Dir Federal & State Relations

CPS Energy•Austin, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Federal & State Relations is responsible for directing the utility’s governmental advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels and for recommending and implementing public policy strategies, and coordinating legislative and regulatory activities with other local, public, and private sector entities. The Director will also coordinate with internal and external attorneys, consultants, and subject-matter experts on a range of issues. The Director engages in and drives policy work with local, state, and national trade associations, chambers of commerce, coalitions, and industry organizations. Frequent presentations will be made both internally and externally. The Director will manage external consultants in Austin and Washington, D.C. and lead the Federal & State Relations team members.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Demonstrated experience in Government Relations through some combination of federal/state legislative work, including experience working with legislators, regulators, stakeholders and/or industry advocacy groups.
Skill in communicating effectively, building relationships, and resolving differences with all levels of management, boards of directors and staff as well as external individuals and groups.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Ability to travel, oftentimes independently.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and strong negotiation skills.
Keen political acuity.
Ability to communicate complex policy matters clearly and succinctly.
Robust knowledge of energy policy issues.
Proactive leadership, with ability to identify risks and problem solve and routinely communicate status (positive or negative).
Strong people and leadership skills, with bias for a collaborative working style.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and maintain relationships with key policy makers, government leaders and key stakeholders at the state and federal legislative and regulatory levels.
Monitor and lead CPS Energy’s engagement in state and federal legislative activities and regulatory activities to identify and mitigate policy risks and seek opportunities for CPS Energy.
Communicate with public officials and their staff to educate and convey positions that advance CPS Energy’s mission and services.
Conduct ongoing assessment of changing political and policy arenas, updating internal stakeholders and senior management of emerging issues or proceedings of potential impact.
Anticipate trends across the industry and public policy arenas and cultivate partnerships with external stakeholders on issues of mutual importance.
Collaborate cross-functionally to share and discuss policy risks and opportunities and ensure alignment of strategy, and then execute in the appropriate public policy arena accordingly.
Produce written analyses, position papers and other advocacy materials on policy matters of importance to CPS Energy.
Support media and corporate communications activities related to government and regulatory matters at the state and federal levels.
Increase employee awareness of government relations and regulatory affairs and utilize forums to educate employees of the company’s public policy perspectives.
Identify and execute on opportunities for CPS Energy and its executives to engage directly in legislative and regulatory proceedings (e.g. filing comments, providing verbal or written testimony, participating in industry and association working groups).
Oversee the process by which the Federal & State Relations team tracks, analyses, obtains subject matter expert input, and ultimately advocates on legislative and regulatory proposals of impact to CPS Energy.
Provide critical and strategic thinking along with the ability to communicate and make recommendations to senior leadership including effectively presenting information and responding to questions from peers, leadership, and board of trustee members.
Develop and oversee the Federal & State Relations budget and external vendor contracts.
Oversee all functions of the Federal & State Relations team with an eye towards enhancing and developing each team member’s skillsets, knowledge, and expertise.