Government Relations Specialist

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

The Government Relations Specialist will Assist the Manager, Government Relations & Grants and Vice President, External Affairs in developing and implementing Dairyland’s legislative, policy and regulatory strategies and efforts in the states where Dairyland does business and at the federal level. Serve as a liaison with state electric cooperative associations and Dairyland distribution members on government relations policy priorities and represents Dairyland at policy and political events in support of Dairyland’s overall government relations strategy. Support efforts to educate and involve employees, board and member-owners in the political process. Support Dairyland’s enterprise-wide effort to be the premier electric G&T in the Mid-continental United States, with an active and profitable energy supply, portfolio management services business line and best-in-class government relations capabilities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Education & Experience

: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; advanced degree desirable. Minimum of three years of direct experience on/in a state or federal legislative staff, legislative agency, public affairs organization or local, state, or federal agency required. Experience in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois or in Washington, D.C. preferred.

: Ability to understand, prioritize and address multiple issues in the same workday. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to speak extemporaneously, summarize information and present it to a general audience. Ability to develop strong relationships through adding value for internal and external audiences. Understanding of political and regulatory procedures and processes, including differences between states.

: Valid Driver’s license. Will be required to register as a lobbyist with appropriate state or federal agencies.

: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Indoor office setting. Frequent day and overnight travel by auto and common carrier.

Must be able to balance varied interests and positions in a fast-paced, varied, rapidly changing environment. May interact with Dairyland Board, management and staff, as well as distribution cooperative leaders and staff, industry leaders, lawmakers, regulatory personnel and the general public. The highly visible position may require working outside of normal business hours.

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.