Executive Assistant, Governmental and External Affairs

Edison Electric Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

EEI, the trade association for U.S. investor-owned electric companies, seeks an Executive Assistant in Governmental and External Affairs in Washington, DC.

The role supports the Chief Advocacy Officer with complex calendars, briefings, and gatekeeping, coordinating across Government Affairs, External Affairs, and Finance. Responsibilities include preparing briefing books, managing travel logistics, drafting official communications, and handling confidential information with discretion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4–6 years of executive assistant or scheduler experience supporting senior executives or officials.
• Experience in congressional offices, federal agencies, or government affairs preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal legislative process and Capitol Hill operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary executive assistant and scheduler to the Chief Advocacy Officer, managing calendars and priorities.
• Coordinate and manage travel, briefings, and briefing books for meetings and Hill visits.
• Draft and proofread correspondence and materials for senior leadership.
• Oversee office administrative and financial processes, including invoices and expense reports.
• Support legislative and regulatory tracking projects within Government Affairs and External Affairs.

Skills

Executive support

Calendar management

Congressional experience

Communication skills

Event planning

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Executive Assistant, Governmental and External Affairs

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide safe, reliable electricity for nearly 250 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, the electric power industry supports nearly 7 million jobs in communities across the United States and drives economic growth and prosperity. EEI also includes hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

EEI employees are required to work in office Monday-Thursday and have the option to work remotely on Fridays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS:

Serves as the executive assistant, scheduler, and trusted gatekeeper to the Chief Advocacy Officer, managing complex, fast-moving calendars, priorities, and communications at the highest levels of the organization. Working with considerable independence and discretion, this role anticipates the Chief Advocacy Officer’s needs, protects their time, and ensures they are fully prepared for every meeting, Hill visit, member engagement, and event. The position also provides coordination and project management support across the Government Affairs umbrella, including Government Affairs, External Affairs, and External Accounting, and serves as a key point of contact for congressional and Administration offices, member company executives, coalition partners, and other senior stakeholders.

Important responsibilities of the Executive Assistant, Governmental and External Affairs, include:

• Serve as the primary executive assistant and scheduler to the Chief Advocacy Officer, independently managing complex, frequently changing calendars and exercising sound judgment on meeting priorities, conflicts, and time allocation.
  • Provide back-up administrative and scheduling support to the Government Affairs team as needed.
• Act as gatekeeper and first point of contact for the Office of the Chief Advocacy Officer, handling inquiries from congressional and Administration offices, member company executives, and coalition partners with professionalism and discretion.
• Anticipate the Chief Advocacy Officer’s needs and ensure they are prepared for each engagement; own the preparation of briefing books, talking points, and background materials, coordinating content from EEI staff and ensuring materials are complete, accurate, and on time.
• Plan and manage complex travel and itineraries, including Hill meetings, fly‑ins, member meetings, and conferences, and oversee media‑related logistics in coordination with Communications; adjust quickly as schedules change.
• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, briefing materials, and other written communications on behalf of the Chief Advocacy Officer; screen and prioritize incoming communications and track follow‑up on action items.
• Handle highly confidential and sensitive information, including political, legislative, and personnel matters, with sound judgment and discretion.
• Serve as a liaison among Government Relations, External Affairs, , and Finance teams to ensure timely completion of projects and deliverables; track progress, deadlines, and workflows for EEI advocacy initiatives and communication materials.
• Oversee administrative and financial processes for the office, including purchase orders, expense reports, work orders, and invoices; maintain files related to legislative issues, lobbying disclosures, and accounting documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Support legislative and regulatory tracking projects within the External Affairs and Government Affairs teams.
• Maintain and update stakeholder, member, and policymaker contact lists and databases.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of EEI Government Affairs conferences, meetings, and events, including logistics, vendors, budgets, and timelines.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of external EEI conferences and events, including:
  • Labor relations–related events.
  • PowerPAC events.
• Support member-based webinars, advocacy campaigns, and related outreach efforts, including speaking engagements, roundtables, and meetings with partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $80,000-125,000. Starting annual salary will be determined on individual qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness incentives and programs, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities. The role is eligible for a performance-based annual bonus.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4-6 years of experience as an executive assistant, scheduler, or in a similar role directly supporting senior executives, Members of Congress, or senior government officials.
• Experience as a scheduler or executive assistant in a congressional office, federal agency, or the government affairs function of a trade association, corporation, or similar organization strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative process and political landscape, including Capitol Hill operations and protocol; familiarity with state and local landscapes a plus.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-volume calendars for senior executives, exercising sound judgment and prioritizing independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional discretion, professionalism, and executive presence in handling confidential information and interacting with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong drafting, editing, and proofreading abilities.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing events, meetings, and conferences, including logistics and vendor management.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with the ability to anticipate needs, manage multiple projects and shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with expense management and contact or legislative tracking tools a plus.
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends to support events, travel, and time‑sensitive priorities.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEI is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Employment M/D/F/V.