Northern Wasco County PUD is seeking a Legislative Affairs Program Manager to join our vibrant and growing utility. This exempt, full-time position (40 hours per week) offers a flexible hybrid/remote schedule and the option of a 4/10 workweek.
The Legislative Affairs Program Manager will lead the District’s engagement with government agencies, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to shape regulatory and legislative outcomes that impact the utility sector. This role involves developing advocacy strategies, building relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with government policies while advancing the District’s objectives.
Hybrid work environment with regular travel to government meetings and industry events.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
•100% employer-paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
•100% employer-paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
•100% employer-paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary
•401(k) 7.5% base + 7.5% match = 15% total possible employer contribution
•100% Employer-paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
•Business Travel Insurance
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•Develops and implements government relations strategies to support the District’s regulatory and legislative goals.
•Tracks and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments, providing insights and updates to senior leadership.
•Advocates for District positions with lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and industry groups, to shape and influence utility-related policy.
•Establishes and maintains strong relationships with government officials, legislators, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
•Collaborates with internal teams, including legal, regulatory, and communications departments, to align policy efforts with business priorities.
•Drafts policy briefs, position statements, and testimony for hearings.
•Represents the District at hearings, stakeholder meetings, industry conferences, and legislative sessions, articulating positions on key issues.
•Educates internal stakeholders on policy developments and their potential business impacts.
•Leads grassroots advocacy initiatives and public affairs campaigns.
•Engages in coalition building and partnership development with other Districts and industry groups to amplify our advocacy efforts.
•Attends and presents department updates at Board Meetings.
•Ensures compliance with lobbying laws and corporate transparency requirements.
•Maintains professional, technical, and legislative affairs knowledge by attending trade association, and regional meetings, educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
•Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
•Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
•Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner
and follow all safety regulations and protocols.
•Other duties as assigned.
Secondary Functions:
•All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: PLEASE NOTE: This position requires the use of various tools/equipment that are
related to performing the essential functions of this job.
•Strong knowledge of government processes, legislative and regulatory frameworks, and public policy issues.
•Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively articulate complex ideas and influence decision-makers.
•Proven experience in developing and implementing successful government affairs strategies.
•Strong analytical and research skills to assess the impact of proposed regulations and legislation on our District.
•Ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
•Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional teams.
•Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills to advocate for our District’s interests.
•Exceptional organizational and time management skills to prioritize and manage multiple projects while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
•Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to navigate complex government processes and issues.
•Proficient in using relevant software and tools for research, analysis, and communication.
•Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism.
•Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction and cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful, and productive work habits.
•Ability to exercise discretion when involved in highly confidential and sensitive matters.
Preferred Skills:
•Knowledge of utility regulations, energy policy issues, energy market trends, and emerging technologies in the utility industry.
•Experience managing advocacy campaigns and stakeholder coalitions.
Supervisory and/or Functional or Technical Responsibility or Oversight:
•No supervisory responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS: Recommended Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications): Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered.
Education/Experience:
•Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, Business, or a related field
•Master’s degree preferred.
•Five plus (5+) years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory policy within the utility or energy sector.
•Must have a valid, current driver license. Driving record must be acceptable and insurable by the PUD’s insurance carrier at standard group rates. An annual consent for a release of one's driving record is also required.
Job Scope:
•Works on complex non-routine assignments where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables. Exercises judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
•Responsible for functional area with impact to the general public, policyholders, business partners, and other customers through multiple contacts or activities that require the relationship management and impact the District's image and reputation.
•Provides input to and directly supports strategic direction of the District.
•Decisions focus on monthly & annual activities to create and define goals and processes to achieve assigned objectives.
•Assists with the budgets and work oversight. Works through teams or non-direct reports to achieve objectives. Provides input on defining policies, procedures, and objectives for accomplishing work within the functional area and/or program and monitors achievement of objectives.
•Tasks and information relative to this position may be of a confidential and/or sensitive nature requiring strict confidentiality and professional conduct.
•Priority of tasks or projects can change quickly and might require multiple projects being worked at the same time while waiting for additional information or direction of project.
Mental or Visual Demand:Frequent mental and/or visual attention; the flow of work is either intermittent or the operation involves waiting for a machine or process to complete a cycle with intermittent checking or inspection involved.
Working Conditions: The job is typically performed under very comfortable working conditions; any disagreeable elements are generally absent during normal performance of job.
Physical Requirements: Requirements are those consistent with normal office administrative or clerical positions such as sitting, standing, walking, keyboarding. May push up to 50lbs, and/or lift, pull, or carry up to 25lbs.
This organization believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not to limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors. Northern Wasco County PUD reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Northern Wasco County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer