Director of Government Relations

Company: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) Job Title: Director of Government Relations Location: Topeka, KS Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC), the statewide association for Kansas electric co-ops, is seeking a full-time Director of Government Relations to lead KEC’s legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement. This senior-level position directs government relations activities to promote and influence legislation, rules, regulations, and actions affecting rural electrification and related programs at state and national levels. The Director must be able to build and maintain strong professional relationships with the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation, the Kansas Legislature, state agencies, member co-op leadership, and other key stakeholders. The Director of Government Relations represents Kansas electric cooperatives before various state and national governmental and regulatory bodies, committees, commissions, and officials. The position oversees KEC’s grassroots advocacy program and serves as executive director of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives’ PAC and KS-America’s Electric Cooperative PAC. This position provides staff support to KEC committees and serves as lead staff for KEC’s Legislative & Regulatory Committee and Policies & Bylaws Committee. At least five years’ experience related to industry advocacy, lobbying, the Kansas Legislature, and/or work with government agencies or campaigns is required. The applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. KEC offers a competitive salary and benefits package including 401(k) with match, NRECA pension plan, health and dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays. Additional position specifications are listed below. Primary Accountabilities The Director of Governmental Relations is responsible for directing governmental relations activities to promote and influence legislation, rules, regulations, and actions affecting rural electrification and related programs at state and national levels. The Director of Governmental Relations is also responsible for establishing and maintaining excellent professional relationships with the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation and the Kansas Legislature. This position represents Kansas electric cooperatives before various national and state governmental and regulatory bodies, committees, commissions, and officials. The Director of Government Relations oversees KEC’s grassroots advocacy program and serves as executive director of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives’ PAC and KS-America’s Electric Cooperative PAC. This position provides staff support to KEC committees and serves as lead staff for KEC’s Legislative & Regulatory and the Policies & Bylaws Committees. Major Duties Direct Government Relations (GR) Department and legal activities to enhance KEC’s 3-part advocacy program of active lobbying, relationship building, and financial support of co-op-minded policymakers. Achieve an understanding of state and national legislation and regulatory issues to influence positive action that assists the operations and activities of member cooperatives. Partner with KEC’s General Counsel and other consultants on issues as needed and directed. Serve as a registered Kansas Lobbyist. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and the KEC Board, provide leadership in formulation of policy and recommend proposals supporting, opposing, or amending legislation and regulations for the benefit of the rural electrification program. Review, evaluate and analyze information, particularly legislative and regulatory proposals, to identify key technical and political issues of concern to the rural electric cooperatives. Facilitate the industry response to legislative proposals through testimony, speeches and other initiatives. Coordinate written and oral testimony and speeches on pending legislation and regulations. Inform the KEC staff, KEC Legislative Committee, and the KEC membership on a timely basis regarding legislative issues and decisions of importance, lobbying activities, and other developments affecting the rural electrification program. Prepare or edit informational articles and materials pertaining to state and national legislation of interest to Kansas rural electric cooperatives and consumers for general distribution and inclusion in KEC publications. Act as liaison and build relationships with all Congressional Delegation members and their staffs on issues affecting rural electric cooperatives. Contact members of Congress, their staffs, and other federal governmental officials to obtain information about pending legislation and regulations and advise the position, views and concerns of the rural electric cooperatives. Oversee the organization and execution of activities regarding Kansas rural electric cooperatives participation in advocacy-related events, including NRECA Legislative Conference, KEC’s DC fly-in, Day at the Capitol and Co-ops Vote events. Coordinate activities and work closely with the Government Relations and Legal Departments of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA). Oversee plans for accomplishing the goals and objectives of the KS-America’s Electric Cooperative PAC, in cooperation with the Kansas Electric Cooperatives’ PAC and serve as executive director for both. Oversee political contribution process and work with the KEC PAC Executive Committee to manage PAC funds to promote rural friendly legislators. Attend social events, political and fundraising activities, to establish contacts and promote KEC interests. Assist in developing the GR budget and annual work plan for activities of assigned responsibility with KEC management and respective KEC committees. Attend and participate as necessary or requested in various KEC-related functions, such as committee meetings, member-system meetings, management decision-making, and any advisory or REC association meetings. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, currently admitted in good standing with the Bar of the State of Kansas, is not required, but beneficial. At least five (5) years’ experience of progressively responsible work in government relations is required. Experience working with the public and with a Board of Directors is preferred. Knowledge of rural electrification and cooperative program, preferred. Must have good command of English grammar and usage. Must be well organized, personable and able to exercise discretion and use sound judgment in dealing with people and confidential information. Good oral and written communications skills are essential. Must be able to compose correspondence and develop reports/presentations. Must have ability to type with speed and accuracy to complete assigned duties. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; internet, and electronic mail as well as have workable knowledge of data entry in computers for establishing and maintaining computer databases. Must be able to meet people easily, communicate effectively (both written and verbal) and win employees' and members' confidence. Must be able to work with all cooperative employees in the best interest of KEC and our member cooperatives. Must be able to work well with diversified groups as well as individuals. Must believe in, be empathetic with, and be interested in furthering KEC’s objectives. Must desire to keep up with current issues facing electric cooperatives and the impact these issues have on KEC, our members and communities. Must be able to work under pressure. Must be receptive to changes deemed necessary and suggestions from peers. Must possess the highest degree of integrity, pleasant disposition and tact. Must be able to handle a multitude of projects simultaneously with the ability to make decisions in the best interest of the Cooperative regardless of the circumstances. Must work independently, exercise judgment and act in accordance with KEC policies, while working to provide excellent customer service. 401(k) with match NRECA pension plan health and dental insurance paid vacation and holidays 401K with match NRECA pension plan health, vision and dental paid vacation and holidays #J-18808-Ljbffr