Regulatory Affairs Director, Emergency Management and Safety

Job Description

Position Summary:

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association representing 900 not-for-profit electric cooperatives and other rural electric utilities. This position presents an opportunity to join an elite Government Relations program and lead a policy portfolio focused on advocating for electric cooperative priorities before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA).

The Regulatory Affairs Director, Emergency Management and Safety is responsible for identifying agency policy guidance and regulation that may impact electric cooperatives and developing advocacy strategies that protect their interests. In addition to leading a regulatory portfolio, the role includes an emergency management coordinating function between NRECA’s member cooperatives and the Emergency Support Function (ESF) at the Department of Energy before, during and after natural disasters that impact electric systems. It ensures visibility between the utility industry and government specific to energy infrastructure during emergencies and helps coordinate federal assistance to restore power when disasters disrupt

energy systems.

Essential Regulatory Advocacy Responsibilities:

Identify Federal Policies and Regulations Impacting Electric Cooperatives:

• Leverage strong working knowledge of federal emergency management and safety policies to advocate on behalf of electric cooperative interests before policymakers.
• Evaluate the policy landscape and identify regulatory risk to, and opportunity for, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.
• Describe the unique set of circumstances electric cooperatives must consider as they prepare for and respond to natural disasters and comply with safety regulations.  

Develop Policy Positions that Support Electric Cooperatives:

• Develop policy positions that mitigate regulatory risk to electric cooperatives and advance opportunities relevant to federal agencies included in the emergency management and safety policy portfolio.

Advocate on Behalf of Electric Cooperative Positions Before Policymakers:

• Proactively engage, educate and advocate before policymakers on the unique set of business considerations not-for-profit electric cooperatives must evaluate in the context of each agencies’ statutory mission. Successful agency advocacy results in policymakers that better understand the electric cooperative business model and the mitigation of any regulatory risk that drives up consumer-member costs without benefit.

Essential Emergency Management Coordinating Responsibilities:

Facilitate collaboration between NRECA member cooperatives and the Department of Energy’s ESF, ensuring visibility between industry and government during emergencies. Support federal efforts to restore power and fuel supplies when disasters disrupt energy systems. Requires availability before, during, and after crisis events impacting energy infrastructure.

Activities that Support Successful Advocacy and Member Support:

• Oversee outside consultants for regulatory filings and policy advocacy.
• Leverage all advocacy tools, including meetings, regulatory comments, and cooperative insights.
• Advocate and negotiate key policy issues with officials and staff.
• Strengthen NRECA’s reputation through strategic relationships.
• Represent NRECA in coalitions and stakeholder engagements.
• Drive policy influence through testimony, comments, and direct advocacy.

Member Education:

• Inform and educate NRECA members about policy issues arising in area of responsibility to help them meet regulatory obligations and serve affordable, reliable power.
• Provide input on meeting agendas, attend, and participate in annual, regional, and other NRECA meetings as appropriate, and provide advice and consultation to the NRECA Board.
• Develop NRECA member engagement resources (i.e., fact sheets, issue briefs, and regulatory summaries) utilized to keep NRECA members informed about policies impacting their business.

Education and Continuing Professional Growth:

• Maintain specialized expertise in the area of responsibility.

• Develop deep understanding of members’ business needs, policy positions, and internal dynamics.
• Continuously enhance and expand knowledge to support membership and industry leadership.

Collaboration, C