Government Relations Specialist

Are you passionate about public policy and advocacy? Do you have a knack for building strategic relationships and navigating the complexities of government affairs? Join our team as a Government Relations Specialist! In this pivotal role, you will act as a liaison between our organization and government representatives, ensuring our interests are effectively represented. You will be responsible for monitoring legislative developments, crafting policy strategies, and fostering key partnerships with lawmakers and regulatory agencies. If you possess exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of the legislative process, and a commitment to driving positive change, we want to hear from you! Elevate your career and make a significant impact by joining LES as a Government Relations Specialist. Apply now to be a part of our dynamic and influential team!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND COMPETENCIES

Responsible for legislative advocacy and engagement in related activities on the federal, state, and local levels. Specific responsibilities include developing a solid understanding of LES and the electric utility industry, establishing, and maintaining relationships with elected officials and staff, monitoring legislative policy as it relates to the organization, developing legislative strategy, and coordinating LES engagement in such issues. Consistent and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Maintains a solid understanding of the electric utility industry and LES policies and customer programs essential to analyzing, strategizing, developing, and communicating LES positions on legislative and regulatory issues.
• Identifies industry specific external policy issues and emerging trends and the impact they may have on LES or stakeholders. Develops long-term and short-term legislative and policy strategies regarding priority federal and state issues.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory actions and tracks advancement of policy including legislative bills, rules, or other items, which may entail monitoring of committee hearings, testifying or securing committee testimony and records preparation.
• Collaborates with peer utilities and other civic organizations as needed or directed regarding activities, updates, and other timely legislative and regulatory issues.
• Develops and maintains relationships with key legislative policymakers and staff members and other key government officials and staff to advance LES as a credible source for industry knowledge and information.

Initiative- Takes action on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked.

Adaptability - Maintains a positive attitude in the face of change; appropriately adjusts behavior and activities to changing conditions.

Communication - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner whether verbally, written, or other means; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling.

Critical and Analytical Thinking - Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. Skilled at finding logical flaws in arguments and plans; identifies problems and solutions that others might miss; provides detailed insight and constructive criticism into problems and complex situations.

Job Technical Skills - Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the state legislative process, structure, and available resources.
• Ability to perform independent research of legislative and regulatory issues and present summaries of such issues and proposed position statements clearly and logically.
• Ability to think critically and strategically.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn and understand new ideas and concepts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness.
• Ability and desire to learn and synthesize utility concepts and terminology.
• Ability to work into the evening hours as necessary, especially during the legislative session.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, and
• At least four to six years of relevant work experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• None

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans