Government Affairs Manager
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) seeks a Government Affairs Manager to support our legislative, regulatory, and administrative advocacy efforts in Arizona. This role will report to the Government Affairs Director and work closely with WRA’s program staff to advance innovative legislative and administrative policy solutions critical to addressing the state’s most pressing conservation challenges. The Arizona Government Affairs Manager will focus on advancing policies related to climate and clean energy. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated strategic thinker who possesses sound judgment, strong decision-making skills, and political acumen.
ABOUT WESTERN RESOURCE ADVOCATES
WRA fights climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. We respect the different needs of diverse people and partner with them to develop a shared vision for progress—one that advances communities while protecting biodiversity.
Our team of policy experts, scientists, economists, and attorneys has a 30-year history of working where decisions are made, sweating the details, creating evidence-based solutions, and holding decisionmakers accountable. This on the ground work with policymakers and other advocates advances clean energy, protects air, land, water, and wildlife—and sustains the lives and livelihoods of the West.
LOCATION
The position can work remotely from the Phoenix metropolitan area or can be based in WRA’s Phoenix office; or a hybrid of the two. WRA employees are encouraged to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic, some travel to WRA’s Phoenix office and within Arizona will be required for collaboration with WRA staff and stakeholders as well as interactions with decision-makers.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
STRATEGIC ADVOCACY
- Work collaboratively with WRA’s program and communications staff to develop and implement advocacy efforts focused on reaching legislative, municipal, regulatory, and administrative decision makers in Arizona.
- In coordination with program staff, read and analyze the potential impact of proposed legislation and administrative policies.
- Monitor and track relevant state and local policies.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
- Build relationships with elected leaders and other decision-makers, and serve as a liaison between them and WRA staff.
- Identify, recruit and organize a diverse group of opinion leaders in the state to engage with decision makers in support of WRA’s policies and positions.
- Identify and manage effective coalitions of diverse partners in the region to advance WRA’s mission.
TRAVEL
- Occasional travel to meetings and events, generally within Arizona (post COVID-19).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
STRATEGIC ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience developing and executing government affairs, external affairs, communications, or advocacy campaigns.
- Understanding of, and familiarity with, Arizona politics and policy makers, especially as they relate to the topics of energy, electric utilities, and/or climate change.
- Experience building coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance public policy objectives with decision makers.
COMMUNICATON SKILLS
- Ability to apply both oral and written communication skills to persuade, influence, or lead others on complex subjects.
- Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow‐through.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This section is made up of skills that a candidate may come in with, and if not, may be trained on the job. They are not required and candidates who do not possess these skills yet, should not be discouraged from applying.
- Relationships with key state and local decision makers and stakeholders.
- Presenting and public speaking skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary range for this position is $70,000-$90,000; salary depends on relevant experience and new staff rarely start at the top of the range. WRA’s excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, life & disability insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation leave, sick leave, parental leave, and sabbatical leave after five years. WRA’s offices are closed December 25 – January 1. Position is full-time exempt.