JOB TITLE: Director of Government Relations

DEPARTMENT: Administration

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

SALARY RANGE: $130,000-$160,000

JOB OBJECTIVE

The Director of Government Relations is a non-partisan legislative professional that develops and implements formal government relation plans and activities promoting, supporting and influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative matters favorable to the CREA membership. This position is responsible for developing a legislative program at the state level which includes position papers and documents to keep the membership informed of legislative activities and supervises the activities of the legislative department. This position actively participates in the legislative and regulatory process by communicating and advocating the association’s policies and positions to advance the mission of the association.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES

The director of government relations will:

Prepare and distribute weekly updates for the CREA Board of Directors and electric cooperative general managers during the legislative session, which include legislative recommendations, bill summaries, and analyses, recaps of committee hearings and stakeholder meetings, and create informative postcards for legislators.
Effectively communicate with department staff and CREA member cooperatives through various communications including a department newsletter.
Provide timely written updates on priority legislation to stakeholders.
Provide timely updates and reports on legislative activities and potential impacts, make recommendations, monitor developments, and advocate for the organization’s interests, reporting on a weekly basis to the CREA Board of Directors’ Legislative Committee.
Provide both written and visual reports, summaries, and recommendations, while moderating discussions and answering questions to the CREA Board of Directors.
Produce an annual written summary of the legislative session and bills.
Advocate and lobby for the organization’s and members’ interests by:

Representing the organization’s positions and interests to legislators, government officials, and regulatory agencies.
Tracking and analyzing proposed legislation, regulations, and policy developments that impact the organization.
Establishing and nurturing relationships with key legislators, government officials, and stakeholders.
Coordinating meetings, briefings, and events to promote the organization’s legislative agenda.
Testifying in committee on behalf of the association and the members.
Collaborating with internal teams and contract lobbyists to develop policy positions and legislative strategies.
Drafting position papers, legislative proposals, and advocacy materials to support lobbying efforts.

Manage a Political Action Committee (PAC):

Oversee the operations, fundraising auction, and compliance of the organization’s PAC.
Develop and implement strategies to maximize the PAC’s influence and effectiveness.
Interface with the PAC committee, including coordinating meetings and providing candidates endorsements recommendations
Assist with annual PAC committee elections
Coordinate and lead candidate interviews, develop and distribute candidate questionnaire, and present endorsement checks

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in journalism, business, political science, public policy, public relations, law, history, economics or a related field is required. A master’s degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

5-7 Years experience in working with or managing federal and/or state relations for an organization similar in size, complexity or mission to CREA.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Requires demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably with a member-driven trade association or similar organization.
Requires a depth of understanding of CREA and its membership and the important public policy issues affecting the organization.
Experience in managing outside resources including consultants and lobbyists.
Excellent speaking and written communication skills utilizing a variety of media for a diversity of audiences.
Requires an excellent analytical ability relating to legislative or regulatory issues.
Requires strong interpersonal skills with the ability to transition to and from differing individuals and groups, and the ability to work within a team environment.
Ability to operate within a legal and regulatory framework to develop policy that recognizes the environmental preservation and energy conservation benefits of the member cooperatives services.
Proven ability to work independently, to make independent decisions with a history of being self-starter.
Ability to present ideas clearly and succinctly.
Ability to travel up 20% of the time throughout Colorado and other states as necessary.

Colorado Rural Electric Assn.

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Director of Government Relations