Government Affairs Program Manager

About CORE

CORE Electric Cooperative is the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in Colorado dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, clean, and safe electric service to our communities. With a commitment to innovation and member satisfaction, we strive to meet the evolving needs of our members while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.

Job Summary

The Government Affairs Program Manager will be expected to lead CORE’s federal and state government affairs program and support CORE’s regional government affairs and grant programs. Specific to government affairs, this role will be responsible to manage and interface with CORE’s government affairs consultants/lobbyists, represent CORE in legislator and public official meetings, draft legislation, or legislative positions, testify at the state capital and engage with media. This role will support and execute CORE’s legislative strategy by proposing goals and leveraging resources. This position will focus on strategic planning, communicating, advocating, and executing proactive state and federal government affairs goals to advance CORE Electric Cooperative’s mission and vision. This position serves as one of the organization's primary contacts responsible for developing strategic lobbying plans, as well as communicating and promoting the company's positions directly to federal and state officials. This position will also support local and regional government affairs efforts by representing CORE in engagements with elected officials, partner organizations, strategic members, and media. Specific to grants, this position will work collaboratively to support and coordinate the organization’s grant seeking efforts. This position is primarily responsible for assisting with grant proposals, including assembling, and submitting grant requests, establishing, and maintaining personal contact and relationships with contacts, conducting research and maintaining a calendar of submissions and other deadlines.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Government Affairs

- Lead legislative efforts by working with local, state and federal governments.

- Research, analyze, and evaluate existing and proposed federal, state, and local legislation and regulations of importance and impact to CORE, as well as its business partners and members, and recommend action plans.

- Lead CORE’s Government Affairs Steering Committee, working with department leadership and subject matter experts to ensure all potential legislation is researched and evaluated, and CORE’s policy position is clearly documented.

- Develop and manage proactive and reactive strategies to mitigate risks and identify opportunities for policy goals of importance to CORE.

- Define contract lobbyist responsibilities and direct activities to execute action plans designed to maximize impact on policy makers.

- Establish, develop and maintain effective working relationships with U.S. elected officials (federal, state, and local as needed) and their staff, key executive branch and agency officials, trade associations, industry coalitions and media.

- Ensure state government officials, state legislative committees and other relevant parties are educated on CORE’s position on issues of importance.

- Collaborate with industry groups and organizations with complementary interests to achieve objectives.

- Lead cross-functional work teams to stimulate effective collaboration and ensure progress toward legislative and regulatory objectives.

- Build organizational alignment on key issues by informing and educating management and employees about external developments.

- Perform ongoing monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation, emerging issues and trends to determine the potential impact to the organization.

- Create communication vehicles and deliver messaging to inform and support business leaders.

- Prepare reports and informational documents to inform leadership and employees, and support business leaders.

- Provide insights and guidance to the organization on government relations trends, challenges and opportunities.

Grants

- Develop partnerships within the organization and with partner organizations to support grant applications, and identify opportunities for letters of support, matching funds or services, and funding blending.

- Proactively coordinate with internal departments to identify projects ideal for grant funding; search for grant opportunities to fund identified projects.

- Work with staff to assist in writing grants, taking the lead in writing when appropriate and supporting other staff when appropriate.

- Assemble and submit grant requests, including letters, proposals, budgets and presentations.

- Maintain records of funding sources and grant applicants.

- Consult with finance on budgets to ensure they accurately reflect the costs requested in the grant and grants are properly accounted for with respect to taxes and compliance.

- For awarded grants, establish a tracking calendar/system to ensure reports are submitted timely.

- Establish data tracking and grant reporting as required, and ensure reports are timely accomplished.

- Prepare quarterly reports to leadership and management regarding grants currently awarded and to be pursued.

Minimum Qualifications Of Position

- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in political science, public administration, business or equivalent.

- At least 5-7 years of related government relations experience.

- An equivalent combination of training, education and experience providing the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be accepted in lieu of education requirements.

- Experience in the political/legislative/regulatory environment; energy utility experience preferred.

- An understanding of regulatory and legislative risks and opportunities for electric utilities

- An understanding of State and Federal regulatory frameworks relevant to electric cooperatives preferred.

Knowledge And Skills

- Very strong interpersonal, written communication and presentation skills successfully applied in advocacy and negotiation roles, and an ability to build trust and promote confidence.

- Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills.

- Excellent problem-solving skills and risk judgment.

- Ability to prioritize dynamic workload and multiple projects, and effectively meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legislation and regulations.

- Ability to work independently, yet collaboratively, with management, media, internal and external peers, elected officials, regulators and the community.

- Demonstrated understanding of local, state and federal governments’ policies and procedures.

- Excellent project management and organizational abilities with attention to detail.

- Ability to coordinate efforts of various teams to present a coherent message.

- Ability to use personal computer and software applications (i.e. word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, etc.)

- Requires valid Colorado driver’s license with satisfactory driving record

The application deadline is estimated to be 11/10/2025, or until the position is filled. The posting may close earlier or remain open longer depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

- Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. 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.

- Blue Light Exposure: Exposure to a computer screen for long periods of time

- Environmental: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and may occur outside as needed.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned

CORE Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package Including The Following...

- 9/80 work schedule: every other Friday off!

- Eight paid holidays per year

- 160 Hours of accruable PTO per year

- Paid parental leave

- Education and training reimbursement

- Volunteer paid time off

- 100% Cooperative paid benefits, including:

- Defined benefit pension plan

- Medical insurance

- Dental insurance

- Vision insurance

- Short term disability

- Long term disability

- Employee assistance program

- Life insurance

- HSA with employer contribution

- 401(k) with up to 4% match. Immediately 100% vested

- Wellness reimbursement: Up to $300 per year

- Travel assistance & identity theft support services

- Length of service program

- Free Onsite EV charging stations (at certain locations)

- Onsite micro market (at certain locations)

- Onsite gym with golf simulator and massage chairs (at certain locations)

CORE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

- EEO is The Law - click here for more information

- Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

- We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. If you need assistance, please reach out to us at hr@core.coop