Director of Government Relations

Company: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC)
Job Title: Director of Government Relations
Location: Topeka, KS

Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC), the statewide association for Kansas electric co-ops, is seeking a full-time Director of Government Relations to lead KEC’s legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement. This senior-level position directs government relations activities to promote and influence legislation, rules, regulations, and actions affecting rural electrification and related programs at state and national levels. The Director must be able to build and maintain strong professional relationships with the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation, the Kansas Legislature, state agencies, member co-op leadership, and other key stakeholders.

The Director of Government Relations represents Kansas electric cooperatives before various state and national governmental and regulatory bodies, committees, commissions, and officials. The position oversees KEC’s grassroots advocacy program and serves as executive director of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives’ PAC and KS-America’s Electric Cooperative PAC. This position provides staff support to KEC committees and serves as lead staff for KEC’s Legislative & Regulatory Committee and Policies & Bylaws Committee.

At least five years’ experience related to industry advocacy, lobbying, the Kansas Legislature, and/or work with government agencies or campaigns is required. The applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

KEC offers a competitive salary and benefits package including 401(k) with match, NRECA pension plan, health and dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays.

Additional position specifications are listed below.

The Director of Governmental Relations is responsible for directing governmental relations activities to promote and influence legislation, rules, regulations, and actions affecting rural electrification and related programs at state and national levels. The Director of Governmental Relations is also responsible for establishing and maintaining excellent professional relationships with the Kansas U.S. Congressional delegation and the Kansas Legislature. This position represents Kansas electric cooperatives before various national and state governmental and regulatory bodies, committees, commissions, and officials.

The Director of Government Relations oversees KEC’s grassroots advocacy program and serves as executive director of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives’ PAC and KS-America’s Electric Cooperative PAC. This position provides staff support to KEC committees and serves as lead staff for KEC’s Legislative & Regulatory and the Policies & Bylaws Committees.

• Direct Government Relations (GR) Department and legal activities to enhance KEC’s 3-part advocacy program of active lobbying, relationship building, and financial support of co-op-minded policymakers.
• Achieve an understanding of state and national legislation and regulatory issues to influence positive action that assists the operations and activities of member cooperatives.
• Partner with KEC’s General Counsel and other consultants on issues as needed and directed.
• Serve as a registered Kansas Lobbyist. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and the KEC Board, provide leadership in formulation of policy and recommend proposals supporting, opposing, or amending legislation and regulations for the benefit of the rural electrification program.
• Review, evaluate and analyze information, particularly legislative and regulatory proposals, to identify key technical and political issues of concern to the rural electric cooperatives.
• Facilitate the industry response to legislative proposals through testimony, speeches and other initiatives. Coordinate written and oral testimony and speeches on pending legislation and regulations.
• Inform the KEC staff, KEC Legislative Committee, and the KEC membership on a timely basis regarding legislative issues and decisions of importance, lobbying activities, and other developments affecting the rural electrification program.
• Prepa…