Director of State Government Affairs

Position Title:        Director of State Government Affairs                                

Reports to:             Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

Department:           Government Affairs

FLSA Status:          Exempt

Date:                       September 20, 2022

COMPANY SUMMARY:

As the leading trade association representing producers and supporters of biofuels, we work every day to bring consumers better choices at the fuel pump, grow America's economy, and improve the environment for future generations.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of State Government Affairs is primarily responsible for executing the association’s lobbying, regulatory, and political strategies, developing and maintaining policy documents and tracking tools, and advocating with policymakers on important industry issues at the state level across the United States.

This position reports directly to the SVP of Regulatory Affairs and does not have any direct supervisory responsibilities but will have substantive authority over several key policy issues within the states, will directly engage with state policymakers and regulators, and will manage outside consultants. Experience in agriculture and liquid transportation fuels policy are highly desirable. Heavy and extensive travel is required for this position (up to 50%), especially during state legislative sessions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Maintain an excellent working knowledge of key ethanol industry policy and regulatory issues by tracking state legislation and relevant regulatory actions;
• Lead advocacy efforts with state lawmakers on certain ethanol industry policy and regulatory issues;
• Manage external and internal documents and presentations related to the policy environment for renewable fuels including but not limited to formal regulatory comments and legislative testimony
• Develop materials and information for briefings with lawmakers, regulators, stakeholders, and the Growth Energy CEO; and
• Present at important internal and external policy, regulatory, and stakeholder meetings as a policy expert for the organization.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Manage several components of the Growth Energy regulatory portfolio, including tracking and reporting needs, preparation of documents, and presentations;
• Provide policy expertise and support to the Communications department for grassroots, state legislative and regulatory efforts;
• Lead efforts to confirm and host key speakers, panelists, and special guests for Growth Energy events;
• Manage and engage with state legislative and regulatory outside consultants; and
• Represent the association at events that can be outside normal work hours, including hearings, speaking engagements, events and industry meetings;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Manage relationships and engage with various state groups, associations, and stakeholders.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

• Training/Certifications
  • Bachelor’s degree;
  • 7 or more years in related professional work setting;
  • 4 or more years working with state legislatures or with state lawmakers or related relevant advocacy or federal legislative experience.

• Essential Skills & Knowledge
  • Experience developing regulatory and/or state policy materials;
  • Strong knowledge of state legislative process;
  • Experience speaking publicly on complex technical and policy issues to a wide array of audiences.
  • Experience in agriculture or liquid transportation fuels policy is highly desirable;
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word;

• Essential Competencies & Behaviors
  • Industrious, self-motivated, and able to work well independently as well as with all levels of professionals;
  • Able to manage multiple projects and prioritize work to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; with minimal supervision;
  • Able to maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information;
  • Capable of making decisions while maintaining a mature demeanor, common sense, and good judgment;
  • Flexibility to attend industry events in-person, in the early morning and evenings that can be outside normal work hours;
  • Flexibility to travel regularly to D.C. and other locations including up to 2 weeks per month or more as required by the SVP of Regulatory Affairs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Growth Energy employees are industrious, self-motivated, and able to work well independently as well as with all levels of professionals in pursuit of a final goal. The fast-paced nature of Growth Energy requires employees to be able to multi-task and prioritize work to meet deadlines, as well as work varied extended hours during organization events, as business needs dictate. Employees are expected to maintain regular and punctual attendance. Regular and consistent travel is required for persons not based in D.C. Growth Energy is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Sedentary work that primarily involves remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods. May include moving objects up to 20 pounds.