Local Government Relations Manager

at  CenterPoint Energy

JOB SUMMARY

Supports the Company’s short- and long-term strategic business plans and Minnesota gas operational needs. Develops, directs and manages strategies and activities that increase visibility and ensures that positive relationships with local, county and state elected officials, staff, and specific associations in Minnesota are developed and maintained to enhance CenterPoint Energy’s local presence. Coordinates internally with regulatory affairs, operations, community affairs, regulatory legal, and economic development.

EDUCATION DESCRIPTION

• Requires BA or BS degree in political science, business, communications or law
• or equivalent of at least 4 years’ experience working in government relations, public affairs, community relations, energy industry, or equivalent

EXPERIENCE

• Preferably a minimum four (4) years of experience in government affairs, public relations, or regulatory matters which includes:
• Direct interaction with elected officials and energy industry contacts
• Legal, lobbying, operations and/or communications experience in the energy industry

Additional Qualifications

• Able to develop and maintain constructive and effective working relationships with key stakeholders including community leaders, local government officials, county officials, state policymakers, industry associations and other key external audiences.
• Able to demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the regulated utility business, including government and community relations.
• Able to plan, organize and direct resources to increase visibility of CenterPoint Energy and ensure that positive relationships with key external stakeholders and targeted associations are developed and maintained.
• Able to track and analyze political situations and issues (including franchise agreements, local ordinances and public policy issues) and develop effective strategies that focus on achieving company goals and objectives.
• Able to demonstrate superior interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen, influence, negotiate, and persuade others on ordinances and public policy decisions that could positively or negatively impact CNP.
• Able to understand and communicate complex technical and regulatory issues clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and under stressful situations.
• Able to attend meetings in person throughout Minnesota, at various time of day, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• 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.

• Develops and manages relationship building strategies and activities, including communicating and influencing local, county and state elected officials, staff and associations in Minnesota to increases CNP’s visibility.
• Attend and present company updates at public meetings including but not limited to: city and county council meetings, association events, neighborhood associations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Advises, tracks, and assists Area Managers to ensure franchise agreements are effectively negotiated and pending local ordinances (franchise fees, right-of-way management, permit fees, etc.) are monitored and modified to allow CenterPoint Energy to effectively operate, expand, and compete.
• Identifies new and emerging locally driven public policy issues of potential impact to CNP; advises and 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.
• Interfaces with CNP’s legal and regulatory departments to provide communications support for the company activities with external stakeholders.
• Coordinates with CNP’s economic development team on community opportunities as well as develops relationships with key state 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.
• Develops and implements policies, guidelines and criteria to direct resources in communities. Identifies, responds to, and/or advises area managers on requests for financial support and/or corporate involvement from the community.
• Exhibits, ability to work independently and within a team, results orientated, ability to interact effectively with others, ability to prioritize and manage workload, and independent judgment.
• May be required to register as a lobbyist with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.