Government Relations Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Lead the organization's advocacy strategy in front of state policymakers, trade associations, and regulatory bodies.

• Serve as the representative for S&C before state agencies, trade associations, and state utility commissions.

• Monitor and assess state legislation, rulemakings, and regulatory proceedings that impact the electric industry.

• Provide guidance to internal teams regarding regulatory risks and opportunities.

• Develop advocacy campaigns that promote investment in the distribution grid.

• Foster relationships with regulators, policymakers, and utility companies.

• Act as a liaison to industry trade associations, such as NARUC, EEI, APPA, and NRECA.

• Represent the organization at conferences, hearings, and various industry events.

• Design and implement state advocacy strategies that align with the organization's policy objectives.

• Track state funding initiatives that support the deployment of grid equipment.

• Assist the government relations team with federal issues and advocacy campaigns as required.

• Support commercial teams in their market expansion initiatives.

• Create educational campaigns aimed at priority utility commissions.

• Draft policy positions, regulatory comments, and strategies to assist clients in rate case proceedings.

• Keep abreast of policy and regulatory changes in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Chicago City Council, and the Greater Chicagoland area.

• Manage relationships with trade associations and state/local consultants.

• Coordinate local and state engagement for business leaders and S&C representatives.

• Communicate local and state issues, risks, and opportunities to business and executive leadership as well as the board of directors.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public policy or political science.

• Over 10 years of experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, or public policy.

• Experience engaging with or working before state utility commissions.

• Knowledge of federal and state energy policy and regulatory frameworks.

• Demonstrated success in creating and executing strategic advocacy and coalition-building campaigns.

• Expertise in regulatory and legislative analysis pertaining to utility regulations and energy policies.

• Ability to communicate complex technical policies to diverse external audiences.

• Understanding of utility regulation, rate-setting processes, grid policy, and utility markets.

• Strong relationship management skills.

• Proficiency in policy writing and briefing development.

• Preferred: Experience with electric utilities, including Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and/or not-for-profit utilities.

• Preferred: Established connections with NARUC, regional NARUC, and state utility commissioners and their staff.

• Preferred: Established relationships within industry trade associations.

• Preferred: Previous experience at a government agency, utility, or industry trade association.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive comprehensive benefits package.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• 401K and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP).

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Fitness reimbursement options.

• Paid leave policies.

• Dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

• Basic Life insurance coverage.

• Transit benefits.

• Annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Paid vacation time.

• 15 paid holidays, including shutdown periods in the summer and winter.

• Referral bonus program.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.

• Opportunities for career advancement and development.

• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Group Life Insurance options.

• Optional supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance.

• Well-being resources including Employee Assistance Programs and Family Forming Benefits.

• Sick leave policies.

• Company shutdown days.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Paid parental leave and military leave options.

• Traditional and Roth 401(k) options through KSOP.

• Annual ESOP company contributions exceeding 11% of eligible earnings.