Director of External Affairs

Philadelphia Gas Works•Philadelphia, PA

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director is responsible for the development, management, and oversight of Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW’s) involvement in state and federal governmental relations, including legislatures and regulatory agencies, providing overall strategic governmental relations support for its operations and objectives while building and maintaining close business alliances with internal business owners, elected officials, government staff, business leaders, activist groups, regulators, consumers, and other interested parties. This role also leads and informs the company's planning, communications, and management of external stakeholder relations and its interconnection to community, customer initiatives, and identified objectives. This position is accountable for the management and oversight of community and educational programs between PGW and responsible community individuals representing business, governmental, education and religious groups and other non-profit service oriented organizations. Incumbent is also responsible for measurement and impact of external relationships to PGW's image and trust throughout PGW's service territory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Government Affairs, or other related field of study.
7 to 10 years’ experience within the utility or public service sector preferred
7- 10 years of advocacy or other relevant experience (e.g. state legislative or executive branch staff member)

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD) preferred

Responsibilities

Advocate on behalf of the company through strong relationships with elected officials in the state legislative and executive branches
Analyze, draft, and respond to legislation and coordinate with internal stakeholders to address problematic provisions
Manage staff performance in the development of action plans, communication activities and legislative solutions for issues impacting company projects
Proactively develop action plans and legislative solutions for issues impacting company projects
Coordinate and manage third-party consultants and lobbyists
Develop strong relationships with state and local government officials, state agencies, and relevant legislative and agency staff
Build industry coalitions in support of priorities, work constructively with trade organizations and peer companies
Maintain communication with Philadelphia City Council members and staffs and respond to inquiries demonstrating an understanding of political environment and issues of public importance while clearly communicating PGW’s points of view and strategic vision.
Represent PGW in trade association and standards board matters. Represent PGW in chambers of commerce matters.
Participate in assignments related to PGW’s tariffs and rates.
Monitor, analyze, evaluate, and track federal and state laws, agency proceedings, regulations, and policies relevant to PGW and the energy industry as directed. Other functions may include preparing impact assessments, developing policy recommendations, preparing testimony, administrating databases, and preparing discovery responses.
Participate in the project management of regulatory proceedings (e.g., rate case proceedings).
Coordinate efforts with other PGW departments and develop and provide general and specific internal communications regarding governmental or community relations.
Provide direction in special projects related to regulatory compliance and ensuring alignment with PGW’s goals and objectives.
Direct PGW’s Construction Notification process as part of PGW’s Corporate Citizenship efforts jointly with Operations.
Develop and coordinate PGW’s community relations efforts within the framework of the JD Power Corporate Image Assessment and PGW’s on-going customer satisfaction initiative.
Support projects/activities involving educational, recreational, cultural, and other community programs conducted both on and off PGW’s premises to enhance PGW’s image and promote company sponsored programs throughout Philadelphia.
Develop metrics /standards and evaluation tools by which PGW’s efforts in the community will be measured and provide feedback to PGW Leadership team.