Director, Government Relations & Advocacy

Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.

Arizona's rural electric cooperatives formed Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association Inc. (GCSECA) in 1950. Their primary purpose was to create a nonprofit, nonpartisan group to give Arizona's electric cooperatives a unified voice in state and national regulatory and legislative matters. Resource-pooling and cost-sharing by our members have combined to make GCSECA a strong, effective statewide organization. In addition to its government relations programs, GCSECA organizes safety and loss control training; regulatory assistance, member education, and professional development training; special project workshops; and applies a variety of communications tools to inform electric cooperative consumers and the public about our advocacy initiatives. Our members are our number one priority.

Director, Government Relations & Advocacy - Electric Utility Industry

Position Summary

GSCECA is seeking a mission-focused, dynamic, innovative and self-motivated Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, to lead our organization's legislative, advocacy initiatives, and community outreach efforts that support electric cooperatives and the rural communities they serve. This role strengthens relationships with member cooperatives, state policymakers, state regulatory agencies, and community partners while advancing cooperative priorities such as reliability, affordability, rural economic development, and local governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead state-level government relations and advocacy efforts on issues impacting electric cooperatives.
• Build strong relationships with legislators, regulators, and stakeholders statewide.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity; prepare policy briefs, testimony, and updates.
• Develop and execute public education campaigns about the electric industry and the value of the not-for-profit cooperative business model.
• Serve as spokesperson on policy issues and support crisis communications.
• Coordinate grassroots/grasstops engagement and community outreach across member cooperatives.
• Support member cooperatives with advocacy resources, messaging, and outreach tools.
• Serve as a liaison to GCSECA's PAC and Legislative and Government Relations Committee.

Qualifications and Preferred Attributes

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, political science, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years in government relations, public affairs, or advocacy.
• Knowledge of electric cooperatives, rural energy issues, and state legislative processes.
• Strong communication, relationship building, and public speaking skills.
• Experience with community outreach or public education initiatives.

Success Indicators

• Strong, trusted relationships with state policymakers and community partners.
• Increased public understanding of cooperative values and rural energy issues.
• Effective advocacy that shapes state policy outcomes benefiting member cooperatives.
• High engagement from cooperative members and employees in grassroots/grasstops initiatives.
• Consistent, clear communication when explaining and presenting policy issues or industry challenges.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Relationship and Coalition Building
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Political Acumen
• Analytical skills
• Adaptability
• Innovation
• Community Engagement
• Collaboration & Influence
• Issue & Crisis Management
• Problem Solving
• Advocacy Leadership
• Leads with Integrity, Ethics, and Courage

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Our Location

GCSECA headquarters is located in Tempe, Arizona. With a population over 180,000, Tempe is home to Arizona State University and is a vibrant suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The location provides access to excellent local shopping, dining opportunities, entertainment options, sporting events, cultural events, health care, an international airport, and higher education opportunities. Arizona, known for its sunshine, provides a diverse climate. In addition to popular activities such as golf and tennis, within a short driving distance residents can participate in activities such as boating, hiking, and snow skiing.

Our Benefits

GCSECA provides its employees with an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, business travel, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The retirement package is highly competitive and includes a traditional pension plan, and a 401(k) plan. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to shape statewide energy policy, strengthen rural communities, and amplify the voice of member-owned electric cooperatives. You'll work closely with cooperative leaders across the state and play a key role in advancing reliable, affordable, community-focused electric service.