Director, Regional Government Affairs

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A  position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

Develop strategy and implement public policy solutions in the legislative and Executive Branch arena for each state in the region. Work closely with the Business Units to assure coordination of objectives. Manage and direct legislative and executive advocacy staff and contractors in multiple states. Maintain strong relations with each state's elected officials, federal offices within the state, agency staff and other government affairs professionals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop public policy solutions and strategies: Responsible for both short-term and long-term development of coherent energy policy strategy that is consistent with business unit objectives. Work with the Business Units and Regulatory Affairs to develop a continuum of solutions that can be implemented either at the Regulatory Commission level, through legislative initiatives, or both. Help staff and contractors prioritize issues and work with business units to harmonize efforts and to achieve internal, top- management buy-in on priorities.
• Lobbying: Manage and direct legislative advocacy on energy policy, environmental issues, taxes and other matters which impact the Company. Direct outside contractors to assure compliance with legal requirements and to effectively utilize the contractors as part of the Company's public policy team. Manage and direct Government Affairs staff and build a team that can successfully achieve business unit objectives in the legislative arena. Work with internal experts to prepare testimony and coordinate efforts to monitor, review and advocate on legislative proposals.
• Work with others: Maintain and enhance strong professional relationships throughout the Company and amongst elected officials, staff and other Government Affairs professionals in the multi-state region. Coordinate Xcel Energy involvement with business groups, regional organizations and other entities necessary to successfully advance the Company's interests.
• Grassroots: Help establish an effective employee outreach program for issue education throughout each state. Provide the framework for regular communications with employees on matters of interest to them. Manage and coordinate customized grassroots activities for each state, including meet and greets with elected officials and a database that allows us to call on employees in a targeted manner or in a general call to action.
• Issue Identification: Proactively monitor the public policy arena to identify emerging issues and threats to the Company. Work with staff and contractors in each state to construct a legislative/executive branch agenda that recognizes both Company objectives and also the political environment particular to the state. Share experiences and monitor trends from among each state in the region. Follow and incorporate energy happenings in other states outside the Company territory. Help state affairs staff anticipate emerging trends and make recommendations to senior management to manage public policy risks.

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS degree in related field. Law degree or other graduate degree desirable.
• Ten years' experience in public affairs as staff or lobbyist, local government affairs, or similar experience.
• Knowledge of energy industry issues and the state and federal legislative process required.
• Five years leadership experience (formal supervisory/management experience or demonstrated experience successfully leading teams or projects) in a governmental or public affairs operation.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous experience with Government Affairs in Minnesota.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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