Job Description

This position can be based in Rio Rancho, NM or Santa Fe, NM.

Responsible for identifying current and emerging key federal and state public policy issues that could have significant impact on Tri-State, analyzing the political environment associated with the issues, and preparing strategic and tactical recommendations for policy positions, also responsible for monitoring and analyzing federal and state legislative regulatory initiatives. Represents the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed. Interacts with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate. Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri‑State and its member systems. Responsible for supporting the Association and Member-Systems’ goals by assessing the business and public environment to identify opportunities to leverage Tri-State’s position and enhance its standing among key stakeholders. Plans and implements strategic public affairs campaigns and community relations activities to advance awareness and acceptance of the Association’s initiatives, policies, and development plans, including new generation and transmission projects.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes:

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 50%, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Government Relations Advisor III

Hiring Salary Range: $96,000-$121,000

Government Relations Advisor II

Hiring Salary Range: $77,000-$96,000

Government Relations Advisor I

Hiring Salary Range: $70,000-$86,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

Responsibilities

Represent the interests of Tri-State to external organizations, governmental entities, and legislators and their staff, as directed.
Interact with Tri-State internal staff, member systems, member system managers, and statewide rural electric associations as directed and appropriate.
Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting Tri‑State and its member systems.
Support and maintain a tracking system to provide the status of various issues and positions, both internally and externally, in conjunction with the State Government Relations and External Affairs Senior Manager.
Write position papers, letters, and resolutions on various issues and prepare comments and testimony for submission to governmental entities.
Maintain appropriate contacts with legislative and regulatory officials at the federal and state levels.
Maintain appropriate contacts with trade associations, attends meetings and represents Tri-State policies.
Provide input and guidance to member systems on Tri-State issues and developments.
Build and maintain Tri-State’s image and credibility in the Member-Systems’ service territories and with stakeholders through the effective use of external relation strategies.
Develop and leverage relationships and strategic partnerships with local elected and appointed officials and organizations inside and outside the utility industry that advance the Association’s interests.
As directed, represent the Association with member systems and affected communities and at meetings and events. Provide appropriate information and public presentations about the Association’s initiatives, policies, programs, and development plans.
Undertake special assignments in areas related to external and governmental relations and member programs, as directed.
Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements.
Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards and best practices applicable to the functional area including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety. Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance.
Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.
Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

Qualifications

Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in political science, communications, business or related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Ability

Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation and regulations affecting the rural electric utility industry.
Ability to analyze and strategize issues.
Ability to effectively communicate by both written and oral means.
Past political campaign experience desired.
Strong knowledge and experience in stakeholder engagement and collaborative processes.
Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time and at times outside normal hours of operations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.
Must be able to work independently without direct supervision.
Extensive listening, team leadership and interpersonal skills.

About Us

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with 44 members, including 41 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.

Tri-State was founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity. Headquartered in Westminster, Colo., approximately 1,200 people are employed by Tri-State across five states.

Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas and hydropower, with a rapidly increasing supply generated from wind and solar. Tri-State delivers power to its members through a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and over 5,700 miles of high voltage transmission lines. Tri-State's transformative Responsible Energy Plan is reducing emissions, increasing renewable resources, developing new energy services and delivering more flexibility for its members.

Job Identification: 372

Job Category: External Affairs

Posting Date: 2025-04-10T14:12:05+00:00

Job Schedule: Full time

Hiring Salary Range: $70,000-$121,000

Locations: 4331 Fulcrum Way NE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87144, US

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

Latest Jobs

Government Relations Advisor I, II, or III