Manager, Government Affairs

Summary Description: At North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives you will be part of an exciting mission to build a Brighter Future for our state and rural communities, making a real difference in the lives of 2.8 million consumer members.  Our Manager of Government Affairs is part of a dedicated team advocating for reliable, affordable electricity that powers our members’ families, work and communities.  The Manager of Government Affairs leads our education and grassroots engagement efforts to voice important cooperative priorities to political leaders.  You will provide leadership in developing and implementing strategic actions to advocate for policy issues in the North Carolina General Assembly, US Congress and government agencies.  You will analyze legislation, determine positioning, and communicate to affect and influence legislative priorities and successful outcomes.  You will be responsible for coordinating, writing and distributing articles, position papers, and posts regarding cooperative positions that will educate and motivate internal and external audiences.  You will lead the coordination of PAC activities and effectively coordinate with the member cooperatives. 

Academic and Trade Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, or related field required.

Work Experience: 5+ years of professional lobbying, legislative aid, political campaigning staff or public relations with an emphasis on policy.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Government Affairs team with the development of effective strategies in coordination with member education on policy and regulatory issues
• Maintain strong relationships and execute proactive engagement with legislative and administrative officials
• Lead all grassroots efforts in coordination with member cooperative liaisons
• Lead all PAC promotional activity and interface with Accounting department on all necessary reporting and compliance activity
• Lead Cooperative Youth Tour efforts and collaborate with local cooperatives
• Support management in education of contract lobbyists in accordance with legislative and regulatory goals
• Research industry issues and communicate potential impacts on cooperative priorities
• Analyze and interpret political and legislative activity communicating meaningful impacts on organizational mission, goals and initiatives
• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to influence strategy development and implementation
• Coordinate with NRECA, other allied organizations and the membership on issue education, policy positions and political activity
• Measure and evaluate results of education and communication efforts for legislative efforts and PAC participation
• Represent NCEC at public and political events to promote cooperative interests

Job Knowledge:

• Knowledge of legislative, political and PAC best practices that produce innovative and successful outcomes
• Familiarity with legislative, political and regulatory landscape on state and federal level
• Strong knowledge of inner workings of the General Assembly, Congressional and Administrative operating environment
• Experience developing successful legislative and political strategies and fostering and maintaining relationships with legislators and opinion leaders
• Strong knowledge of PAC organizations and compliance activities
• Experience in creating content for traditional and digital platforms
• Knowledge of measuring success, communicating outcomes and building advancement

Abilities and Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking and writing skills
• Strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail, working well with others and meeting deadlines
• The ability to be proactive, multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment thoughtfully resolving complex problems/issues under pressure
• Ability to communicate up and down the management structure as well as with the membership to prioritize and identify issues significant to each audience
• Eagerness to work collaboratively with multiple professionals on a vast array of issues and solutions
• A service mindset with a wide degree of creativity and a strong desire to contribute ideas and recommendations

Relationships and Contacts: Reports to Director of Government Affairs

Working Conditions: Normal working conditions, including some travel and responsibilities outside of normal business hours. Includes working shifts during crisis conditions. Partial remote hybrid option available.

Company Profile: North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives (http://ncemcs.com/about/ncemc.htm) is the brand for the family of organizations formed to support the state’s 26 local electric cooperatives, including: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, the power supplier to many of the electric cooperatives; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the cooperatives’ trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc. (TEMA), a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative.

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment.