Director, State Affairs

Position Overview

The Director, State Affairs leads AGA's efforts in monitoring state legislation and policy, advancing government relations objectives through strategic lobbying and coalition building. This role involves developing policy positions and engaging with key stakeholders to support legislative initiatives. The Director, State Affairs will foster partnerships with relevant organizations, ensure strong communication with other trade associations, and oversee research and advocacy materials.

Role and Responsibilities

• Identify, monitor and analyze state legislation and relevant policies to inform strategic decisions making.
• Advance AGA's government relations objectives through lobbying efforts, coalition-building, and cultivating relationships with key decision makers, policy makers, governors, and their teams.
• Lead the formulation of policy positions, strategies, and execution of tactics to support member's legislative and regulatory initiatives at the state level.
• Partner with the Managing Director, GA&PP and the Vice President, GA&PP to inform, coordinate, and mobilize member representatives and coalitions in pursuit of AGA's government relations goals.
• Advise state officials and key stakeholders on policy positions and critical issues impacting AGA members.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant partner organizations and their staff to enhance collaborative efforts.
• Foster and sustain robust relationships with members and associates of state-focused trade associations to strengthen AGA's advocacy efforts.
• Conduct through research, develop analytical reports, and coordinate collateral materials to support public policy outreach and communications.
• Oversee the development of materials necessary for effective advocacy of AGA's state legislative and regulatory positions.
• Assist the Managing Director, GA&PP in preparing, forecasting, monitoring, and tracking the Government Affairs & Public Policy budget.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department to refine messaging and produce materials that advance priority policy objectives.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of State Affairs and Government Relations related meetings and receptions.
• Work closely with colleagues across AGA to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies and member service programs.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum of five years of legislative, regulatory, lobbying, or political experience.
• Thorough understanding of legislative processes, the workings of Congress and relevant congressional committees.
• Experience working with Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal office congressional staff.
• Proven success with advocacy campaigns
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and writing communication skills.
• Approximately 50% domestic travel required.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Experience with the utilities, the energy industry, energy policy, or related subject areas that enhance the ability to advocate for the natural gas industry.
• Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple demands, meet deadlines, and handle rapidly shifting priorities.
• Bachelor's degree required; Masters/Graduate degree preferred.
• Trade association and natural gas industry experience preferred.