Job Description

This position can be based out of our Cheyenne Field Facility (Cheyenne, Wyoming) or our Headquarters (Westminster, Colorado).

Responsible for identifying current and emerging key federal and state public policy issues that could have significant impact on Tri-State, analyzing the political environment associated with the issues, and preparing strategic and tactical recommendations for policy positions, also responsible for monitoring and analyzing federal and state legislative regulatory initiatives. Represents the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed. Interacts with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate. Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri‑State and its member systems. Responsible for supporting the Association and Member-Systems’ goals by assessing the business and public environment to identify opportunities to leverage Tri-State’s position and enhance its standing among key stakeholders. Plans and implements strategic public affairs campaigns and community relations activities to advance awareness and acceptance of the Association’s initiatives, policies, and development plans, including new generation and transmission projects.

Note:
There is one position available and the position will be filled at one of four job grade levels: Government Relations Advisor I, job grade 7; Government Relations Advisor II, job grade 8, Government Relations Advisor III, job grade 9; or Senior Government Relations Advisor, job grade 10. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected, and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes:
Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 40%, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Senior Government Relations Advisor
Hiring Salary Range: $109,000-139,000
Government Relations Advisor III
Hiring Salary Range: $98,000-$124,000
Government Relations Advisor II
Hiring Salary Range: $88,000-$111,000
Government Relations Advisor I
Hiring Salary Range: $80,000-$99,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

• Represent the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed.
• Interact with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate.
• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri‑State and its member systems.
• Support and maintain a tracking system to provide the status of various issues and positions, both internally and externally, in conjunction with the State Government Relations and External Affairs Senior Manager.
• Write position papers, letters, and resolutions on various issues and prepare comments and testimony for submission to governmental entities.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with legislative and regulatory officials at the federal and state levels.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with trade associations, attends meetings and represents Tri-State policies.
• Provide input and guidance to member systems on Tri-State issues and developments.
• Build and maintain Tri-State’s image and credibility in the Member-Systems’ service territories and with stakeholders through the effective use of external relation strategies.
• Develop and leverage relationships and strategic partnerships with local elected and appointed officials and organizations inside and outside the utility industry that advance the Association’s interests.
• As directed, represent the Association with member systems and affected communities and at meetings and events. Provide appropriate information and public presentations about the Association’s initiatives, policies, programs, and development plans.
• Undertake special assignments in areas related to external and governmental relations and member programs, as directed.
• Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements.
• Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards and best practices applicable to the functional area including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety. Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance.
• Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.
• Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS/JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Planning and organizing ability to think ahead and plan for a variety of contingencies. Sets priorities and allocates time and resources properly. Maintains awareness of relationships between activities and is able to coordinate numerous projects at any given time.
• Adaptability: works effectively during periods of high activity while seeking out and utilizing resources. Maintains effectiveness during procedural/organizational changes and when dealing with varying personality styles and tasks.
• Thoroughness: attention to accuracy and detail.
• Time management: ability to juggle multiple priorities and manage time efficiently.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong team player accomplishes tasks by working with others. Recognizes how his/her decisions may impact others; seeks input from others.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in political science, communications, business or related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and regulations affecting the rural electric utility industry.
• Ability to analyze and strategize issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate by both written and oral means.
• Past political campaign experience desired.
• Strong knowledge and experience in stakeholder engagement and collaborative processes.
• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time and at times outside normal hours of operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Must be able to work independently without direct supervision.
• Extensive listening, team leadership and interpersonal skills.

Experience:

• eight (8) plus years of progressive related experience, including working with federal and state governmental issues.
• Energy related experience helpful.
• Those with less experience will be hired at the Government Relations Advisor I, II, or III job grade level, as appropriate.

Other:

• Willingness to travel. (Must possess a current valid driver's license.)
• Must be able to demonstrate that he/she can perform all the essential functions of the position.

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Electric cooperative experience desired.
• Live in, or close to, Cheyenne, WY