Sr. Legislative Representative

Position Title: Sr. Legislative Representative
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Department/Location: Member & External Relations/Bismarck, ND
Company: Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Position Purpose:

This position is responsible to draft, monitor, analyze, implement, or defeat legislation or regulation, which may affect Basin Electric and its subsidiaries at the state and federal government levels. The incumbent represents the Cooperative and subsidiaries in matters concerning government relations and policy development before member systems, local, regional, and national trade associations, and legislative, regulatory, and executive groups at the state and federal level. Incumbent also develops and maintains key relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers across the electrical industry and related agencies.

Essential Duties:

• Monitor legislative activities and regulatory reports, which may affect the Cooperative and its subsidiaries. Advise and assist in the legislative and regulatory process where determination of necessary action is made by executive management.
• Participate in government relations activities as a lobbyist for BEPC and subsidiaries. This includes testifying, lobbying, and attending various state and local, political subdivision, REC and in-house meetings and legislative hearings, responding to factual and informational questions, developing reports and answering questions concerning government information and Cooperative policies and position, and researching legislative and governmental issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with key government officials and stakeholders including committee and congressional delegation staffs and regulatory officials.
• Review, log, monitor, and track federal and state legislation on relevant legislative issues, regulations, and resolutions. Utilize knowledge of local, state, regional and federal issues to develop and recommend strategies to influence policy. Access data files on computerized networks to track state and federal bill status information.
• Coordinate and assist with the development of the Cooperative's resolution process throughout the year and at the annual meeting. Provide support to BEPC Resolutions Committee members by coordinating all related committee requirements; update resolutions and coordinate resolution information with related associations; and assist in the collection and dissemination of information under consideration by the Resolutions Committee. These resolutions or Cooperative policy positions constitute membership guidance to the Cooperative in its daily activities and are used as the basis of testimony at the state and federal levels.
• Represent the Cooperative and subsidiaries in testimony before legislative committees and regulatory agencies, as necessary. Develop communications with governmental agencies and representatives.
• Develop information for consideration by the Vice-President of Government Relations, the Sr. VP of Member and External Relations, the General Manager and CEO, the Board of Directors, and the Resolutions Committee in their deliberations of proposed Cooperative policy positions at the Cooperative's annual meeting. These policy positions or resolutions constitute membership guidance to the Cooperative in its day-to-day activities. The resolutions are used as the basis of testimony at the state and federal government level. The incumbent assists in the collection and dissemination of information concerning electric and gas issues for consideration by the Resolutions Committee. The incumbent assists in the dissemination of the Cooperative's policy statements to associated organizations, as well as legislative and congressional representatives.
• Assist in long-range planning and research on economic and social topics at the local, state, and federal levels, which may affect the long-term legislative position of the Cooperative and Dakota Gas. This research includes consideration of demographics, environmental, regulatory, economic, community, and social development activities with possible effect on the Cooperative and its subsidiaries and consideration of possible involvement strategies in those areas of concern.
• Organize and participate in events, meetings, and conferences related to government relations.

Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in political science, public administration, legal, business, or a degree that emphasizes analytical thinking, problem solving, or critical reasoning skills, and
• Eight years of related experience in public policy development, business, education or law.
• Knowledge of relevant governmental laws and regulations.
• Comprehensive communication and negotiation skills and the ability to effectively prepare and present information to individuals at all levels of government, business, and the public as well as management within the organization.
• Strong understanding of government processes, policies, and regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Able to work collaboratively with various departments within the organization and with key stakeholders.
• Experience in lobbying and advocacy.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Resume required.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for personnel in this position. The incumbent is responsible for performing all duties in a safe and efficient manner in compliance with safe work procedures and safety regulations. Prompt and regular attendance is a requirement of this position. With supervisor approval, a hybrid/remote work schedule may be permitted within current Cooperative guidelines.

Typical Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:

This position requires frequent sitting and standing/walking; and occasional reaching below and above shoulder level, use of keyboard/computer, bending, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, and pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. It also requires finger dexterity and hand coordination. This position requires good hearing and vision, and the ability to speak. It also requires the ability to develop plans, procedures and goals; present information to others; and work under stress to complete projects within deadlines. Extensive travel is required for this position, and the incumbent must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Applicants interested in this opening should go to https://www.basinelectric.com to apply.
Employees must apply through Inside Basin, by clicking on a position and signing into the Infor Application.
Basin Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and veterans status.