Government Affairs Representative
Req ID
2707
Job Category
Communications/Public Relations
Last Day to Apply
Apr 6, 2009
Salary Range
87,180 - 108,840
Employment Type
Regular
Eligible List
Yes
Selection Process
Application review and interview
Purpose
OPEN POSTING
Provides project management, staff management and/or extensive technical expertise in formulating, implementing and advocating the District’s positions and strategies relative to federal, state or regulatory issues with an emphasis in working on federal issues to further the District’s interests and policies and to facilitate the alignment of governmental actions with the achievement of the District’s strategic objectives.
Essential Functions
1. Leads and/or coordinates the District’s efforts to affect the outcome of relevant federal, state, and/or regulatory decisions by leading inter-departmental teams responding to appropriate government or regulatory issues and proposed regulatory policies; identifies government and regulatory trends and relevant critical issues; facilitates the development of District positions to address these issues; identifies and recommends the District’s strategy; informs, persuades and negotiates with government and regulatory officials.
2. Maintains and facilitates ongoing relationships between the District and representatives of external entities, including government and regulatory officials specific to the position, business and industry representatives, and potential lobbying partners by expediting responses to officials’ requests; Monitor state and federal agencies to identify opportunities to form partnerships on research, development and demonstration projects that benefit SMUD, advises executive management and the Board of Directors; provides a constructive and service-focused point of contact between the District and external entities.
3. Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, and guides work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents; communicates with team members and incorporates their input to processes and techniques; provides staff training; promotes staff safety and a safe work environment; assists in selecting and orienting new personnel; assists in evaluating work performance results; participates as a team member in accomplishing objectives; refers problems to supervision where solutions are not readily achievable.
4. Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedules as outlined in the project plan/contract; Monitors and drafts responses to state and federal legislative and/or regulatory proposals
5. Assumes a leadership role in cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships within the District and with external parties by developing forums and programs for exchange of information; attending meetings of community, business and professional organizations or clubs; and serving as liaison and/or lead spokesperson for District programs, policies and issues.
6. To promote positive internal/external District relationships to enhance cooperation and exchange of information necessary to support District program development and awareness of public and partner issues and perspectives.
7. Develops, coordinates production, and approves key messages for senior and executive management and advises them on communication and policy issues by incorporating findings from research and liaison with various internal and external publics; serving as an advocate for customer, employee, community, government entities, policy makers and other stakeholders; and serving the information and decision-making needs of District management.
8. To effectively communicate information to District employees, customers, public officials, industry representatives and others to meet District program goals, standards and policies.
9. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
[KNOWLEDGE OF:]
Advanced principals and practices of federal or state governments, regulatory agencies and their respective decision-making processes; advanced principals and practices related to energy programs and regulations; legislation, codes and regulations governing utilities as required and specific to the position; complex techniques and strategies for public speaking and advocacy; systems of codifying laws and regulations specific to the position; the political process; principles, strategies and practices of communication, outreach and public information and/or government and regulatory affairs management including media and public relations; techniques required in preparing, producing and disseminating information to individuals, policy makers, employee audiences and targeted segments of the Districts various publics; methods and techniques for planning, organizing and overseeing work activities; interrelationships between the Districts operations and relevant external entities; methods and techniques for training staff; practices for delegating, assigning and reviewing work assignments; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices related to negotiations and compromise; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; techniques for exercising leadership and authority; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques related to customer relations; safety policies, practices and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.
[SKILL TO:]
Lead interdepartmental teams; develop complex strategies and policies to affect government decisions; analyze the most complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; negotiate with external representatives on behalf of the District; analyze situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; reconcile significant and/or controversial differences to bring interested parties to consensus; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; effectively research, write, edit and prepare written and/or media content for various communications channels; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely to individual or groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; interpret District policies, procedures, and/or other special agreements; plan, oversee and review the work of others; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, legislation, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely to individual or groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; respond to and resolve customer issues, concerns and needs; interpret, clarify, understand and analyze verbal/written information and ideas; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
[EXPERIENCE:]
7 to 10 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience within a government agency or, legislative organization, or the equivalent, preferably involving public presentations; supervisory or lead and project management experience; and experience working with elected or appointed officials, government officials.
NOTE: YOU WILL BE ASKED TO RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS WHICH WILL BE THE LAST STEP OF THE ON-LINE APPLICATION PROCESS. This questionnaire must be completed for employment consideration. There is a 3,000 character limit per question. In addition, the system will time out after 60 minutes if you have not completed your responses to the supplemental questions; therefore, we recommend that you prepare your answers in advance using a word processing program and then copying your responses into the appropriate fields of the on-line application. PLEASE DO NOT INDICATE “REFER TO RESUME” AS IT WILL BE VIEWED AS AN INCOMPLETE ANSWER.
1) Describe your federal legislative experience in the energy industry. In your response, indicate where your experience was acquired and years of experience.
2) Describe your state, federal legislative or regulatory experience. In your response, indicate where your experience was acquired and years of experience.
License/Certifications
Possession of or ability to obtain certification as a California state lobbyist as required by position.
Desirable Qualifications
[EDUCATION:]
BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university, major in Public Administration, Business Administration, Government, Social Sciences or related field or equivalent experience.
Please mention Eyes On Obama when applying!