Manager​/Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs

Company Description - New Jersey Utilities Association is the statewide trade association representing investor-owned utilities that provide essential water, wastewater, electric, natural gas and telecommunications services to residents and businesses across New Jersey. Since 1915, NJUA has offered its member companies a forum to exchange ideas and collaborate on key issues affecting utility customers and operations. The association serves as a unified voice in the public policy arena, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders on regulatory and legislative matters.

NJUA’s work supports reliable, safe, and affordable utility services while advocating for balanced policies.

Role Description This position is the critical liaison between NJUA and government entities at all levels. He or she helps shape the policy environment, monitors legislation and regulatory developments, develops advocacy strategies, builds key relationships with policymakers and analyzes how government decisions affect our member companies. The tactical level of this position is relationship-intensive and will spend significant time in the physical presence of policymakers and their staff, attending hearings, agency stakeholder meetings, and the constant flow of events throughout the state.

The person in this position will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive external affairs strategy that strengthens the industry's reputation, builds trust and fosters productive relationships across government, media, industry, and the communities in which NJUA operates. He or she will maintain a consistent presence in state offices, legislative chambers, regulatory offices and at industry events.

Responsibilities

• Provide pro-active leadership for NJUA’s reputation, public profile, and strategic positioning throughout New Jersey, proactively shaping how the industry is perceived by government officials, industry stakeholders, the media, and the public.
• Engage in-person with legislators, legislative staff, and executive branch representatives to communicate the Association’s positions, evaluate emerging issues, and address stakeholder concerns and potential impacts. Prepare and deliver legislative testimony, regulatory comments, and related advocacy materials at hearings and meetings.
• Serve as NJUA spokesperson throughout the state, representing NJUA in-person at public forums, legislative and regulatory hearings, community meetings, media interviews, and other high-profile engagements.
• Identify and develop content for in-person speaking engagements and written communications that effectively highlight the vital role public utilities play in supporting New Jersey’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, legislators, regulators, industry organizations, and their respective staff.
• Build and maintain productive in-person relationships with community organizations, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, including those with differing perspectives, to foster trust, transparency, and constructive dialogue.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and represent the Association at meetings, stakeholder forums, public hearings, industry conferences, trade events, and political functions.
• Communicate complex energy, water, telecommunications, and infrastructure concepts in a clear, accurate, and accessible manner to policymakers, regulators, the media, community stakeholders, and the public.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute legislative, regulatory, and communications initiatives that advance the Association’s objectives. Build member consensus on legislative and regulatory matters, communications priorities, media engagement strategies, and related policy issues.
• Monitor, evaluate, summarize, and report on proposed legislation and regulations, including amendments, and prepare related analyses and draft language for NJUA staff, the Board of Directors, and Association policy committees.
• Provide oversight and direction to assigned staff and external consultants, as appropriate.
• Support the development and…