The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is the Minnesota Statewide representing the electric cooperatives in the state of Minnesota.  We foster unity among and provide service to all of Minnesota’s 50 electric cooperatives.

Provide policy direction and leadership in the areas of government relations and public affairs activities.  Represent the interests of rural electric cooperatives in these areas, including at state executive and regulatory agencies, the Minnesota Legislature, Congress and federal agencies, and with a broad range of stakeholders.  Promote and influence laws, policies, regulations, rules, and actions favorable to member systems.  Provide legal advice and counsel to the Association's board of directors and management, to ensure the Association operates in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and to protect the legal interests of the Association.  Serve as a member of the organization’s Leadership Team.  Provide oversight to the Manager of Legislative Affairs and regulatory affairs resources. Develop strategies, establish priorities, and ensure overall coordination between the Association’s regulatory and legislative activities and priorities. 

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate degree, with at least seven years progressively responsible experience in regulatory analysis, energy policy, or political science.  Experience working with the Minnesota energy policy is preferred.  Managerial education and/or experience is preferred.

Job Knowledge

Knowledge of regulatory, legislative, and administrative processes.  Knowledge of how these activities affect member-owned cooperatives and the energy industry is preferred.  

Skills and Abilities

Ability to work in a team environment by effectively participating, cooperating and communicating with others.  Ability to work effectively and independently with various levels of employees within member systems and with community leaders and legislative representatives.  Program development and implementation skills.  Ability to represent the association effectively in a variety of settings and with diverse audiences, including one-on-one conversations, presenting to groups, and in speaking with members of the media. Ability to analyze and interpret complex legislation, rules, and regulations.  Ability to persuade and negotiate with various governmental officials and other individuals in adverse situations.  Strong listening skills.  Strong oral and written communication skills.  Ability to work well under pressure.  Effective leadership qualities and management skills. 

Physical/Mental Demands

Continual mental and visual concentration requiring attention to detail and accuracy.  Must plan and lay out complex work.  Tasks require constant alertness and considerable mental concentration due to degree of difficulty, irregularity and variety.  Stress associated with working with a great number of different personalities of the membership, work pace, and pressure.

Environmental/Working Conditions

Must be able to work outside normal business hours when required to attend meeting and/or interact with legislators, governmental officials, business and policy groups, advocacy groups and related entities.  Travel required, including travel within Minnesota and to other domestic locations.

Please send a detailed resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references to melissa@mrea.org

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities and job criteria may change as needs evolve.