Director of Government Relations

Government Relations Director

Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve! At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with members of Congress and their staff, as well as committee staff.
• Maintains awareness of 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.
• Speaks on behalf of the association to the media, as appropriate.

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 articulate and advocate APPA policies and positions to a variety of audiences including members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive agencies.
• The 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.
• Able 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.
• 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.