Senior Advisor OH Government Affairs - External Affairs - Columbus Governmental Affairs

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We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better, and our communities stronger.

Open position with First Energy Service Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp. The Senior Advisor, State Government Affairs – Ohio reports to the Vice President, External Affairs, is located in Columbus, OH, with less than 20% travel.

The Senior Advisor will consult with company experts to devise strategies to advocate for First Energy’s positions on public policy issues that impact the company, interact with stakeholders influencing public policy in Ohio, oversee development of coalitions, prepare materials, and maintain lobbying messaging.

• Develop strategies to advance policy positions that support the company’s business goals and priorities.
• Coordinate with policy experts within External Affairs to communicate legislative intelligence useful to the policy development process.
• Interact with the company’s subject matter experts on legislative initiatives important to the company and its stakeholders.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs on statewide strategy and positions.
• Prepare materials (e.g., issue papers, talking points, analyses) that communicate the company’s positions and rationale to legislators and other stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative activities (e.g., hearings, statements, draft bills) to identify issues warranting review and offer advice for reviewing the issues.
• Inform company leadership of likely impacts on the company of various pieces of legislation.
• Represent the company at stakeholder meetings and with allies to advocate for First Energy priorities.
• Direct day‑to‑day activities of the company’s outside state lobbyist(s).
• Ensure complete compliance with all state and federal laws and rules and internal controls and policies.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a business-related, political science or communications field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in a legislative office or agency at the state or federal level.
• Knowledge of the utility and energy industries and regulations preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of the political and public policy processes.
• Ability to advance policy positions with key stakeholders and represent the best interest of the company.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and maintain positive working relationships.
• Strong business acumen combined with the ability to inspire and lead a team while promoting the values of trust and integrity.
• Competence in using information technology resources.
• Advanced administrative principles and skills, including strategy development and analysis.
• Strong planning and project management skills to achieve company objectives.
• Strong analysis and problem‑solving skills to evaluate proper course of action by factoring in financial, operational, political and legal ramifications.
• Versatility to consistently work in situations where there are multiple and diverse demands.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills, ability to understand needs and adapt style to various audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to shape opinions and win acceptance for proposed changes and new initiatives of key political, community and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create results‑driven and team‑oriented work environment.
• Excellent strategic planning and analysis skills.

First Energy rewards individual and team efforts through competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, and various insurance programs. Skills development training with tuition reimbursement is included. First Energy proudly supports workforce…