Senior Analyst, Government & Regulatory Affairs

Senior Analyst, Government & Regulatory Affairs

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Job Purpose/Summary:

The Senior Analyst, Government & Regulatory Affairs is charged with sustaining and enhancing state and local government and regulatory affairs at Plains by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to identify, evaluate and address issues or opportunities in a strategic and fit-for-purpose manner. The successful candidate is an experienced communicator with a proactive and collaborative approach to solving problems, and skilled in adapting engagement strategies to suit the environment and audience.

This Senior Analyst coordinates with multiple disciplines across the organization to develop and execute effective public affairs strategies, plans and programs, including building relationships with local, state and, as applicable, federal public officials and their staff; engages with trade associations and community groups in alignment with the organization's needs; monitors legislative, regulatory and political issues to provide counsel to Plains leaders; and manages multiple consultants across the U.S.

The selected candidate will be eligible for company benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Free Parking.

Job Responsibilities:

• Government and Regulatory Affairs
  • Manage and regularly assess performance of contract lobbyists across a geographically dispersed area.
  • Serve as a Plains Government Relations representative, developing productive relationships with policymakers in alignment with business priorities.
  • Participate in appropriate trade association or coalition activities to identify, monitor and engage on issues applicable to the organization.
  • Monitor and communicate policy issues of relevance within our organization, collaborating with colleagues to influence outcomes in alignment with business needs.
  • Serve as a registered lobbyist in assigned jurisdiction(s) if required by engagement level and applicable regulations.
  • Develop reports, briefing materials and other updates for executive leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Plan, manage and conduct ongoing engagement initiatives with public officials in communities where Plains operates or with those officials in a position to impact our business.
  • Support alignment of messaging across stakeholder types in alignment with business priorities and Plains' values.
  • Collaborate with Plains' field leadership and other colleagues to support constructive relationships with government and other stakeholders in the communities where we operate.
• Political Engagement
  • Participate in planning and execution of Plains' political giving activities, including supporting administration of Plains' employee-funded Political Action Committee.
  • Develop and implement state and local-level political engagement recommendations, aligned with business priorities.
  • Coordinate with Communications colleagues to identify opportunities for and support employee mobilization efforts on high-priority policy issues.
• Communications & Incident Response
  • Monitor activities that may affect the public perception of the organization and prepare Plains to communicate effectively with government stakeholders during operational or reputational incidents.
  • Upon request, participate in incident communications training and exercises.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Highest standard of personal ethics and integrity supported by open and honest communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills; can develop effective collaborative working relationships with internal and external personnel from a variety of disciplines and at all levels
• Approaches work with a positive and collaborative spirit to build consensus and camaraderie.
• Strong sense of urgency and proactive nature to solving problems.
• Anticipates business needs to identify and implement solutions.
• Develops cross-functional teams when needed to cohesively and strategically address challenges.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and exercising keen attention to detail
• Self-directed, dependable and comfortable exercising judgement to operate in a fast-paced environment and in alignment with the organization's priorities.
• Excellent presentation, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft collaboration tools such as Teams or SharePoint.
• Ability to travel (~25%) and work extended or off-hours as needed to deliver priority projects.

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably with a focus in Government, Communications, Journalism or a related field.
• 10+ years prior government relations, public affairs or related experience. Energy, infrastructure or government/political experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the political and legislative process, including experience with a variety of external affairs strategies.
• Prior experience serving as a registered lobbyist
• Prior experience managing budgets for and performance of contract lobbyists across multiple jurisdictions.
• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.
• Compliance with the Company's drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment D&A testing.
• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.