External Affairs Analyst

Title: External Affairs Analyst    
Company: Peoples Gas System
State and City: Florida   -  Tampa
Shift: 8 Hr. X 5 Days

Our People are our greatest investments.  TECO Peoples Gas offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth and development in a friendly and professional work environment. 

If you are interested in a career and not just a position, TECO Peoples Gas is the place to be!  

TECO Peoples Gas is the largest natural gas distributor in Florida serving more than 400,000 customers across the state. Just as it was 125 years ago when we started as Tampa Gas Company, natural gas is today’s No. 1 choice for reliable energy.  Join our team of energy experts as we build on that legacy through innovation and cost-effective sustainable energy solutions all while keeping top-notch customer service at the center of all we do. 

TECO Peoples Gas is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a family of energy companies which also includes Tampa Electric and New Mexico Gas Company. Emera provides energy to residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with career opportunities available in all of these locations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Flexibility to work outside normal business hours including evenings and weekends required.

POSITION CONCEPT

Primary responsibility to organize, represent and support Peoples Gas External Affairs team before Florida’s local elected officials, government staff, and community leaders. Serves as a point of contact in Peoples Gas External Affairs team for various organizations, stakeholder groups, and the general public. Identifies local government issues that will impact the Company and assist the State Affairs team with developing and implementing strategies to advocate for interests of the Company.  In addition, this role will work with and assist the Vice-President, Operations and External Affairs in relevant duties supporting the company’s interactions with various business units. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development and implementation of action plans to advance local initiatives, franchise agreements and issues.
• Analyze and research pending state legislation impacting Peoples Gas; preparation of memoranda and prepare responses to such legislation.
• Assist the policy working group to track and flag pertinent legislation or local governmental issues; maintain tracking of issues and facilitate regular review of proposed legislation by company subject matter experts.
• Review and analyze economic development and customer request.  Coordinate all correspondence, reports and proposals for accuracy and quality of content; prepare responses to correspondence and summarize reports and proposals.
• Represent TECO Energy at local hearings, meetings, and various events with Manager or Director or on behalf of the State Affairs department.
• Prepare department reports as identified.
• Manage administrative duties of External Affairs team and supervise support staff/student consultants when applicable.
• Provide oversight of administrative management of Department Budget and provide appropriate support with consultation of External Affairs leadership. 
• Coordinate local contributions and sponsorships and promote a positive company image in the community conveying a commitment of understanding and doing what is best.

SUPERVISION

Direct Supervision:    Student consultants when applicable. 

RELATIONSHIPS

Key Internal:      Senior management and other professionals across all TECO companies, including local external affairs, marketing and communications, regulatory affairs, and business strategy units.

Key External:     Florida local elected officials, government staff, community leaders and community partners, trade associations, industry trade associations, and industry representatives

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Required:    Associates degree from a regionally accredited institution 

Preferred:     Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or other related field of study is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

Required:    Valid Driver’s License or eligibility to acquire one.

Related Experience

Required:    

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience related to the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement and public affairs. 

Preferred:    

• Ability to communicate effectively; excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability for oral presentation.
• Experience in corporate government relations, trade association, or state or congressional office.
• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse group of professionals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)

Required:    

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of External Affairs activities, and an understanding of the organization and practices of the local government.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; maintain working and administrative relationships with representatives of the local elected officials with solid government acumen.
• Regularly apply independent thought, provide consultation and devise recommendations in the area of External Affairs. 
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred:    

• Knowledge of the energy industry and TECO Energy mission, goals, programs, and policies.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action.

TECO offers a competitive Benefits package!!

Competitive Salary *401k Savings plan w/ company matching * Pension plan * Paid time off* Paid Holiday time * Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage  *Tuition Assistance Program * Employee Assistance Program * Wellness Programs * On-site Fitness Centers * Bonus Plan and more!

STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS....Please make sure to read below!!!  Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.

TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.

TECO Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at TECO Energy will be based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and abilities.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Statement

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

ADA policy

It is the policy of TECO Energy to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals who are employees and applicants for employment, unless it would cause undue hardship. The corporation will adhere to applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970s.

Application accommodations

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation in the application process five business days prior to the time accommodation is needed.

Pre-employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job-related physical requirements regardless of disability.