Hiring Salary Range: $86,900 - $130,400

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level. 

The Government Relations Specialist will Assist the Manager, Government Relations & Grants and Vice President, External Affairs in developing and implementing Dairyland’s legislative, policy and regulatory strategies and efforts in the states where Dairyland does business and at the federal level. Serve as a liaison with state electric cooperative associations and Dairyland distribution members on government relations policy priorities and represents Dairyland at policy and political events in support of Dairyland’s overall government relations strategy. Support efforts to educate and involve employees, board and member-owners in the political process.  Support Dairyland’s enterprise-wide effort to be the premier electric G&T in the Mid-continental United States, with an active and profitable energy supply, portfolio management services business line and best-in-class government relations capabilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Influence public policy in the best interest of Dairyland and its member-owners.  This includes engaging elected officials and other policy makers to support Dairyland’s policy preferences through meetings, testifying at hearings, or in writing in support of Dairyland positions.  Successful applicants may need to register as a lobbyist in one or more state.

2. Assist the Manager, Government Relations & Grants and Vice President, External Affairs in monitoring current legislative, regulatory, political, technical and public issues for their potential impact on Dairyland or on our distribution cooperatives and their members.

3. Maintain an effective working relationship with state and federal legislators and their staffs and administrative agencies through verbal and written communication, networking, direct visits, capitol visits and industry association events and meetings.

4. As directed by the Manager, Government Relations & Grants, attend events or meetings at Dairyland or other locations to assist in educating and empowering employees, board members and owners to make sound judgments about policies under consideration at all levels of government, and to encourage voluntary involvement in the political system at all levels.

5. As directed by the Manager, Government Relations & Grants, represent Dairyland at meetings of industry groups, cooperative organizations, public policy partners and others discussing issues of importance to our members.

6. As directed by the Manager, Government Relations & Grants, represent the division in internal business working groups determining strategic direction for the cooperative.

7. Assist with key stakeholder outreach and engagement; the development of talking points, committee testimony and other written materials, as requested; and the drafting of policy memorandums and legislative summaries, as well as monitor key committee hearings and legislative activity at the state and federal level.

8. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:  Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; advanced degree desirable. Minimum of three years of direct experience on/in a state or federal legislative staff, legislative agency, public affairs organization or local, state, or federal agency required.  Experience in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois or in Washington, D.C. preferred.

Skills: Ability to understand, prioritize and address multiple issues in the same workday. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to speak extemporaneously, summarize information and present it to a general audience. Ability to develop strong relationships through adding value for internal and external audiences. Understanding of political and regulatory procedures and processes, including differences between states.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Driver’s license. Will be required to register as a lobbyist with appropriate state or federal agencies.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environmental Demands: Indoor office setting. Frequent day and overnight travel by auto and common carrier. 

Other Job Characteristics: Must be able to balance varied interests and positions in a fast-paced, varied, rapidly changing environment. May interact with Dairyland Board, management and staff, as well as distribution cooperative leaders and staff, industry leaders, lawmakers, regulatory personnel and the general public. The highly visible position may require working outside of normal business hours.