Dir Government Affairs

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location
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This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday assigned to the Lansing Government Office located in Lansing, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

The Director of Government Affairs is responsible for developing and supporting execution of strategic direction of state policy, advocacy and political objectives leveraging expertise and relationships to represent and achieve company goals. Builds and maintains significant relationships with broad ranging stakeholders and internal network while balancing multiple priorities to achieve positive outcomes. Leads the consensus building process internally and externally defending ideas/strategies and offering creative solutions to further organizational priorities.

• Implement policy positions and strategies supporting key business priorities and incorporating current state political/public policy to achieve outcomes. Facilitate and support strategic cross-functional teams to identify policy objectives and advocacy plans to achieve goals (coalition building, communications, grassroots, direct lobby).
• Anticipate and evaluate emerging governmental/public issues of potential importance to the company and advise by providing analysis and insights to inform company leaders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Develop and maintain a strong collaborative relationship elected officials, state departments and agencies, key third parties (stakeholders, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, etc.) and relevant industry associations. Utilize consultant resources effectively.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply information and choose among alternate courses of action to arrive at a recommendation for federal policy goals, objectives, and tactics;
  Work closely with ally organizations to drive consensus and advance the company's policy objectives; attend and represent company at industry and other relevant events.
• Support the company's political engagement strategy and CMS Energy's political action committee (PAC) providing guidance, education and resources.
• Ensure compliance with all laws and company policies.
• Other non-essential duties as assigned or may be necessary.

• Excellent advocacy and communication skills; ability to prepare and deliver verbal/written presentations of technical material to non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinking - proactively evaluate policy and political activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills;
  Persuasion and personal credibility to drive consensus/support for company priorities.
• Problem solving and ability to drive consensus from ambiguity and resistance.
• Strong knowledge of how state government operates.
• Ethics, integrity, trust (compliance and reputation focused).

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or a related field with ten (10) or more years in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
  • [OR] Associate Degreein Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, International Relations, or a related field with twelve (12) or more years in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.
  • [OR] High School Diploma or GED with thirteen (13) or moreyears in Governmental experience; prior advocacy and strategic thinking a plus.

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a…