Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

Job Description

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), with offices in Arlington, VA and Lincoln, NE is the trade association for over 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people. NRECA is committed to harnessing the strength of America’s electric cooperatives into a single powerful voice. NRECA has won the following awards over the past few years:

• Top Workplace by the Washington Post
• 100 Best Places to Work - ComputerWorld Magazine
• 50 Best Places to Work - The Washingtonian
• CARE Award Recipient - Recognizing organizations that promote a positive work-life balance
• Best Place to Work Award Recipient - Lincoln, NE
• Gold Well Workplace - Wellness Councils of America
• State of NE Governor's Wellness Award - Grower Level

At NRECA, we work with people who are leaders in their fields. They are down-to-earth, hardworking professionals committed to helping our members serve their communities. Our work is interesting, constantly evolving, and requires new skills to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic industry. In this collegial, inclusive work environment, united around the compelling purpose and history of electric cooperatives, we thrive. And topping it off, NRECA cares about each person’s overall well-being, encouraging health, financial security, and a sustainable work/life balance. EEO/AA- M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status/Genetic Data

Summary
NRECA is seeking an experienced leader to direct NRECA’s Regulatory Affairs programs. This will include leading a team of advocates and setting the strategic direction of NRECA’s regulatory programs. This individual will also directly represent the interests of America’s Electric Cooperatives on matters before federal and state regulatory agencies, executive branch departments, national standards development organizations and national policy forums, and educate NRECA members about regulatory policy, market design and national industry developments.

Purpose and Mission:

Develops and guides the strategic direction of regulatory advocacy programs on behalf of America’s electric cooperatives.
Provides leadership, coaching and management of the Regulatory Affairs unit.
Ensures alignment of the regulatory affairs program with NRECA advocacy priorities and strategic plans.
Represents the interests of America’s electric cooperatives before federal regulatory agencies.
Develops and maintains professional relationships with federal regulatory agency principals and staff.
Serves as a liason between NRECA members and federal agencies.
Serves as a resource to government agencies on developing and emerging regulatory matters.
Monitors existing and emerging regulatory and policy matters and their potential impact on electric cooperatives.
Works collaboratively with the Regulatory Affairs team, other NRECA staff and NRECA member cooperatives in the development of strategies to favorably impact regulatory outcomes.
Ensures close coordination and cooperation between the Regulatory Affairs unit and other Government Affairs functions, as well other NRECA departments.
Provides guidance and advice on regulatory matters, policy matters and energy market dynamics to NRECA Executives, NRECA Board members and NRECA members.
Enhances NRECA’s visibility and reputation as an industry leader on electricity regulation and policy matters.
•Manages the Regulatory Affairs budget.
Encourages the Regulatory Affairs team to focus on service excellence.

Direct Reports to this Position:
Regulatory Issues Director(s), Sr. Regulatory Issues Director(s), Sr. Director Environmental Issues, Executive Assistant

Requirements and Qualifications

Formal Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, business, engineering, or related field. Law degree or graduate degree in a related field preferred.

Experience and Certifications Required:

10+ years’ experience in regulatory and/or policy work
5+ years’ experience managing a results-oriented regulatory advocacy program
Experience in the electric utility industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Knowledge of government regulations topics impacting the operation of electric cooperatives.
Ability to lead people and large work units with a track record of developing, motivating and delegating across a large, functionally disparate team.
Ability to manage a high-performing team with an appreciation and interest in building and sustaining strategic relationships with federal agencies, internal stakeholders, NRECA members, industry peers and the public.
Ability to organize and manage time, multi-task, operate under pressure and prioritize projects (or work) using effective organizational skills.
Strong communications skills, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to reach a diverse membership and employees in a clear and precise manner.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the execution of all duties.
Ability to prioritize and focus staff and resources on the most critical matters.
Ability to manage regulatory issues requiring a high degree of cross-functional cooperation and the consideration of various laws and regulations.
Ability using Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point, Teams) in the day-to-day essential duties.
Ability to operate office equipment including but not limited to personal computer, copier, printer, and multiple line telephone.

Essential Physical Requirements:

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.