Government Affairs Representative Senior

ALLETE is a publicly traded energy company focused on building a sustainable energy future that is headquartered on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota – with operations throughout the United States. ALLETE's largest business is Minnesota Power, an electric energy provider that serves about 145,000 customers, more than a dozen municipalities, and some of the nation's largest industrial customers. Other ALLETE businesses include Wisconsin-based Superior Water, Light & Power; ALLETE Clean Energy based in Duluth, Minnesota; BNI Energy in Bismarck, North Dakota; New Energy Equity headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland; and ALLETE Renewable Resources.

Minnesota Power is seeking a talented Government Affairs Representative Senior with a strong background in state or federal government, or a similar level of experience working with the state or federal governmental process, to join its State Government Affairs team. This position will participate in the formulation of the Company’s positions on public policy issues, especially those related to energy, environment, and taxes, and assure they are effectively communicated to appropriate stakeholders. In addition, this role will be responsible for educating legislative and executive officials on the Company’s background, policy positions, and major projects, as well as influence public policy decisions of state legislatures through lobbying efforts consistent with company positions and integrity principles. The individual that joins this team will work with department heads and peers with technical expertise in key areas internally within the company, as well as elected and appointed officials, legislative and regulatory agency staff, legislative representatives from other utilities, labor groups, environmental organizations, clean energy advocates, and business interests outside of the company.

ALLETE offers a flexible, friendly work environment, expansive opportunities to grow and develop in your career, and a culture that drives excellence through our shared values of integrity, safety, people, and the planet. We offer choice in the things that matter to you: your money, your health, your time, and your career. The compensation package includes a competitive, market-based salary, a robust retirement plan, medical and dental benefits, generous time off, professional development opportunities, and other perks.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain a broad knowledge of the legislative (primary) and regulatory (secondary) process and issues of importance to the Company’s business units and customers. 
• Build and foster working relationships.
• Communicate Company positions internally and externally.
• Serve as a liaison with elected and appointed public officials and their staff.  
• Ensure adequate internal review of pending and proposed legislation and regulations to determine impact on the Company and its customers.
• Identify priority issues. 
• Influence public policy to protect the interests of the company’s stakeholders.
• Enhance the Company image by being recognized as a credible source of information. 
• Guide Political Action Committee (PAC) contribution decisions by providing input and expertise on elections. 
• Attend and represent the Company at various fundraising functions for political candidates for both parties.
• Monitor relevant social media, news outlets, and provides periodic updates on key developments and announcements related to government affairs. 
• Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may direct the work of other staff members. 
• Scope of government affairs responsibilities include Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Washington, DC.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Six years or more experience in state or federal government, or a similar level of experience working with the state or federal governmental process.  
  • Must have proven job experience that demonstrates mastery of the responsibilities associated with this position. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• This position may be considered for a hybrid work arrangement based on ALLETE’s needs. In a hybrid work arrangement, the employee’s work location will be a blend of work in-person