Community & Government Affairs Representative

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The NYISO's External Affairs department invites applications for a full-time Community and Government Affairs Representative.

The role of the Community and Government Affairs Representative is to support the NYISO's mission as an authoritative source of bulk electric system information by working closely with the VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications to develop and maintain positive working relationships with key community and business organizations, trade groups, elected officials, policymakers and opinion leaders throughout New York State.

Working closely with the Vice President of External Affairs & Corporate Communications, the Representative will assist in the development and execution of an annual outreach and engagement program to achieve stronger statewide recognition with business, philanthropic, and advocacy groups and support the NYISO's position as a leader in the energy space.

The Representative will also engage with federal state and local elected officials, when appropriate, regarding impacts on the electric system, NYISO and industry market participants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Affairs

Under leadership of the VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications, identify key community, trade and business organizations throughout the state that the NYISO should target for informational and educational outreach initiatives.

Manage and maintain a positive relationship between the NYISO and targeted organizations.

• Through the development of an effective outreach plan developed with the VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications, cultivate and expand NYISO's relationships, branding and positioning with key community leaders, elected officials, opinion leaders and policy makers.
• Develop and execute programs to promote the NYISO as an independent source of information on issues related to electric grid operations, competitive markets and system planning.
• Conduct programs and presentations that will help to achieve stronger statewide recognition and understanding of the NYISO as an industry leader and role in the state's economy.
• Identify opportunities for NYISO exhibits at conferences, industry / trade associations and community events. Coordinate booth / display materials, logistics and staffing.
• Working closely with Corporate Communications, develop social media content, blog content, and other material that advances and supports the company culture, brand, reputation and role as the authoritative source of information on the electric grid and energy industry.

Government Affairs

• Work with the VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications and NYISO Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to prepare responses to legislative inquiries and requests for information.
• Assists in the establishment of effective relationships with legislative offices, governmental stakeholders, and technical experts to promote an understanding of the NYISO and the wholesale power industry.
• Understands legislative operations and regularly attends legislative committee meetings and monitors legislative activities that impact the NYISO and the wholesale power markets.
• Working closely with the VP, External Affairs & Corporate Communications, develop an annual legislative outreach program to promote the NYISO as an independent source of information for key legislative personnel / committees on the bulk electric system.
• Monitors, analyzes and tracks energy related issues and / or legislation.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Business or Public Administration, Marketing or Political Science or other related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Five or more years of energy industry experience preferred.
• Five or more years of demonstrated success working in government or government affairs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills, demonstrated to support business goals.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations.

Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of legislative and regulatory documents and information.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and facilitation skills.
• Understanding of the political and policy landscape in New York State.
• Familiar with New York ethics regulations and filing requirements of the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE).
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated and have the ability to act in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization.

Additional Requirements

• Good teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations.

Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of legislative and regulatory documents and information.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and facilitation skills.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail, internet programs, and the New York State Legislative Retrieval System (LRS).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks.

The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 15 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contact with staff and public will occur. Travel may be required to attend and / or conduct meetings, conferences and training.

This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

The NYISO offers the flexibility to work both in the office and remotely, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance.

While the majority of the responsibilities of this role can be performed remotely, in most cases, employees will have periodic on-site requirements based on business needs.

Full remote opportunities may be available in some cases.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Salary Range

$76,200 $127,200 USD