Government Affairs Associate

Government Affairs Associate

The Government Affairs Department leads and coordinates Colorado Springs Utilities' legislative and regulatory initiatives, working closely with policymakers, legislative staff, industry trade associations, and key external stakeholders to advance the organization's strategic objectives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Government Affairs Associate to support the department's efforts in monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments that may affect utility operations. In this role, you will research emerging public policy issues, assess potential business impacts, prepare weekly legislative and regulatory reports, and assist with advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and government relations activities.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-motivated professional with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. A solid understanding of governmental processes, public policy, and stakeholder relations, combined with a passion for serving the public interest, will position you for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, review, and track local, state, and federal legislative, regulatory, and policy developments.
• Conduct research, gather data, and evaluate the potential impacts of policy proposals on enterprise programs, projects, and operations.
• Assist in assessing the organizational implications of proposed legislation, regulations, and government actions.
• Maintain research files, legislative tracking systems, and supporting documentation.

Policy Development and Communication

• Prepare and distribute weekly Departmental communications to Utilities' leadership and employees.
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, legislative summaries, reports, presentations, and other materials that communicate policy implications.
• Develop concise and accurate updates on legislative and regulatory activities for Government Affairs leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Support the development of recommendations, mitigation strategies, and policy options for consideration by organizational leaders.
• Collaborate with Government Affairs staff to incorporate political and regulatory perspectives into strategic initiatives and high-profile organizational issues.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Support the Department's internal stakeholder engagement efforts by coordinating outreach with Utilities' subject matter experts.
• Support the Department's strategic external outreach efforts with elected officials, government agencies, industry organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and coordinating meetings, forums, briefings, and engagement opportunities involving government entities and policymakers.
• Help build and maintain positive, professional relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers, legislative staff, regulatory agencies, and industry and trade association representatives.
• Assist the Department in its trade association management responsibilities.
• Represent Colorado Springs Utilities professionally and knowledgeably when interacting with external stakeholders.

Who You Are…

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, Business Administration, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with state or federal legislative bodies, government agencies, elected officials, public policy organizations, regulatory bodies, or a related policy-focused environment.
• Experience supporting government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, environmental or regulatory affairs functions.
• Knowledge of utility industry issues, public infrastructure, energy, water, or local government operations.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and communicating the impact of legislation or public policy initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with legislative staff, policymakers, regulatory personnel, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Independent, self-motivated worker, with strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (1/3 of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary only if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.