Government Relations Advisor , II, III, or Senior

Overview

This position can be based out of our Cheyenne Field Facility (Cheyenne, Wyoming) or our Headquarters (Westminster, Colorado).

Responsible for identifying current and emerging key federal and state public policy issues that could have significant impact on Tri-State, analyzing the political environment associated with the issues, and preparing strategic and tactical recommendations for policy positions, also responsible for monitoring and analyzing federal and state legislative regulatory initiatives. Represents the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed.

Interacts with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate. Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri-State and its member systems. Responsible for supporting the Association and Member-Systems’ goals by assessing the business and public environment to identify opportunities to leverage Tri-State’s position and enhance its standing among key stakeholders.

Plans and implements strategic public affairs campaigns and community relations activities to advance awareness and acceptance of the Association’s initiatives, policies, and development plans, including new generation and transmission projects.

• Represent the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed.
• Interact with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate.
• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri-State and its member systems.
• Support and maintain a tracking system to provide the status of various issues and positions, both internally and externally, in conjunction with the State Government Relations and External Affairs Senior Manager.
• Write position papers, letters, and resolutions on various issues and prepare comments and testimony for submission to governmental entities.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with legislative and regulatory officials at the federal and state levels.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with trade associations, attend meetings and represent Tri-State policies.
• Provide input and guidance to member systems on Tri-State issues and developments.
• Build and maintain Tri-State’s image and credibility in the Member-Systems’ service territories and with stakeholders through the effective use of external relation strategies.
• Develop and leverage relationships and strategic partnerships with local elected and appointed officials and organizations inside and outside the utility industry that advance the Association’s interests.
• As directed, represent the Association with member systems and affected communities and at meetings and events. Provide appropriate information and public presentations about the Association’s initiatives, policies, programs, and development plans.
• Undertake special assignments in areas related to external and governmental relations and member programs, as directed.
• Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements.
• Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards and best practices applicable to the functional area including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety. Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance.
• Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.
• Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.