Manager-Government Affairs

ATC; City of Pewaukee (WI); On-site; USD 148,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

American Transmission Co. (ATC) seeks a Manager of Government Affairs to lead ATC's policy and advocacy efforts across local, state, and federal levels in Wisconsin. The role focuses on shaping policy positions, engaging with policymakers, and aligning strategies with business objectives.

The successful candidate will manage a team, oversee lobbying disclosures, and coordinate cross‑functional work with Legal, Regulatory, Communications, and Operations. Travel ~30% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience liaising with legislative, executive, or regulatory bodies.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Experience analyzing legislative developments and shaping policy recommendations.
• Experience overseeing political contribution programs and reporting requirements.
• Experience leading teams and cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of ATC's government affairs strategies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess impacts.
• Develop policy positions and advocacy strategies aligned with business goals.
• Build relationships with officials, regulators, trade associations, and stakeholders.
• Provide policy analysis and executive briefings to senior leaders.
• Represent ATC at hearings, meetings, and public forums.
• Coordinate external engagement and prep leaders for interactions.
• Oversee lobbying filings, reporting, and consultant relationships.
• Manage political contribution programs and related reporting.
• Lead and develop staff across functions.

Skills

Public policy

Government affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Legislative affairs

Advocacy

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Regulatory affairs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Policy/Political Science/Public Affairs/Law or related field

Advanced degree preferred (Law/Public Policy/Business)

Job description

Shape the Future of Energy Policy. Build Meaningful Relationships. Make a Lasting Impact.

At American Transmission Co. (ATC), we do more than move electricity across the grid. We help power communities, support economic growth, and enable a reliable energy future. Behind that mission is a team of professionals who build trusted relationships, solve complex challenges, and help shape the policies that impact our business and the industry we serve.

We're looking for a Manager, Government Affairs to lead ATC's government affairs strategy and advocacy efforts across local, state, and federal levels. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of public policy, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and energy infrastructure.

If you're passionate about influencing policy, building relationships, and helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, this could be the next step in your career.

What You’ll Do

As Manager, Government Affairs, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor and key representative of ATC, helping advance the company's priorities while building strong relationships with policymakers, regulators, industry partners, and stakeholders.

• Lead the development and execution of ATC's government affairs strategies and advocacy priorities.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and assess potential impacts to ATC and the electric transmission industry.
• Develop policy positions, advocacy strategies, and recommendations that support business objectives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, regulators, trade associations, customers, and industry stakeholders.
• Provide timely policy analysis, strategic guidance, and executive briefings to senior leaders.
• Represent ATC at hearings, meetings, conferences, coalition activities, and public forums.
• Coordinate external engagement efforts and prepare leaders and subject matter experts for interactions with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Oversee lobbying disclosure reporting, required filings, recordkeeping, consultant relationships, and government affairs operational processes.
• Manage ATC's political contribution programs and related reporting activities.
• Lead and develop employees while collaborating across Legal, Regulatory, Communications, Operations, Planning, and other business functions.

This role requires approximately 30% travel, including overnight travel.

Who Will Be Successful in This Role?

The ideal candidate is a politically savvy leader who understands how public policy and government decisions influence business outcomes. They are equally comfortable building relationships with legislators and regulators, advising executives on emerging policy issues, coordinating advocacy efforts, and leading a team toward strategic goals.

Successful candidates are:

• Strategic thinkers who connect policy developments to business priorities.
• Trusted relationship builders who establish credibility across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Influential communicators who can simplify complex topics and drive informed decision-making.
• Collaborative leaders who work effectively across teams and functions.
• Adaptable professionals who remain effective in dynamic and fast-moving environments.
• Strong executors who balance strategy, compliance, operational excellence, and results.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Affairs, Communications, Business, Law, or a related field.
• Six or more years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, advocacy, or a related field.
• Experience serving as a liaison to legislative, executive, or regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated success building productive relationships with government officials, agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience analyzing legislative and regulatory developments and developing policy recommendations or advocacy strategies.
• Experience overseeing political contribution programs and associated reporting requirements.
• Experience leading employees, major functional programs, or significant cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in the electric utility, energy, transmission, infrastructure, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience coordinating external consultants, trade associations, coalitions, or advocacy groups.
• Experience representing organizations in hearings, meetings, conferences, or public forums.
• Knowledge of lobbying disclosure requirements, political contribution governance, reporting obligations, and compliance processes.

Why ATC?

• Purpose‑Driven Work: We’re energized by meaningful and challenging work that contributes to the greater good, from powering everyday life to grid modernization.
• People‑Centric Culture: We are difference makers. We lead with trust, value collaboration, and foster a supportive environment where people grow, contribute openly, and make a difference.
• Flexibility & Balance: Our work environment encourages autonomy, connection, and choice with accountability.
• Growth & Development: Curiosity, coaching, and engagement fuel careers. We invest in our people through cross‑functional opportunities, skill‑building, and assignments that stretch potential and build careers.
• Comprehensive Rewards: Compensation, benefits, and well‑being offerings are thoughtfully and competitively designed to support employees’ unique needs.
• Reliable Innovation: Grounded in the communities we serve, we play a critical role in powering the grid, with the agility to innovate, lead, and drive progress in a time of transformational change in the industry.
• A Shared Future: We commit to creating an environment where people can do their best work, thrive, and drive success for our customers and stakeholders, delivering a lasting impact for all.

Join our Great Place to Work, where we build and operate the power grid that enables modern life, and where every role contributes to something bigger than any one of us.

The targeted base pay for this position is $148,300 to $173,300 annually.* Base pay is one component of our comprehensive total rewards package which includes an annual incentive bonus, employer-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) match, HSA contribution, life & disability insurance, health care benefits, generous time off plans, flexible work arrangements, and much more.

*The pay range is a general guideline. Employment offers are evaluated individually and consider qualifications, experience, academic achievements, internal equity, and business needs. Pay exceeding the posted range is considered for uniquely qualified candidates.