Dairyland Power Cooperative Hiring for Government Relations Manager at La Crosse, WI Full Time

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

The Government Relations Manager is responsible to manage and implement Dairyland’s legislative, grassroots lobbying, and government relations strategies and efforts in consultation with the Vice President and General Counsel in states where Dairyland does business and at the federal level. To seek opportunities to involve employees, board members and member-owners in the political process. To provide regular updates on proposed state and federal legislation, and progress on Dairyland’s legislative priorities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Influence the adoption or repeal of legislation and/or regulations in the best interest of Dairyland and its member-owners by leveraging key Dairyland staff, board members and member-owners to engage in visits, calls, grassroots campaigns, e-mails and letters to legislative or agency representatives. Draft bills and amendments in consultation with key Dairyland and legislative staff and testify before legislative or regulatory bodies at hearings in support of Dairyland positions. Draft testimony or talking points for key Dairyland staff as needed.
• Lead process of establishing legislative priorities each year by consulting with key Dairyland staff and directors. Draft quarterly progress updates and presentations.
• Watch or attend state legislative committee hearings as needed. Create and manage a legislative bill tracking process and monitor current legislative, regulatory, political, technical and public issues for their potential impact on Dairyland. Leveraging internal staff, state associations and lobbying resources, provide regular written legislative updates.
• Manage Dairyland’s grassroot efforts which includes technology platforms or other grassroot strategies, develop education and registration campaigns.
• Participate in the review and analysis of impacts on Dairyland or its members of proposed legislation and administrative rules, utilizing support from various Dairyland departments and legal counsel as required.
• Review Dairyland and statewide association resolutions as part of the annual resolutions process and make recommendations that align resolutions with legislative priorities.
• Develop and execute an annual America’s Electric Cooperatives (AEC) PAC and conduit strategy that includes educating key Dairyland employees about the value of contributing to AEC and the conduit, managing the records, establishing a fundraising goal, and making targeted candidate recommendations.
• Work with federal lobbying partners and Dairyland staff to identify federal earmark opportunities and support the application process as needed.
• Maintain effective and ethical working relationships with state and federal legislators, administrative agencies, and other organizations and their respective staff through verbal and written communications, direct visits, and industry associations.
• Maintain liaisons with distribution cooperative managers on legislative, regulatory, and emerging issues of importance to them and to Dairyland.
• Actively work with public policy organizations that share goals or interests with Dairyland, including those within the cooperative movement and in the larger business sector.
• Attend events or meetings at Dairyland and other locations to assist in educating and empowering employees, board members and owners to make sound judgements about policies under consideration at all levels of government, and to encourage voluntary involvement in the political system at all levels.
• Represent Dairyland on selected committees and associations, such as those associated with NRECA and the statewide electric cooperative associations, influencing policies and positions that impact Dairyland, and fostering good public image.
• Participate in Dairyland internal working groups, committees and task forces as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; advanced degree desirable. Minimum of three (3) years of direct experience on/in a state or federal legislative staff, legislative agency, public affairs organization or local, state or federal agency required. Experience in the state of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa or in Washington, D.C. preferred.

Skills: Ability to understand and deal with multiple issues. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to speak extemporaneously. Have strong listening, influencing, facilitation and presentation skills. Understanding of political and regulatory procedures and processes, including difference between states. Will take leadership role in key issues.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Will be required to register as a lobbyist with appropriate state or federal agencies.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environmental Demands: Indoor office setting. Frequent day and overnight travel by auto and common carrier.

Other Job Characteristics: Must be able to balance varied interests and positions in a fast-paced, varied, rapidly changing environment. May interact with Dairyland Board, management and staff, as well as distribution cooperative leaders and staff, industry leaders, lawmakers, regulatory personnel and the general public. The highly visible position may require working outside of normal business hours.

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
• Life insurance
• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Robust Wellness Program
• New Flexible Work Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.