Government Relations Lead Representative

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

To deliver high quality learning experiences that meet clients’ technical, regulatory and safety learning needs through a blended learning approach and support the design and development of learning solutions.

Job Purpose

A National Grid Government Relations Lead Representative assists with building relationships and trust among government official at all levels across the state and represents the company with a wide variety of relevant stakeholders in a manner that positively reflects business priorities and the best interest of customers.

Key Accountabilities

•    Execute strategies to develop key stakeholder relationships, contact points, trends and messaging in order to solidify an external reputation as an industry leader in energy and the environment, a concerned corporate citizen, and a socially conscious organization with community values and interests.
•    Promote key campaign strategies, policies, and community initiatives to promote and defend National Grid interests across Massachusetts.
•    Manage relationships with key executive branch officials and staff, including the tracking, monitoring, and informing government actions that impact National Grid’s ability to deliver on the clean energy transition affordably, fairly and reliably for all our customers and communities.
•    Contribute to the Company’s legislative and policy agenda.
•    Advance the Company’s legislative and policy agenda with key stakeholders.
•    Provide professional advice and guidance to Corporate Affairs and company leadership on political and executive branch actions and priorities.
•    Ensure company organizations are aware and engaged in impactful legislation and associated political activities.
•    Coordinate collaboratively with colleagues in communications, legal, regulatory, operations, community and customer affairs, and economic development on projects and programs as well as proactive management of issues – engaging with elected officials in such events as appropriate.
•    Provide awareness to executive branch elected and appointed officials and staff  of company programs and initiatives that support customers and communities served by National Grid.
•    Support National Grid’s efforts to identify and secure funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate the clean energy transition affordably for all customers and communities
•    Promote and enhance the company’s reputation and build partnerships with industry and business organizations, lobby groups, environmental groups and other stakeholders in the state, in order to promote National Grid’s reputation and interests.

Qualifications

•    Bachelors’ Degree required, with master’s degree preferred, with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience leading or working in government affairs, campaigns, and/or community development in a government-related environment.
•    Must be able to register as a company lobbyist and ensure personal compliance with all company ethic requirements as well as state and local laws and regulations.
•    Demonstrated history of current relationships with key stakeholders
•    Demonstrated track record of developing and executing advocacy strategies around issues and politics.
•    Demonstrated issues management experience.
•    Experience working in a highly matrixed organization managing multiple stakeholders.
•    Understanding and interest in public policy, sustainability, and energy issues.
•    Knowledge of the electric/natural gas industry or regulated industry is considered a plus.
•    Excellent communications skills and comfortability speaking in public are required.
•    Understands how to translate complex ideas into simple messages.
•    Strong ability to work effectively with and influence senior leaders and other key stakeholders.
•    Ability to multi-task and quickly prioritize projects and work well under pressure and tight deadlines.
•    Comfortable working in rapidly changing, ambiguous environment.
•    Collaborative and flexible style, with an approach to work that motivates and energizes others.
•    Strategic thinker who isn’t afraid to get into the trenches and do the hard work.
•    Attention to detail and an ability to plan and execute events and meetings on strict timelines and budgets.
•    In depth experience and understanding of Massachusetts state political and legislative processes.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of and engagement with key elected officials and state agency personnel.
•    Significant knowledge of the issues and the process of policy development and promotion within a regulated, multi-stakeholder environment.
•    Understanding of the current political environment and key external industry and non-industry stakeholders which relate to and have an impact on the utility sector.
•    Represent the company at legislative meetings, distinguishing and promoting company positions in contrast with competing interests – utilizing coalitions and third parties as appropriate.
•    Experience with public speaking and exceptional writing skills.