As the Public Affairs Specialist, you will support the Government Affairs team to complete administration the ACRE and OEC Political Action Committees (PACs) plan, and implement customized solicitation campaigns for member systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSBILITIES

• 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 LGA staff.
• Create and produce internal PAC reports for management and ACRE executive committee.
• 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 breast of issues impacting cooperatives.
• Proactively connect cooperative leadership with state and federal policy makers, 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.
• 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.
• Provide support to LGA staff on matters such as scheduling, travel, logistical and expenses, campaign finance and lobbying reporting
• Create and edit correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Draft communication 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.
• Provides for economic development and workforce development training through assistance in setup, providing complete correspondence with member cooperatives, and coordinating logistics with external participants.
• Assists with the preparations for trainings, conferences, and events.  Assembles and distributes materials and maintains related records.  Attends meetings and seminars to assist with registration. Creates surveys and track results via survey monkey for the events.
• Assists with OEC conferences and other national conferences as needed with programs, apps, themes, registration, setup, etc. to create a positive member experience.
• 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.
• Supports department activities related to economic and community development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required.  

Licenses and Certifications:  Valid Ohio Driver’s License 

Experience:  

• Three (3) years of experience in governmental affairs, political campaigns, communications, and civic affairs is required.  
• Relevant on-the-job experience or education over and above the requirement described above may be substituted for part of the experience requirement.

Abilities & Skills Required:

• Knowledge of state and federal campaign finance laws and legislative process.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Solid understanding of political behavior and ability to quickly relate such knowledge to future actions.  
• Self-starter, opportunistic and effectively plan daily activities.  
• Skilled in working on matters requiring high degree of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of utility industry structure and operations is desirable.