Government Relations Director

American Public Power Association • Arlington, VA

1d • $145,000 - $158,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Public Power Association (APPA) is seeking a Government Relations Director to represent community-owned electric utilities. This role involves advocating before the federal government on a variety of energy-related issues, including generation, environment, and financial policies. The position requires establishing and maintaining relationships with members of Congress and their staff, monitoring legislative and regulatory activities, and briefing APPA committees and members. The Director will also draft legislative materials, represent APPA at external meetings, and support political engagement activities. This is a hybrid position based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, requiring 2-3 days in the office per week, with Tuesdays being mandatory. The role involves developing strategies, coordinating with other APPA departments, and potentially speaking on behalf of the association to the media.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university with coursework in related disciplines such as communications or political science.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant job experience; preferably congressional or regulatory experience.
• Knowledge of and thorough understanding of Congress, the legislative process, and government relations.
• Background in energy policy and strong familiarity with issues that impact the electric utility industry.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and outgoing personality, and an ability to work with a team and independently to achieve APPA’s advocacy goals.
• The ability to articulately and effectively communicate and advocate, both orally and in writing, APPA policies and positions to a variety of audiences including members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive agencies.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and execute legislative and regulatory activities, such as legislation and amendments in Congress and regulations, policies, and processes with federal agencies.
• Ability to work flexible hours, and able to manage completing deadlines and prioritizing work objectives in area of expertise with minimal supervision.
• Sound judgment and sharp critical thinking skills – the ability to weigh the pros and cons of a particular issue area or situation and diplomatically – but clearly – communicate APPA’s positions to stakeholders.
• Travels out of town up to 5% of the year to support APPA’s conferences, events, and meetings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and extensive walking during conferences and meetings.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Advocates APPA’s views on assigned portfolio of issues impacting public power utilities, which may include a variety of energy-related issues including generation, environment and financial policies, depending on organizational needs and candidate expertise.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with members of Congress and their staff, as well as committee staff.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA members.
• Briefs APPA committees and communicates with members on legislative and administrative issues.
• Attends congressional and executive branch hearings and meetings.
• Strategically seeks and creates opportunities to advance APPA objectives.
• Drafts legislation, amendments, and other legislative material as required.
• Drafts speeches, statements, position papers, and correspondence, as appropriate.
• Represents APPA at meetings of outside groups and coalitions.
• Speaks at APPA member meetings on legislative and political issues.
• Supports APPA’s political engagement, including attendance at events on behalf of APPA’s political action committee.
• Conceives and develops program topics for APPA workshops and conferences, including Legislative Rally, National Conference, and utility education courses.
• Identifies and anticipates legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA’s members.
• Develops, directs, and advises APPA and member executives on strategies to achieve policy objectives.
• Coordinates activities with Regulatory Affairs, Communications, Technical & Operations Services, and other APPA departments.
• Coordinates and directs APPA’s working groups and task forces, as appropriate.
• Also speaks on behalf of the association to the media, as appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior