Mgr Federal & State Relations

CPS Energy; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS Energy in Austin, TX seeks a Manager of Federal & State Relations to manage policy and advocacy programs at the federal and state levels. This role supports the Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy team and coordinates with CPS Energy stakeholders.

The candidate will communicate clearly, think strategically, and operate independently or as part of a team, reporting to the Director of Federal & State Relations.

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy or advocacy work.
• Strong understanding of state and federal government.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal elected and appointed officials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed.

Responsibilities

• Policy & Advocacy: Execute on policy initiatives and strategies regarding issues of importance at the state and federal levels.
• Draft presentations, answers to inquiries, position papers, managing public comments, and preparation of materials.
• Support internal stakeholders and business units as it relates to policy activities and information sharing.
• Represent the business unit in internal meetings and external forums.
• Develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to support External Relations.
• Coordinate with fellow team members to provide information needed to support public policy activities and initiatives.

Skills

Public policy experience

Advocacy

Policy communication

Strategic thinking

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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We are engineers, high line workers, power plant managers, accountants, electricians, project coordinators, risk analysts, customer service operators, community representatives, safety and security specialists, communicators, human resources partners, information technology technicians and much, much more. We are 3,500 people committed to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve. Together, we are powering the growth and success of our community progress every day!

Pay Grade

17

Based in Austin, CPS Energy seeks a Manager of Federal & State Relations to help manage and perform all aspects of the utility’s policy and advocacy programs, and related functions. Responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of CPS Energy’s relationships and collaboration with federal and state legislators and staff, and regulatory policymakers and staff. CPS Energy is looking for someone who can communicate succinctly, think critically and strategically, and can function both independently and as part of a team. The Manager of Federal & State Relations will report to the Director of Federal & State Relations and will support the responsibilities of the entire Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy team.

Grade: 17
Deadline to apply: 10/19/2026

Location: CPSE Austin, TX office

Tasks and Responsibilities

Policy & Advocacy

• Execute on policy initiatives and strategies regarding specific issues of interest or impact to CPS Energy at the state and federal levels.
• Assist with drafting presentations, answers to inquiries, position papers, managing and making public comments, and preparation of relevant materials.
• Support the needs of CPS Energy’s internal stakeholders and business units as it relates to policy activities and information sharing.
• Represent the business unit in internal business meetings and external forums.
• Work cooperatively with other stakeholders and affiliated industry and community organizations at the state and federal levels.
• Proactively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders in support of the External Relations function.
• Serve as a liaison for CPS Energy with state and federal offices and counterparts from other entities and organizations. This includes representing CPS Energy at applicable meetings, briefings, events, and other policy venues. In some cases, working independently to arrange and lead such activities.
• Identify opportunities for education and outreach by convening briefings, discussions, on behalf of CPS Energy, and in conjunction with other internal and external persons/entities as appropriate.
• Engage CPS Energy’s key stakeholders in public policy efforts, coordinating with fellow team members to provide them with the information needed to support public policy activities and initiatives of CPS Energy.
• Proactively seek opportunities for members of the CPS Energy executive team and CEO to engage with policymakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders at the state and federal levels.

Communication

• Coordinate with internal colleagues and supervisors to identify priorities and determine strategies to be communicated.
• Engage in proactive external outreach and relationship building.
• Provide verbal presentations and, when needed, written presentations and briefings.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to short and long-term organizational planning, budget development and review, and strategy as a member of the management team.
• Collaborate with other team members and internal business units to leverage messages to the employee base.
• Interact with the federal and state elected delegation members and staff, regulatory entities, industry counterparts and other key public policy stakeholders. Interact with the Board of Trustees as needed.

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Experience in public policy or advocacy work

Strong understanding of state and federal government

Knowledge of local, state and federal elected and appointed officials

Awareness of the San Antonio community

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Good organization, prioritization, and time management skills

Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team

Ability to think critically, to anticipate, and to act strategically

Ability to work well with a wide range of people and entities

Personal integrity and good judgment

Possess the ability to pivot quickly and efficiently

Motivation and drive to excel in the position

Competence with the Internet and Microsoft Office

Must have reliable transportation and a favorable driving record

Flexibility to travel domestically as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience working within the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, state regulatory agency, and/or federal regulatory agency
• Prior experience working on energy-related public policy issues
  

Demonstrating Tenacity and Perseverance

Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions

Demonstrating Initiative

Communicates Effectively

Acting with Integrity

Working with Ambiguity

Bachelor's Degree

Required Certifications

Indoor work, operating computer, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, repetitive motion. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator.

Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business related events.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

CPS Energy does not discriminate against applicants or employees. CPS Energy is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfers and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information or any other protected status. CPS Energy will comply with all laws and regulations.