Director Govt & Legislative Affairs-Chicago, IL

Who We Are

Exelon is helping build a more affordable, reliable energy future for the communities we serve. We're looking for people who are ready to make a difference and work together to deliver the energy our customers count on every day.

As a Fortune 200 company and one of the nation's largest utility companies, we have more than 20,000 colleagues who serve nearly 11 million customers through six fully regulated utilities - Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).

Exelon is built by people who put safety first, work together to solve problems and show up every day for our customers and communities. We believe strong teams are built on trust, respect and a shared commitment to high-performance culture. And our commitment to employees includes creating an environment where people can grow, develop new skills and build thriving careers.

We know this work isn't easy. That's why we offer competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is committed to making a difference, improving how we work and delivering for the people who depend on us.

Are you on for the challenge?

Primary Purpose

Lead and direct company representation with State Constitutional Officers and General Assembly; lead and direct companywide initiatives to advance cross-functional business unit objectives; lead strategy and teams to defeat negative legislative, regulatory or business initiatives. Lead and direct subject matter experts across the company to develop positions on legislation filed in the general assembly. Direct and prepare written analyses and advocacy pieces to support company positions and counter opposition.

Maintain strategic relationships and represent the company through participation with state and national trade associations and other professional organizations. Position the company and its officers in the political and philanthropic community through sponsoring events and volunteer fundraising. Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Primary Duties

Lead and coordinate company position on all state legislative initiatives in order to advance company objectives and defeat/modify harmful legislative initiatives. This requires frequent travel to the Springfield office to interface with members of the general assembly, the executive branch and various state agencies.

Coordinate efforts between the legislative team and various department subject matter experts on developing positions for legislation filed within the general assembly (Legislative bill tracking).

• Lead and direct communications with policymakers to ensure understanding of company issues
• Lead and direct communications with contract lobbyists to ensure strategic and comprehensive lobbying and information to decision makers
• Coordinate philanthropic and political events and related volunteer fundraising to advance company and officer reputation in community and with policy leaders
• Assist in development and implementation of Political Action Committee strategy including solicitation and distribution of funds and representing ComEd at events

Preparation and distribution of regular reports and presentations of legislative activities, group's initiatives and results, including status reports; as requested or required by executive team

Job Scope

Regular interaction with General Assembly leaders, legislators and staff. Requires need to keep policymakers apprised of issues and provide data and analyses as required. Requires need to maintain high level of information with company officers and employees. Manage opportunities for broader understanding of company issues through additional relationships; presentations at statewide forums; and accessing other company officers and colleagues throughout service territory to deploy message and assist policymakers in decision making.

Full compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations governing relationships and activities with external stakeholders.

Requires regular interaction and coordination with other business units to anticipate and execute on business objectives as they relate to legislation or external stakeholders.

Requires frequent travel to Springfield to meet with members of the general assembly, the executive branch and various state agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 12 or more years' experience in state, local or federal legislative arena
• In lieu of degree, 15-20 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated communication skills: ability to analyze, interpret and represent data and information
• Broad knowledge of utility operations, economics, regulatory and legislative processes and national energy restructuring trends and issues
• Ability to lead teams and organize long term projects and assignments
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process enhancements and ability to create value
• 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree: law, communications, business

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate company position on all state legislative initiatives in order to advance company objectives and defeat/modify harmful legislative initiatives. This requires frequent travel to the Springfield office to interface with members of the general assembly, the executive branch and various state agencies.
• Coordinate efforts between the legislative team and various department subject matter experts on developing positions for legislation filed within the general assembly (Legislative bill tracking).
• Lead and direct communications with policymakers to ensure understanding of company issues
• Lead and direct communications with contract lobbyists to ensure strategic and comprehensive lobbying and information to decision makers
• Coordinate philanthropic and political events and related volunteer fundraising to advance company and officer reputation in community and with policy leaders
• Assist in development and implementation of Political Action Committee strategy including solicitation and distribution of funds and representing ComEd at events
• Preparation and distribution of regular reports and presentations of legislative activities, group's initiatives and results, including status reports; as requested or required by executive team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 12 or more years' experience in state, local or federal legislative arena
• In lieu of degree, 15-20 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated communication skills: ability to analyze, interpret and represent data and information
• Broad knowledge of utility operations, economics, regulatory and legislative processes and national energy restructuring trends and issues
• Ability to lead teams and organize long term projects and assignments
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process enhancements and ability to create value
• 5 years of supervisory experience