Dir Government Affairs

Consumers Energy; Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation packages

Educational Assistance Program

Job summary

Consumers Energy in Michigan seeks a Director of Government Affairs to lead policy advocacy and strategic direction, leveraging relationships with state officials and stakeholders to advance company goals.

The role requires 10+ years in governmental affairs, exceptional advocacy and communication skills, and the ability to drive cross-functional consensus in a hybrid Lansing, MI environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or related field with 10+ years in governmental experience; advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
• Associate Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or related field with 12+ years in governmental experience; advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
• High School Diploma or GED with 13+ years in governmental experience; advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implement policy positions and strategies supporting key business priorities and coordinating cross-functional teams (coalition building, communications, grassroots, direct lobbying).
• Anticipate and evaluate emerging governmental/public issues and advise leaders with analysis and insights.
• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, state departments, agencies, key third parties, and industry associations to advance objectives.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Policy analysis

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or related field

Associate Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or related field

High School Diploma or GED with 13+ years in Governmental experience

Job description

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday assigned to the Lansing Government Office located in Lansing, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for developing and supporting execution of strategic direction of state policy, advocacy and political objectives leveraging expertise and relationships to represent and achieve company goals. Builds and maintains significant relationships with broad ranging stakeholders and internal network while balancing multiple priorities to achieve positive outcomes. Leads the consensus building process internally and externally defending ideas/strategies and offering creative solutions to further organizational priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement policy positions and strategies supporting key business priorities and incorporating current state political/public policy to achieve outcomes. Facilitate and support strategic cross-functional teams to identify policy objectives and advocacy plans to achieve goals (coalition building, communications, grassroots, direct lobby).
• Anticipate and evaluate emerging governmental/public issues of potential importance to the company and advise by providing analysis and insights to inform company leaders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Develop and maintain a strong collaborative relationship elected officials, state departments and agencies, key third parties (stakeholders, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, etc.) and relevant industry associations. Utilize consultant resources effectively.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply information and choose among alternate courses of action to arrive at a recommendation for federal policy goals, objectives, and tactics; Work closely with ally organizations to drive consensus and advance the company's policy objectives; attend and represent company at industry and other relevant events.
• Support the company's political engagement strategy and CMS Energy's political action committee (PAC) providing guidance, education and resources.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and company policies.
• Other non-essential duties as assigned or may be necessary.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent advocacy and communication skills; ability to prepare and deliver verbal/written presentations of technical material to non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinking - proactively evaluate policy and political activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills; Persuasion and personal credibility to drive consensus/support for company priorities.
• Problem solving and ability to drive consensus from ambiguity and resistance.
• Strong knowledge of how state government operates.
• Ethics, integrity, trust (compliance and reputation focused).

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or a related field with ten (10) or more years in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
  • [OR] Associate Degreein Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or a related field with twelve (12) or more years in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
  • [OR] High School Diploma or GED with thirteen (13) or moreyears in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.