A wide variety of energy sources have made Black Hills Corporation (NYSE: BKH) and its subsidiaries stable and diversified providers of low-cost reliable energy solutions to customers throughout the U.S.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Manage the governmental affairs policy and strategic legislative initiatives of Black Hills Corporation's electric & natural gas utilities and non-regulated business interests in Colorado; represent company's interests before the state legislature and industry associations; inform management and employees of business units in Colorado of key legislative and public policy issues.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Serve the governmental affairs needs of business units in Colorado and the company as a whole, under the direction of Director of State Governmental Affairs.

Develop and execute a legislative strategy in line with Black Hills business goals and objectives.

Monitor and analyze legislation impacting Black Hills Corporation; advise and inform Black Hills officials of issues and positions.

Develop and propose legislation as appropriate.

Inform and influence elected officials to support Company positions, including through oral testimony before legislative committees, written and personal communication.

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with state elected and key appointed officials and staff, including Governor, state legislators, congressional delegation and local officials.

Work with state associations and other industry organizations to develop and pass legislation in line with Black Hills' priorities.

Develop and maintain position papers on designated issues impacting Black Hills Corporation.

Participate in Black Hills Corporation Political Action Committee's solicitation and distribution efforts; develop and execute strategies and tactics to meet PAC goals and objectives in Colorado.

Inform, educate, and engage Black Hills employees in Colorado on key legislative, political, and public policy issues impacting the company.

Participate in business unit operations and Governmental Affairs team functions and projects.

Ability to lead and manage contract lobbyist.

Manage other projects as necessary.

JOB CRITERIA:

Knowledge of energy operations and issues and state legislative processes.

Strong relationships with policy makers and administrative staff in Colorado.

Ability to influence legislative and governmental officials.

Ability to communicate Company positions to key stakeholders.

Excellent analytical, persuasive, and communication skills.

Ability to lead and participate in internal and external project teams.

EXPERIENCE:

History of successful lobbying efforts.

Minimum of five years experience working in governmental affairs, communications, or public relations.

Experience in the energy industry preferred. 

EDUCATION:

Minimum of Bachelor's degree.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of retail utility, electric, natural gas, oil, natural resource, environmental, and other energy issues.

Knowledge of state legislative processes and procedures.

Knowledge of Colorado governmental, political and economic characteristics.

SKILLS/ABILITY/OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Personal drive, creativity, and initiative to create opportunities to influence public policy.

Ability to analyze complex issues, interpret and communicate them in a concise, understandable format.

Demonstrated strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and oral communication and persuasive skills.

Dedicated team player and collaborator.

Flexibility to travel regularly among Black Hills service territory locations within the state and out of state as needed.

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Commitment to meeting ethical business and personal standards.

To learn more about Black Hills Corporation, view a complete job description and to apply for this position, visit our Web site.

www.blackhillscorp.com