Position Summary

Manages and advances the political objectives and legislative strategy for Local, State and Federal policy and regulatory matters. Provides economic development objectives and focus that will support Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC)’s strategy and the well-being of the communities and members that OTEC serves. Pursue and protect OTEC’s interests in Local, State and Federal government, in cooperation with Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Responsible for working collaboratively with key departments internally to anticipate, drive or influence local, state, and federal programs, and regulatory policies that may impact OTEC.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
• Written and verbal communication
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage strategy by contributing to the development of initiatives, meeting strategic goals and driving toward the organization’s vision. 

• Manage the legislative, regulatory, and economic development policy and strategy that represent the objectives and associated initiatives of the company.

• Creates and maintains internal and external relationships with legislators, their staffs and agencies and their staffs and other stakeholder group.

• Work with federal, state, and local entities that are recruiting industrial and commercial business into Union, Baker, Grant, and Harney Counties.

• Analyze proposed legislation to determine possible impact on OTEC and its members and report out accordingly.

• Represents OTEC in key organizations, workgroups, and coalitions that position OTEC for current and future success legislatively and economically.

• Play key support role in OTEC Key Account Program.
• Coordinate and communicate with OTEC engineering and operations regarding first point of contact interviews for potential new, industrial/commercial, electric loads looking to locate in OTEC service territory including the development of green corridors. Receive and respond to requests from local and state Economic Development professionals for OTEC power information for specific new or expanding projects.

• Collaborate and support Internal departments regarding County and City Planners to successfully move through utility land use issues and rights of way.

• Recommends and manages contract lobbyists or specialists as necessary in specific areas of work related to legislative activities or projects.

• Coordinates tracks and reports local, state, and federal government legislative and regulatory affairs activities.

• Coordinates, aligns, and supports with ORECA to communicate and further the Cooperatives goals and strengthen the Cooperative Brand in the state.

• Research programs at the Local, State and Federal level that advantage or are of interest to the Cooperative.

• Assists in the development of the production of testimony, legislative materials and informational pieces that support the Cooperatives positions. Work closely with communications and marketing on external and internal communications as needed.

• May maintain positions on external Boards as assigned that represents issues that are important to the Company and its members, as necessary.

• Develop and manage process and programs related to corporate governance, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment throughout.

• Participation in cooperative strategy and initiatives as it relates to government affairs and Economic development. 

This is a full-time position. This position requires that the employee be available for work outside the normal daily work period. Travel may be required within the four-county service territory during the business day and infrequently overnight. Occasional out of the area travel is expected to attend various activities such as meetings, training and other events.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Exempt : Yes

Type : Full Time

Qualifications

• Five (5) years in Government Relations, legislative and regulatory groups, lobbying, coalitions, testimony, etc.
• One (1) year in Economic/Business Development, community relations, or key account management is preferred
• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in a business-related major, preferred
• Lobbyist Registration from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license

About Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative

Baker City, voted one of Rand McNally’s six most beautiful small towns in America three years in a row. The surrounding area includes unlimited opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and skiing. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort boasts the best powder in Oregon, with an average annual snowfall of 300 inches. OTEC has a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life insurance, disability, 401(k), and other valuable benefits. Please visit our web page at https://www.otec.coop/careers for more information and to view open positions.

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