American Water Works
Lead, Government Affairs (KY)
American Water Works, Lexington, Kentucky, United States, 40507
Lead, Government Affairs (KY)
The primary role of this position is to develop and manage a comprehensive state government affairs program to advance and support the company's business plan and statespecific objectives. This role manages legislation with the potential to impact the company and provides strategic direction and tactical implementation of government affairs activities in support of company objectives. This role is also responsible for establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed state government officials, for ensuring that the company is properly and effectively positioned with key elected/appointed individuals, and is a trusted and expert resource. The Lead, Government Affairs reports to the Senior Manager of Government and External Affairs (KY) and is responsible for effective reporting and communications with American Water to ensure the company is advancing an aligned, integrated and effective government relations strategy across the business. This role works closely with the Corporate Government and External Affairs team to ensure timely sharing of relevant information related to legislative efforts, including development of policy issues and narratives, bill drafting and amendments, and internal legislative tracking and reporting. Key Accountabilities include: Leads and directs the effective development, implementation and assessment of an integrated government affairs program to enhance the company's strategy and reputation. Establishes regular proactive communication outreach strategies and tactics in the state government political arena. Proactively meets with state and local government officials on a regular basis. Develops and implements government affairs and outreach strategy and tactics for rate case proceedings and other company initiatives. Is the primary state lobbyist for the company charged with helping to change, stop or advance water, wastewater, utility or other legislation impacting the company and/or the industry. Prepares and manages the development of legislative testimony, testifies on behalf of the company and/or prepares the other company representatives to provide legislative testimony. Manages contract lobbyists and maximizes effectiveness. Establish and maintain an effective bill tracking program. Build effective alliances and coalitions to advance the company's position on key legislative initiatives. Represent the company at key business organization functions, political fundraisers, legislative receptions and conferences with government audiences. Ensure state government officials are kept updated when problems such as main breaks and other company-related events of potential public interest occur. Work closely with and regularly communicate with Business Development and External Affairs within the State and collaborate with the Government and External Affairs team on statewide government affairs strategy and implementation. Utilize company public affairs management platform to help manage constituent issues and public official interactions. Work with senior management to ensure coverage at Commissioner and other regulatory events. Help identify business development opportunities through government official and lobbyist relationships and work closely with Business Development team to help advance potential and in-progress acquisitions. Manage the company's affiliated state PAC and ensure all Election Law Enforcement rules, regulations and other reporting requirements are met. Develop and implement comprehensive strategy and execution plan to grow the PAC. Ensure that the senior management team is aware of PAC-related opportunities to derive maximum benefit from PAC-related expenditures. Knowledge/Skills include: Demonstrated ability to testify before legislative audiences. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must work with agile mindset to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines. A positive, collaborative attitude, proactive nature, and confidence and enthusiasm when working with colleagues, new people, ideas and technologies. Ability to manage through influence and build strong, trusting relationships. Demonstrated ability to manage budget resources efficiently. Able to manage/coach people to develop potential and build capabilities. Strong, proven relationships within the Kentucky legislature. Must possess an excellent working knowledge of state executive and legislative branches and their governing processes. Has a thorough understanding of PAC laws, Election Law Enforcement Laws (ELEC) for the state, where applicable, and a knowledge of the various reporting requirements. Must know how to access information and gain knowledge of issues that may impact the company in the business and political arenas. Experience/Education includes: Bachelor's degree in public administration, government affairs, journalism, communications, public relations or related field is preferred, or demonstrated experience commensurate with the requirements of the position. 9+ years of related work experience of which 4 to 6 years in government relations or lobbying, preferably within the utility sector. Certifications/Licenses include: Must be a registered lobbyist. Work Environment includes: Standard office environment located in a state supporting the full array of local/state government affairs activities. Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Travel Requirements include: 20% within the state and in the United States. Competencies include: Champions safety Customer obsessed Cultivates innovation Nimble learning Drives Results Collaborates
The primary role of this position is to develop and manage a comprehensive state government affairs program to advance and support the company's business plan and statespecific objectives. This role manages legislation with the potential to impact the company and provides strategic direction and tactical implementation of government affairs activities in support of company objectives. This role is also responsible for establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed state government officials, for ensuring that the company is properly and effectively positioned with key elected/appointed individuals, and is a trusted and expert resource. The Lead, Government Affairs reports to the Senior Manager of Government and External Affairs (KY) and is responsible for effective reporting and communications with American Water to ensure the company is advancing an aligned, integrated and effective government relations strategy across the business. This role works closely with the Corporate Government and External Affairs team to ensure timely sharing of relevant information related to legislative efforts, including development of policy issues and narratives, bill drafting and amendments, and internal legislative tracking and reporting. Key Accountabilities include: Leads and directs the effective development, implementation and assessment of an integrated government affairs program to enhance the company's strategy and reputation. Establishes regular proactive communication outreach strategies and tactics in the state government political arena. Proactively meets with state and local government officials on a regular basis. Develops and implements government affairs and outreach strategy and tactics for rate case proceedings and other company initiatives. Is the primary state lobbyist for the company charged with helping to change, stop or advance water, wastewater, utility or other legislation impacting the company and/or the industry. Prepares and manages the development of legislative testimony, testifies on behalf of the company and/or prepares the other company representatives to provide legislative testimony. Manages contract lobbyists and maximizes effectiveness. Establish and maintain an effective bill tracking program. Build effective alliances and coalitions to advance the company's position on key legislative initiatives. Represent the company at key business organization functions, political fundraisers, legislative receptions and conferences with government audiences. Ensure state government officials are kept updated when problems such as main breaks and other company-related events of potential public interest occur. Work closely with and regularly communicate with Business Development and External Affairs within the State and collaborate with the Government and External Affairs team on statewide government affairs strategy and implementation. Utilize company public affairs management platform to help manage constituent issues and public official interactions. Work with senior management to ensure coverage at Commissioner and other regulatory events. Help identify business development opportunities through government official and lobbyist relationships and work closely with Business Development team to help advance potential and in-progress acquisitions. Manage the company's affiliated state PAC and ensure all Election Law Enforcement rules, regulations and other reporting requirements are met. Develop and implement comprehensive strategy and execution plan to grow the PAC. Ensure that the senior management team is aware of PAC-related opportunities to derive maximum benefit from PAC-related expenditures. Knowledge/Skills include: Demonstrated ability to testify before legislative audiences. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must work with agile mindset to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines. A positive, collaborative attitude, proactive nature, and confidence and enthusiasm when working with colleagues, new people, ideas and technologies. Ability to manage through influence and build strong, trusting relationships. Demonstrated ability to manage budget resources efficiently. Able to manage/coach people to develop potential and build capabilities. Strong, proven relationships within the Kentucky legislature. Must possess an excellent working knowledge of state executive and legislative branches and their governing processes. Has a thorough understanding of PAC laws, Election Law Enforcement Laws (ELEC) for the state, where applicable, and a knowledge of the various reporting requirements. Must know how to access information and gain knowledge of issues that may impact the company in the business and political arenas. Experience/Education includes: Bachelor's degree in public administration, government affairs, journalism, communications, public relations or related field is preferred, or demonstrated experience commensurate with the requirements of the position. 9+ years of related work experience of which 4 to 6 years in government relations or lobbying, preferably within the utility sector. Certifications/Licenses include: Must be a registered lobbyist. Work Environment includes: Standard office environment located in a state supporting the full array of local/state government affairs activities. Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Travel Requirements include: 20% within the state and in the United States. Competencies include: Champions safety Customer obsessed Cultivates innovation Nimble learning Drives Results Collaborates