Senior Government Affairs Specialist

Company: Disability Solutions
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: October 31, 2024

Job Description:

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. Job SummarySupports the Company's short- and long-term strategic business plans and Minnesota gas operational needs. Supports Minnesota legislative and local government affairs activities for the Company in coordination with regulatory affairs, operations, community affairs, regulatory legal, and economic development. Essential Functions

• Supports, develops, and contributes to strategies for the Minnesota natural gas footprint including: supporting state policy activity, leading local government affairs relationships, community engagement, supporting rates and regulatory strategy and Minnesota PUC relationships, economic development opportunities, operational and leadership changes.
• Tracks and assists Government Affairs team on state and local policy issues. May include: Review, analyze, and evaluate proposed and existing state legislation, city ordinances, franchise agreements, and regulatory policies that affect the Company.
• Identifies new and emerging locally driven public policy issues, makes recommendations to management and other key internal stakeholder groups in the determination of company objectives, policies and plans which affect or are affected by state and local government policies, decisions and initiatives.
• Assists in tracking, developing, and implementing strategies for managing and mitigating operational risk with Minnesota legislative and local activity.
• Establishes and maintains effective communications with state policymakers and local officials.
• Interfaces with CNP's legal and regulatory departments to provide communications support for the company activities with external stakeholders.
• Leads and supports organizational review of key contracts with Minnesota local governments, including local franchise agreements.
• Attends and presents company updates at public meetings including but not limited to: city and county council meetings, association events, neighborhood associations.
• Coordinates with CNP's economic development team on community opportunities as well as develops relationships with key stakeholders and industry experts.
• Reviews and evaluates business plans, policies and procedures, and external reports and filings from a state and local affairs perspective.
• Represents the Company's interests with regional and state trade, industry and professional organizations.
• Monitors and communicates to senior management key developments in government and regulatory matters that directly or indirectly impact the Company or its business environment.
• May be required to register as a lobbyist with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. Education Description
  • Requires a minimum education of Bachelor's Degree in political science, public policy, communications, public relations, or related fields from an accredited college or university. Experience
    • In lieu of educational experience, three years' experience working in government relations, public affairs, community relations, energy industry, or equivalent. Additional Qualifications
      • Able to demonstrate a high level of initiative and ability to work well independently and within a team (internal and external) to track, analyze, develop, and influence legislative and local policy.
      • Able to proactively develop and maintain strong relationships with groups such as legislators, city officials, county officials, community leaders, industry associations, and other key external audiences.
      • Able to analyze public policy, especially for its effect on the Company's operations and its business environment.
      • Able to communicate both in writing and verbally ideas to persuade others within the Company as well as outside.
      • Able to build strategy and positions to influence and persuade others.
      • Able to learn and apply knowledge of policies, procedures, laws and regulations affecting regulated utilities.
      • Able to manage and communicate highly sensitive information appropriately and effectively.
      • Able to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
      • Able to use personal computer software proficiently, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, electronic mail, instant messaging, and presentation software.
      • Able to demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company's Ethics and Compliance Code of Conduct, and other Company policies and procedures and do so consistently, take all required training courses and do so timely.
      • Able to demonstrate respect for all individuals, adhere to the Company's values and business practices and do both consistently.
      • Able to meet all physical requirements, competency-based assessments, pre-employment background checks, pre-employment drug screen and other selection criteria determined by the company. Physical Requirements
        • Able to communicate orally in a clear manner.
        • Able to hear oral communication either in person or on equipment such as telephone or mobile phone.
        • Able to view a personal computer monitor or laptop screen for extended periods of time.
        • Able to operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop, for extended periods of time creating, composing and reviewing documents and spreadsheets.
        • Able to operate office equipment, including telephone, mobile phone, photocopier, fax machine, scanner and calculator.
        • Able to reach, grasp and move items.
        • Able to sit for extended periods of time.
        • Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Working Conditions
          • Able to work in office, cubicle, off-site, or team environment.
          • Able to attend legislative hearings, local government meetings, and other meetings in person.
          • Able to work a varied schedule to complete projects and meet deadlines in response to changing demands.
          • Able to work overtime (scheduled and/or unscheduled, nights and/or weekends) occasionally, as needed or required to meet established deadlines.
          • Able to work in fast-paced environment with a high-volume workload and frequent short deadlines.
          • Able to travel locally extensively. This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks for this position. Other duties and tasks may be assigned to this position at the Company's discretion. We want you to know Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. What we bring to you
            • Competitive pay
            • Paid training
            • Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
            • Transit subsidies
            • Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
            • Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
            • Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
            • 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution Job Type: Full Time Posting Start Date: 10/29/2024 Posting End Date: 11/12/2024 This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR ---- 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. #LI-JC1

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