Director, Government Relations and External Affairs

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.

As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.

OVERVIEW:

The Director of Government and External Affairs is responsible for managing NOVEC’s relationships with government officials and certain external organizations. This role advocates for public policy in furtherance of NOVEC’s mission. Responsible for monitoring proposed legislation and regulatory proposals as well as recommending official positions, legislative engagement strategy at relevant state and local levels. Provides key insights and works closely with senior leadership on recommendations. Responsible for the lobbying process, including but not limited to direct advocacy, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, managing contract lobbyists, building and maintaining relationships between policymakers, their staff, and NOVEC leadership. May manage others in support of government and external relations goals and objectives. Works closely with internal departments to ensure company strategies, policies, and messages align. Develops internal relationships across departments and inspires a collaborative environment. Provides policy and legislative guidance and advocacy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This general overview only includes essential functions of the job and does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.

• Establish and maintain relationships with elected and appointed officials and external stakeholders to advocate and advance NOVEC policies.
• Conduct policy research and present findings (legislative, regulatory, etc.) and analysis to senior leadership for the development of policies and recommend strategies for execution.
• May lead internal employees, contractors, and consultants who support research, analytics, and insights that help to deliver on goals and objectives.
• Maintain a comprehensive set of files on existing federal and state regulatory rules, requirements, decisions, and statutes relating to electric utility regulation.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, advise on policy strategies and build buy-in, and create policy messages for alignment.
• Partner with employees who support PJM, state and federal regulatory agencies. Helps to resolve complex policy issues.
• Manage operating budget for the department.
• Maintain a dialog with lobbyists, executive branch, legislators, regulators, and key members of staff as well as key organizations and associations pertaining to legislative and regulatory matters.
• Partner with Communications and PR to ensure NOVEC is represented at Chamber of Commerce, associations, and other key events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in political science, public policy psychology, law, economics, English, government relations, finance, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience is required such as overseeing the government affairs function, serving as a lobbyist, public policy research, legislative services, and/or legislative chief of staff.
• Experience in Virginia, state and/or local, experience in the utility industry is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Has established relationships and a network among Virginia state and local officials.
• Demonstrated success managing, directing, and developing strategy.
• Ability to prioritize work and operate with a high degree of independence.
• Ability to collaborate, build relationships, and deliver results in a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and work effectively with regulatory staff and officials.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and experience developing internal and external presentations.
• Must be able to travel within Virginia frequently and occasionally outside of Virginia.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond during emergency events.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive salary and Incentive plan

Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center.

Survivor and Disability benefits

401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%

Life insurance

Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave

Educational Assistance

Annual Company Events

If you're ready to take the next step towards advancing your career, apply today! NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position.