Government Affairs Coordinator:  Coordinates PAC operations, educates membership of governmental and political operations

Responsibilities & Duties:

PAC Coordinator Duties & Responsibilities – Complete administration the ACRE and OEC Political Action Committees (PACs) to include:

• Create, plan and implement customized solicitation campaigns for member systems.
• Foster and maintain relationships with State and Congressional legislative staffs and caucus fundraisers to improve effectiveness of PACs and advance the OEC legislative agenda.
• Collaborate with NRECA staff in planning and hosting political fundraising events for the Ohio Congressional delegation. Identify new audiences for PAC involvement.
• Develop and distribute issues briefing papers to key stakeholders and provide regular updates to PAC members on activities, issues and elections.
• In conjunction with PAC Treasurer, manage disbursement of PAC funds in accordance with election cycle budget. Responsibilities include preparing materials for monthly PAC board meeting with Government Affairs team, processing checks, updating and reviewing disbursement budget, and coordinating with affiliated PACs.
• Establish and track annual budget for PAC contributions in conjunction with the PAC Board.
• Represent the PAC as needed before the boards and employees of our member systems.
• Deliver PAC presentations to various eligible employees around the state and PAC Board Members and Government Affairs staff.
• Create and produce internal PAC reports.
• Plan and coordinate fundraising events for the PAC; maintain tracking system for fundraising events.
• Plan and prepare for PAC board meetings and receptions.
• Maintain database of PAC contributors.

Government Affairs Duties & Responsibilities – Serve as a key member of the Legislative & Government Affairs staff by the following:

• Support lobbyists and internal customers with legislative research and legislative tracking; Follow legislative and current events to identify and stay abreast of issues impacting cooperatives.
• Proactively connect cooperative leadership with policy makers at the Statehouse, in-district and in Washington, DC.
• Assist with creation, development and execution of annual legislative events. Coordinate and manage marketing, logistical details and oversee volunteers to assist in event implementation plan.
• Promote cooperative political involvement activities including Co-ops Vote initiatives.
• Attend and cover legislative hearing and events as required.
• Foster and maintain relationships with key OEC leaders, state association executives, and other staff to broaden support of PACs and the OEC legislative agenda.

Administrative Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Government Affairs staff on matters such as scheduling, travel and expenses, campaign finance and lobbying disclosure.
• Create and edit correspondence, presentations and briefing materials; draft letters to Members of Congress and high-level government officials.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings/events, including with government officials and their staffs.
• Manage the database of advocates for grassroots engagement the grassroots and serve as point of contact for questions.
• Assist with completion of necessary reports.
• Assume other responsibilities as requested in support of the office goals and objectives.
• Evening or weekend responsibilities will be required as needed; some travel will be required.  

Position Requirements:

Education:                  Bachelor’s degree required.  Experience over and above experience described below may be substituted for part of the educational requirement.

Experience:                 Three (3) years of experience in governmental affairs, political campaigns, communications or civic affairs is required. 

Knowledge:                 Must have knowledge of state and federal campaign finance laws and legislative process.  Knowledge of utility industry structure and operations is desirable.

Abilities & Skills:        Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong MS Office/Excel skills.  Must understand political behavior and quickly relate such knowledge to future actions.  Must be self-starter, opportunistic and effectively plan daily activities.  Must be skilled in working on matters requiring high degree of confidentiality.

Working Conditions:  Travel approximately 40% of workdays, both within and out-of-state, including some overnight stays.  Work outside normal schedule is required as needed. 

Buckeye Power is the generation and transmission cooperative jointly owned by the 25 electric distribution cooperatives serving Ohio. The company is diversifying its generation mix by acquiring additional capacity from both traditional and renewable energy sources, such as green power in the form of animal waste anaerobic biodigesters, as well as solar panels.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC) is the statewide trade association for the 25 independently owned and operated electric cooperatives in Ohio and one in West Virginia. 

Together, Buckeye Power and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives work collaboratively to form Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives