Pay Grade

Executive

Position Summary

Based in San Antonio, CPS Energy seeks a Director of Local Government Relations to lead the Local Government Relations team and direct, oversee and perform all aspects of the utility’s local policy and advocacy programs. The Director will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with both government officials and community stakeholders and ensuring alignment with the utility's strategic vision and objectives. The Director will develop and implement strategies for advocacy that promote and advance the utility’s initiatives. Operators in the external relations field are expected to have a successful track record, a robust list of active external contacts, and be a trusted resource by key internal and external stakeholders. The Director must have the ability to think critically, communicate succinctly, and report to leadership at a strategic level. This role requires functioning both independently and as part of a team. Ideal candidates will have: strong knowledge of government structures and processes, proven experience in policy work advocating on behalf of an organization or issue particularly before city/county government; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work well with a broad range of people and entities; ability to pivot quickly and efficiently; motivation and drive to excel in the position.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with local government officials and staff, community stakeholders, business leaders and community/civic leaders. This includes the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the 31 suburban cities served by CPS Energy.
• Serve as an ambassador for CPS Energy within the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County metropolitan area with counterparts at public and private entities and organizations. This includes representing CPS Energy at relevant meetings, briefings, and events.
• Monitor and engage in policy initiatives of interest and/or impact to CPS Energy at the local and regional levels.
• Proactively prepare the Local Government Relations team and internal stakeholders for CPS Energy-related city council voting items to ensure successful outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for education and outreach by convening briefings and discussions on behalf of CPS Energy, and in conjunction with other internal and external persons/entities as appropriate.

• Assist with drafting presentations, answers to inquiries, position papers, public comments, and other relevant materials. Provide presentations or briefings on CPS Energy initiatives in public venues as appropriate.
• Support the needs of CPS Energy’s internal stakeholders and business units as it relates to policy activities and information sharing, such as providing reports and arranging and preparing for meetings.
• Ensure effective administration of the CPS Energy Citizens Advisory Committee.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, and priorities for the Local Government Relations Team.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget for the Local Government Relations Team.
• Active planning and participation in the professional development of the Local Government Relations team.

Minimum Skills

Minimum Knowledge and Abilities

Experience in policy or advocacy work, ideally related to energy issues.

Knowledge of local, state and federal elected or appointed officials and governmental functions.

Awareness of the San Antonio and regional community.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Good organization, prioritization, and time management skills.

Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team.

Ability to think critically, to anticipate, and to act strategically.

Ability to work well with a wide range of people and entities.

Personal integrity and good judgment, ability to build and maintain trust, maintain confidentiality.

Competence with the Internet and Microsoft Office.

Must have reliable transportation and a favorable driving record.

Flexibility to travel domestically as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government relations through a combination of city or county government or corporate government relations.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with local elected offices as well as a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience in the energy industry.
• Experience in directing, planning, and supervising the work of others.
• Writing samples will be required.
  
  

Competencies

Demonstrating Initiative

Working with Ambiguity

Communicates Effectively

Interacting with People at Different Levels

Driving Projects to Completion

Establishing Relationships

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Affairs or related field from an accredited university.

Required Certifications

Working Environment

Indoor work, operating computer, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, repetitive motion. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator.

Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business related events.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.