Senior State Legislative Affairs Manager/State Legislative Affairs Manager

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Public policy plays a critical role in PGE’s efforts to deliver affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean electricity to our customers.  The Senior State Legislative Affairs Manager/State Legislative Affairs Manager is PGE’s lead Oregon lobbyist and represents the company formally and informally before state legislators and state agencies on public policy and legislation affecting PGE and our customers.  This role demands a pragmatic, strategic government affairs professional capable of cooperatively developing and executing strategies, representing the company to external audiences, and advising management on public policy matters affecting the company’s business goals, corporate values and customer priorities. 

The Senior State Legislative Affairs Manager/State Legislative Affairs Manager is responsible for working with the Director of Government Affairs, company teams and external stakeholders to formulate and implement the company’s legislative plans, and for engaging in the legislative process on matters that affect the company at the state level. The best candidates for this role are people who thrive in a fast-paced, political environment and are strong team players with the ability to work through ambiguity to achieve policy goals.  While energy policy experience is a plus, candidates without direct energy policy background who demonstrate strong legislative strategy and relationship management fundamentals, sound judgment, ability to work independently, and a willingness to learn will be considered.

As a member of the Government Affairs team, you will:

• Establish and maintain favorable strategic relationships with state legislators, committee staff, agency personnel, other utilities, customer representatives and interest groups.
• Work with Senior leadership, the Government Affairs Director, Government Affairs policy team, and internal and external stakeholders to formulate and execute company positions and strategies on state legislative policy matters.
• Lead internal and external teams and coalitions to achieve legislative outcomes.
• Advise management on political and legislative matters that impact PGE and implement strategies to achieve favorable and strategic outcomes for PGE.
• Work with internal subject matter experts to develop preferred policy approaches and engage proactively with stakeholders to build support for PGE proposals.  
• Work closely with customers and other stakeholders to identify common interests and work to further them when consistent with the company’s overall priorities and objectives.
• Prepare or oversee preparation of testimony, letters, reports, requests and filings.
• Manage PGE’s government affairs interests in Oregon and manage our consultant lobbyists in Oregon.
• Report regularly to management on status of major policy initiatives, legislative agenda and relevant activity during legislative sessions. 
• Produce internal and external presentations and reports.
• Prepare and file required state lobbyist and contribution reports.

We are open to candidates for this opportunity at either the State Legislative Affairs Manager or Senior State Legislative Affairs Manager level. Placement at the appropriate level will be based on candidates’ respective qualifications and experience.

EDUCATION

Requires a bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental science, business or other related field (depending on area of specialization) or equivalent experience. Master’s degree in public policy or juris doctorate a plus.

EXPERIENCE (Senior Legislative Affairs Manager)

Typically twelve or more years in public policy, lobbying, or related field in area(s) of specialty. Work experience related to the Oregon Legislature preferred. Knowledge of clean energy and energy regulatory issues a plus.

EXPERIENCE (State Legislative Affairs Manager)

Typically eight or more years in public policy, lobbying, or related field in area(s) of specialty. Work experience related to the Oregon Legislature preferred. Knowledge of clean energy and energy regulatory issues a plus.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

Essential competencies and skills for success in this role include:

Role-specific Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of legislative or administrative rulemaking processes
• Advanced knowledge of lobbying and public affairs best practices
• Advanced skills in project management
• Advanced skills in facilitation and presentations
• Advanced skills in relationship building and collaboration
• Advanced skills in advocacy, negotiation and influence without authority
• Intermediate skills in strategy setting
• Expert conflict management skills
• Ability to work long hours and a variable schedule, dependent on demands of legislators, legislative session, and other internal or external goals.

Essential Skills

• Advanced skills in change leadership
• Advanced skills in analytical thinking
• Advanced skills in problem solving
• Expert skills in oral and written communication
• Advanced interpersonal skills
• Advanced skills in decision making
• Advanced skills in organization and prioritization
• Advanced business acumen
• Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks
• Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
• Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
• Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
• Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback
• Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others inside and outside PGE
• Demonstrates sound memory
• Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather
• Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance

The Government Affairs team at PGE works in a hybrid model, including 3 days per week in office, subject to events and legislative schedules. During Legislative Session, this position travels to the state capitol regularly as required.  

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting [email protected] or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. 

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date.  Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.