Government Relations Director

American Public Power Association; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Public Power Association (APPA) seeks a Government Relations Director to lead legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of public power utilities across the nation. The role focuses on federal policy, energy issues, and strategic engagement with Congress to advance APPA’s objectives.

The position is hybrid and requires residence in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with office presence 2–3 days per week (Tuesdays mandatory). Domestic travel is possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience; congressional or regulatory preferred.
• Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process, and government relations.
• Background in energy policy and electric utility industry.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Advocates APPA’s views on an assigned portfolio of issues impacting public power utilities.
• Establishes relationships with members of Congress and staff.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA members.
• Briefs APPA committees and communicates with members on issues.
• Attends congressional hearings and meetings.
• Drafts legislative materials and position papers as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or political science

Job description

Description

The American Public Power Association (APPA) serves as the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. We advocate and advise on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve!

At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

As a mission-driven organization, we have an exciting opportunity for a Government Relations Director to represent community-owned electric utilities in some of the largest cities to some of the smallest rural towns and villages. Maybe once sleepy, the utility sector is now fast changing with an increasing number of issues having national ramifications. This means you get to tackle issues that will range from small-but-critical to some of the most salient challenges facing our nation. It also means you can, and must, take the initiative and can and must work seamlessly and enthusiastically with colleagues, utility members, representatives of outside stakeholders, and federal policymakers.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of two to three days each week (with Tuesdays being a mandatory day).

• Advocates APPA’s views on assigned portfolio of issues impacting public power utilities, which may include a variety of energy-related issues including generation, environment and financial policies, depending on organizational needs and candidate expertise.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with members of Congress and their staff, as well as committee staff.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA members.
• Briefs APPA committees and communicates with members on legislative and administrative issues.
• Attends congressional and executive branch hearings and meetings.
• Strategically seeks and creates opportunities to advance APPA objectives.
• Drafts legislation, amendments, and other legislative material as required.
• Drafts speeches, statements, position papers, and correspondence, as appropriate.
• Represents APPA at meetings of outside groups and coalitions.
• Speaks at APPA member meetings on legislative and political issues.
• Supports APPA’s political engagement, including attendance at events on behalf of APPA’s political action committee.
• Conceives and develops program topics for APPA workshops and conferences, including Legislative Rally, National Conference, and utility education courses.
• Identifies and anticipates legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA’s members.
• Develops, directs, and advises APPA and member executives on strategies to achieve policy objectives.
• Coordinates activities with Regulatory Affairs, Communications, Technical & Operations Services, and other APPA departments.
• Coordinates and directs APPA’s working groups and task forces, as appropriate. Also speaks on behalf of the association to the media, as appropriate.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university with coursework in related disciplines such as communications or political science.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant job experience; preferably congressional or regulatory experience.
• Knowledge of and thorough understanding of Congress, the legislative process, and government relations.
• Background in energy policy and strong familiarity with issues that impact the electric utility industry.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and outgoing personality, and an ability to work with a team and independently to achieve APPA’s advocacy goals.
• The ability to articulately and effectively communicate and advocate, both orally and in writing, APPA policies and positions to a variety of audiences including members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive agencies
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and execute legislative and regulatory activities, such as legislation and amendments in Congress and regulations, policies, and processes with federal agencies.
• Ability to work flexible hours, and able to manage completing deadlines and prioritizing work objectives in area of expertise with minimal supervision.
• Sound judgment and sharp critical thinking skills – the ability to weigh the pros and cons of a particular issue area or situation and diplomatically – but clearly – communicate APPA’s positions to stakeholders.
• Travels out of town up to 5% of the year to support APPA’s conferences, events, and meetings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and extensive walking during conferences and meetings.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.