Government Affairs Representative - Kern

Requisition ID # 136040 

Job Category: Government and Regulatory Relations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Corporate Affairs

Job Location: Bakersfield

Department Overview

PG&E’s Local Government Affairs team leads the Company’s government relations activities and strategies in the cities and counties we serve, helping to shape complex, proactive public policy debates that support our customers and local communities, invest in climate resiliency and the stability of the grid, and assure the long-term success of the company. The successful candidate will be excited about joining a growing, collaborative, and proactive team that is committed to making real change in their community. The candidate will believe in transparency and honest communication and will excel at building and maintaining trust with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Position Summary

Develop and maintain a strong governmental, political and community network within Kern County.  The candidate will have substantial external contact responsibility and should be experienced in building agreements and partnerships, especially with coalitions of diverse interests.  The candidate must also have excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skills and the ability to produce results working with or leading a cross-functional team.  The ideal candidate must have the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a dynamic, ambiguous, and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be a poised public speaker with previous public testimony experience and political engagement experience.

The role will likely require regular travel within Kern County and to other locations in PG&E’s service territory, as workload dictates.  This may include some overnight travel.

Job Responsibilities

• Government Relations:

Develop and maintain strong governmental, political and community network in Kern and San Bernardino Counties. Serve as a primary political contact for assigned cities, counties. Monitor activities of special districts. Skills may also be utilized across service area depending on issues. Manage issues that arise before assigned political bodies, coordinating Company analysis and response. Keep abreast of local political and legislative issues. Provide political and governmental expertise to assigned area. Maintain high level of knowledge on local governmental political climate and franchise issues. Effectively respond to customer issues referred by elected representatives. Act as liaison to city and county leaders and elected officials for wildfire and emergency-related issues.

 • Community Relations/Special Projects:

Serve as a lead community contact in Kern and San Bernardino Counties. Develop community partnerships that build upon and enhance PG&E programs/services, assisting customers and providing support for company goals. Coordinate local charitable contributions program. Consult with internal clients on implementing community strategies to position the Company. Strengthen relationships with local elected and community organizations (regularly attend events, local community board representation and general representation for the company).

• Public Affairs Issues and Projects:

Manage/support company projects and issues with public affairs elements. Prepare and implement strategies, assess financial impacts to the company and develop written and verbal communications. Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and positions.

• Emergency / Public Safety Power Shut Off Response:

Act as emergency response liaison with city leadership, city emergency managers and county leadership. Provide support to Emergency Operations Centers as activated. Develop and maintain relationship with emergency managers, as assigned. Provide support for PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shut Off program and wildfire response activities.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working for an elected official, public or non-profit agency or as a political Consultant or other relevant experience
• Valid California driver’s license
• Computer Skills - Proficient in MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

Desired:

• Skill in facilitating complex discussions and meetings
• Skill in negotiating between stakeholders to reach an agreement
• Competency in building strong relationships with customers and external stakeholders and delivering customer-centric solutions
• Success in bringing together perspectives/opinions from multiple internal and external stakeholders to help create and facilitate compromise solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong political and community ties in Kern County