Director, Federal & Regulatory Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association, Inc.

Arizona's 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 help 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, Federal & Regulatory Affairs - Electric Utility Industry

Position Summary

GSCECA is seeking a mission-focused, dynamic, innovative and self-motivated, Director of Federal & Regulatory Affairs to lead our organization's federal government relations strategy on energy policy and regulatory compliance at the federal and state levels. This role serves as the liaison to Arizona's congressional delegation and federal agencies of jurisdiction -including but not limited to DOE, EPA, DOI, USDA-RUS, FERC-and ensures the organization is positioned to influence policy outcomes, anticipate impacts, and maintain compliance with evolving federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's federal affairs strategy and align policy priorities with member system short-term and long‑term organizational goals.
• Monitor federal legislation, rulemakings, and enforcement trends affecting the electric utility industry.
• Lead development of advocacy materials and assist with regulatory filings.
• Engage with state and national trade associations, public power partners, and other advocacy groups.
• Provide briefings and presentations to executive leadership on federal policy and regulatory matters.

Qualifications and Preferred Attributes

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in political science, public policy, law, or related field,
• 5+ years in federal and regulatory policy, or government relations in the electric industry.
• Strong knowledge of the congressional legislative process and federal rulemaking.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence policy and build coalitions.
• Experience in federal agencies, and jurisdictional committees.
• Experience with working on rural electric cooperative or public power policy matters.
• Background in utility operations, environmental compliance, wholesale electricity markets, federal agency permitting or grid modernization, preferred.
• Established network of federal policymakers and regulators.
• Understanding of emerging issues, electric utility challenges and opportunities.

Success Indicators

• Effective advocacy shaping federal policy.
• Strong relationships with federal agencies and congressional offices.
• Organizational readiness for regulatory changes.
• Clear identification of regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Proactive to inform members and develop recommendations.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Regulatory Expertise
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Relationship and Coalition Building
• Analytical Skills
• Adaptability
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• 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.

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