Senior Government Affairs Specialist

Job Summary:

Supports the Company’s short- and long-term strategic business plans and Minnesota gas operational needs. Supports Minnesota legislative and local government affairs activities for the Company in coordination with regulatory affairs, operations, community affairs, regulatory legal, and economic development.

Essential Functions:

• Supports, develops, and contributes to strategies for the Minnesota natural gas footprint including: supporting state policy activity, leading local government affairs relationships, community engagement, supporting rates and regulatory strategy and Minnesota PUC relationships, economic development opportunities, operational and leadership changes.
• Tracks and assists Government Affairs team on state and local policy issues. May include: Review, analyze, and evaluate proposed and existing state legislation, city ordinances, franchise agreements, and regulatory policies that affect the Company. 
• Identifies new and emerging locally driven public policy issues, makes recommendations to management and other key internal stakeholder groups in the determination of company objectives, policies and plans which affect or are affected by state and local government policies, decisions and initiatives. 
• Assists in tracking, developing, and implementing strategies for managing and mitigating operational risk with Minnesota legislative and local activity. 
• Establishes and maintains effective communications with state policymakers and local officials. 
• Interfaces with CNP’s legal and regulatory departments to provide communications support for the company activities with external stakeholders. 
• Leads and supports organizational review of key contracts with Minnesota local governments, including local franchise agreements. 
• Attends and presents company updates at public meetings including but not limited to: city and county council meetings, association events, neighborhood associations. 
• Coordinates with CNP’s economic development team on community opportunities as well as develops relationships with key stakeholders and industry experts. 
• Reviews and evaluates business plans, policies and procedures, and external reports and filings from a state and local affairs perspective. 
• Represents the Company’s interests with regional and state trade, industry and professional organizations. 
• Monitors and communicates to senior management key developments in government and regulatory matters that directly or indirectly impact the Company or its business environment. Maybe required to register as a lobbyist with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.

Education Description:

• Requires a minimum education of Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public policy, communications, public relations, or related fields from an accredited college or university. 

Experience:

• In lieu of educational experience, three years’ experience working in government relations, public affairs, community relations, energy industry, or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications:

• Able to demonstrate a high level of initiative and ability to work well independently and within a team (internal and external) to track, analyze, develop, and influence legislative and local policy. 
• Able to proactively develop and maintain strong relationships with groups such as legislators, city officials, county officials, community leaders, industry associations, and other key external audiences. 
• Able to analyze public policy, especially for its effect on the Company’s operations and its business environment. 
• Able to communicate both in writing and verbally ideas to persuade others within the Company as well as outside. 
• Able to build strategy and positions to influence and persuade others. 
• Able to learn and apply knowledge of policies, procedures, laws and regulations affecting regulated utilities. 
• Able to manage and communicate highly sensitive information appropriately and effectively. 
• Able to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Able to use personal computer software proficiently, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, electronic mail, instant messaging, and presentation software. 
• Able to demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Code of Conduct, and other Company policies and procedures and do so consistently, take all required training courses and do so timely. 
• Able to demonstrate respect for all individuals, adhere to the Company’s values and business practices and do both consistently. 
• Able to meet all physical requirements, competency-based assessments, pre-employment background checks, pre-employment drug screen and other selection criteria determined by the company.