Director Government Affairs
About The Position
Provides strategic direction and leads change initiatives related to government policy and legislative affairs. Plans, organizes, and directs team activities to support the Company's legislative and government relations objectives. Consults with and advises Company staff on matters affecting government regulations. The Director, Government Affairs, will serve as a key representative of American Electric Power (AEP) before federal agencies and the Administration. This externally focused role requires significant in-person engagement, including accompanying business executives to meetings with administrative agencies. The Director will help develop and execute federal advocacy strategies that advance AEP's business objectives and support affordable, reliable power for our customers. Working closely with internal business leaders and external stakeholders, the Director will build and maintain relationships with Administration officials, federal agencies, industry partners, and trade associations. The Director will monitor federal regulatory developments, provide strategic counsel to Company leadership, and advocate on issues affecting AEP's operations, customers, and long-term growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, public relations, communications, business, law, or other related disciplines.
- Minimum 8 years' experience in government, corporate government affairs office, community/public affairs, communications, or direct related experience in the industry. Or a minimum 6 years' experience with Congress or in the federal government.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Strong understanding of the federal legislative and executive branch decision-making processes.
- Experience within the energy and utility industry sectors and familiarity with energy, environmental, permitting, and infrastructure issues.
- Must have demonstrated building strategic relationships with appropriate contacts to support AEP’s policies.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Represent AEP before federal agencies and Administration officials on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters impacting the company.
- Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance AEP's federal priorities.
- Conduct direct outreach to executive branch officials and key stakeholders to promote company positions.
- Support and coordinate meetings between AEP executives and federal policymakers.
- Develop and manage relationships with trade associations, coalitions, consultants, and other external partners.
- Identify opportunities to enhance AEP's visibility and influence among federal decision-makers.
- Support AEP's participation in industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
- Monitor Administration initiatives, federal agency actions, and rulemakings. Analyze and communicate any potential business impacts of federal actions to internal stakeholders.
- Prepare executive briefings, meeting materials, talking points, legislative summaries, and advocacy documents.
- Maintain awareness of emerging federal political and policy developments that may affect the company.
- Demonstrate the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and professionalism in all activities.
- Maintain compliance with applicable lobbying, ethics, and reporting requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Base salary
- Annual bonus
- Long-term incentive
- 401K match
- AEP Pension
- Comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
