Vice President of External Affairs

The purpose of this role is to maintain a favorable legislative and political environment for electric cooperatives in our three-state area.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain effective working relationships with state legislators, legislative staff members, and with members of Congress and other policymakers representing Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware to ensure that cooperative positions on key legislative issues are understood and supported.

The Director of Legislative Affairs will work effectively with our large, active cooperative membership across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware to develop consensus positions on issues that are important to electric cooperatives.

They will attend political events with legislators and stakeholders from a variety of collaborative groups that share our interests in the utility and energy policy space.

They will maintain relationships with key stakeholders in other organizations to build external coalitions while enhancing our cooperative grassroots/grasstops programs.

• Communication of key legislative issues at the state and federal level to meet the legislative and political goals of the Association and its members.
• Register as a lobbyist in Virginia.
• Assist in working with VMDAEC members to create and monitor public policy that impacts members, including but not limited to: energy, utilities, renewable energy, emerging technologies, environment, broadband, economic development, workforce development.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legislative decision makers.
• Track relevant legislation during the Virginia General Assembly session.
• Work with Maryland and Delaware members to provide legislative support as needed to assist them in achieving their objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with members of the U.S. Congress and their staff for federal advocacy efforts.
• Effectively coordinate with member legislative work groups, outside lobbyists, and NRECA.
• Represent VMDAEC and our member cooperatives to outside organizations.
• Public speaking at meetings and hearings as needed.
• Assist in the coordination of the Political Action Committee.
• Manage VMDAEC’s member‑funded political action committee, Community‑Owned Power PAC (CO‑OP PAC).
• Coordinate state CO‑OP PAC program and federal America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC program for members.
• Design and adhere to CO‑OP PAC budget and assist in developing contribution strategy that will make the best use of member’s funds.
• Communicate with candidates on behalf of CO‑OP PAC, including but not limited to: drafting contribution letters, attending political fundraisers, and coordinating member participation in political events.
• Assist with building grassroots/grasstops initiatives on selected issues.

• This position is in‑office with flexibility for remote work as appropriate.
• This position requires flexibility to attend frequent meetings and events during non‑traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and mealtimes.
• This employee must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• During the legislative session, this position works extended hours.

• Three years of experience in a related field such as government and/or legislative, campaign, or advocacy positions.
• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree with concentration in writing or liberal arts (i.e., political science, communications, human development, sociology, journalism, history, etc.).
• Strong familiarity with legislative protocols in Virginia and at the federal level.
• Strong relationships with state legislators and staff preferred.
• Experience with public speaking required.

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.