagency teams to streamline federal permitting processes.
  • Partner with executive business director and market leader to drive company growth strategies and companywide business development efforts.

Policy Development and Implementation

  • Develop innovative policies to optimize permitting efficiency, accelerate infrastructure development, and align with federal and state environmental standards.
  • Lead the creation of frameworks for public-private partnerships to enhance collaboration on large-scale projects.

Program and Project Management

  • Oversee portfolios of high-impact infrastructure projects.
  • Manage interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely and compliant project delivery.
  • Design and execute training programs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

  • Build and maintain relationships with federal agencies, state governments, tribal entities, and private stakeholders.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization on environmental and permitting issues.

Innovation and Capacity Building

  • Implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance permitting processes, such as digital dashboards and environmental modeling tools.
  • Establish funding strategies to support project acceleration.

Who You Are

  • Master’s degree in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
  • 20+ years of experience in environmental policy, permitting, and infrastructure development.
  • Proven track record of leading national initiatives, managing interagency collaboration, and driving policy innovation.
  • Extensive experience in business development.
  • Extensive experience in federal and state government as well as private-sector leadership roles.
  • Deep expertise in NEPA, federal permitting, and environmental regulations.
  • Exceptional project management and leadership skills, with experience overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets.
  • Strong public speaking, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  • Proficiency in strategic planning, policy analysis, and cross-sector collaboration.

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals and employee-owners who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), strong employee engagement, and innovation are key attributes of our company culture.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.

 

 

 

 

Who We Are 

We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients. 

In accordance with ESA’s duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies. 

 

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D) 

 

 

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