The Oglethorpe Power Corp. (OPC) Director of Governmental Affairs is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the company's state-level governmental affairs program. The position will be responsible for developing relationships with the Governor's Office, state legislature, state government agencies, and constitutional officers. The position will be a registered lobbyist at the state Capitol, primarily responsible for tracking, analyzing, and reporting internally on impactful legislation. The position will represent, educate, and influence state lawmakers on issues important to Oglethorpe Power, Green Power EMC, and our 38 member cooperatives. The position will work alongside the SVP of External Affairs to supplement the company's work on federal issues in Washington, D.C. The position will interact directly with OPC executives and the leadership and staff of our 38 members and related companies. The position will manage and direct contract work performed by a team of outside lobbying consultants and work in coalition with the company's trade associations and other Georgia electric utilities on shared public policy issues. The position will serve as a key part of the External Affairs team, working alongside the Director of Corporate Communications and Community Relations Manager, to plan and execute events, deliver presentations, facilitate plant tours, amplify OPC news and announcements to stakeholders, and represent Oglethorpe Power externally.

Job Duties:

• Develop and implement a state-level governmental affairs program for OPC including developing and maintaining relationships with lawmakers and elected stakeholders; track and analyze legislation; communicate with OPC subject matter experts and executives on public policy developments impacting the company or our members; maintain strong relationships with lawmakers, relevant state agencies and constitutional offices; direct the work of contract lobbyists; work with trade associations and utility coalitions.
• Support the SVP of External Affairs to supplement federal government affairs activities in Washington, D.C., as needed.
• Cross-train with and support the Community Relations Manager by assisting with local community outreach to Chambers of Commerce, Development Authorities, local elected officials, and charitable organizations in the communities where OPC owns and operates generation assets.
• Other external affairs duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study, such as Business Administration, Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Journalism, or others.

Experience: 8-10 years of experience managing governmental affairs for an organization is preferred; the same level of experience in community or public relations may be considered. Previous experience as a registered lobbyist is required. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are required. Strong writing skills are preferred. Candidate must have experience in public speaking and presenting. Candidate must have strong organizational skills and be able to work independently.

Travel: Percent of travel involved: 30-40%

Unusual hours required for this position: Many meetings, events, and presentations involve travel throughout Georgia and sometimes out of state. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings are frequent. Some overnight travel and limited work on the weekends are also required.