Sr. Director, Federal Affairs
Leads the development and execution of SRP's federal affairs strategy, advocating policy positions before Congress and federal agencies
Directs the D.C. office, managing lobbyists and tribal engagement, while collaborating with internal teams to identify and address emerging issues
Builds relationships with government officials and industry partners, representing SRP and communicating policy developments to internal stakeholders
About the Company
Salt River Project (SRP) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and energy to more than 2 million people in central Arizona. Our story begins back in 1903, nearly a decade before Arizona officially became a state. As the Valley started to grow, local ranchers and farmers pledged their own land to get Theodore Roosevelt Dam built as a way to tame the raging waters of the Salt River. They formed the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association, the founding group of Salt River Project (SRP). Today, our mission is to serve our customers and communities by providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and energy.
About the Job
The Senior Director, Federal Affairs reports directly to the Associate General Manager & Chief Public Affairs and Corporate Services Executive and is responsible for leading the design, strategy, and development of the federal affairs department. This position will advocate and communicate SRP policy positions on legislative issues pending before the U.S. Congress and at federal agencies. Directs the Washington DC office, which includes the lobbyist work for SRP federal issue portfolio; SRP’s engagement on tribal issues; collaborates with SRP Business Units and executive management to identify and assess emerging federal legislative and regulatory issues that may impact SRP’s electric customers, water shareholders, employees, and elected officials; develop and manage federal governmental affairs strategies and activities to achieve corporate goals and objectives.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute the federal affairs strategy in partnership with the AGM/Chief Public Affairs and Corporate Services Executive and senior leadership and internal strategy partners
Build and maintain strong relationships and a sophisticated network with relevant government officials, legislative offices, industry partners and thought leaders to influence public discourse in support of company interests
Represent the company before the Congress, Federal Administration, state and local governments and other related organizations on issues related to the company's business, advocating outcomes sought by the organization
Continue to enhance the company's presence in Washington DC
Build strong relationships with internal business leaders, working proactively to keep them well-informed about federal political, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting business activities
Develop and manage a team of federal political affairs professionals to strategically deliver results in a compliant way
Analyze proposed legislative measures and assess the potential impact on SRP
Develop and implement strategy to engage with tribal entities on issues core to SRP’s business functions
Summarize policy developments to internal stakeholders and assess impacts on SRP business
Facilitate internal processes to assist in monitoring, analyzing, and summarizing federal legislation and policy impacting SRP
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree required in Public Administration, Communications, Political Science, Business, or a related field
Master’s degree or advanced degree in law, public policy, or a related discipline is preferred
A minimum of 15 years cumulative and progressive professional experience in legislative and/or regulatory bodies at the federal level
Previous significant experience on Capitol Hill or relevant administrative agency
Demonstrated experience with federal elected officials, political parties, trade associations, and governmental agencies
Strong bipartisan network that can be leveraged on behalf of SRP
VP, State Gov. Relations
Leads multi-state advocacy efforts, directly managing a portfolio of states and overseeing contract lobbyists to advance organizational goals
Shapes state programs and influences key policy and regulatory issues, ensuring alignment with company objectives and strategic direction
Engages high-level government officials, providing expertise on policy matters, and regularly informs senior management about potential external impacts
About the Company
Graduation Alliance is a Benefit Corporation, a status obtained through a rigorous evaluation process by the non-profit entity B Lab. B Lab announced Graduation Alliance as one of the “Best for the World” in July 2021 for its focus on “services that support the greater good...focusing on underserved populations.” Practices evaluated and independently verified included “ethical marketing, data privacy and security, and use of feedback channels to add value to customers while supporting the greater good.”
Graduation Alliance is accredited by Cognia, which is also the accreditor for public schools across the US. In 2021, based on the review of Cognia’s trained evaluators, Cognia presented Graduation Alliance with an Index of Educational Quality of 375 (out of 400), compared to a Cognia Institution Network five-year average of 278–283. As a result, in 2021, Cognia named Graduation Alliance a School of Distinction for “effectively implementing high-quality instruction, showing consistent organizational effectiveness, and...demonstrating energetic and sustained commitment to learners.” This award is reserved for organizations that demonstrate excellence in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards as reviewed by independent evaluators.
About the Job
This position will have direct oversight for a portfolio of states in which Graduation Alliance operates. Though the team is extremely collaborative, this position will have ultimate authority and responsibility for strategy and execution of initiatives in said portfolio.
Responsibilities
Direct and manage multi-state advocacy agenda and contract lobbyists
Shape and influence state programs and other critical issues in alignment with organizational goals and objectives
Regularly engage high-level government officials providing an in-depth understanding of key policy and regulatory issues
Regularly apprise senior management of issues and other external factors that could affect strategic goals
Advise and collaborate on the development of policy related to company initiatives and areas of interest
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Minimum of four-year bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree or JD preferred
Minimum of 5 years of multi-state government affairs experience
Experience providing subject matter testimony required
Ability to meet the demands of a fast-paced work schedule
Required travel 40%