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Company Description - New Jersey Utilities Association is the statewide trade association representing investor-owned utilities that provide essential water, wastewater, electric, natural gas and telecommunications services to residents and businesses across New Jersey. Since 1915, NJUA has offered its member companies a forum to exchange ideas and collaborate on key issues affecting utility customers and operations. The association serves as a unified voice in the public policy arena, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders on regulatory and legislative matters. NJUA’s work supports reliable, safe, and affordable utility services while advocating for balanced policies.

Role Description This position is the critical liaison between NJUA and government entities at all levels. He or she helps shape the policy environment, monitors legislation and regulatory developments, develops advocacy strategies, builds key relationships with policymakers and analyzes how government decisions affect our member companies. The tactical level of this position is relationship-intensive and will spend significant time in the physical presence of policymakers and their staff, attending hearings, agency stakeholder meetings, and the constant flow of events throughout the state. 

The person in this position will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive external affairs strategy that strengthens the industry's reputation, builds trust and fosters productive relationships across government, media, industry, and the communities in which NJUA operates. He or she will maintain a consistent presence in state offices, legislative chambers, regulatory offices and at industry events. 

Responsibilities

• Provide pro-active leadership for NJUA’s reputation, public profile, and strategic positioning throughout New Jersey, proactively shaping how the industry is perceived by government officials, industry stakeholders, the media, and the public.
• Engage in-person with legislators, legislative staff, and executive branch representatives to communicate the Association’s positions, evaluate emerging issues, and address stakeholder concerns and potential impacts. Prepare and deliver legislative testimony, regulatory comments, and related advocacy materials at hearings and meetings.
• Serve as NJUA spokesperson throughout the state, representing NJUA in-person at public forums, legislative and regulatory hearings, community meetings, media interviews, and other high-profile engagements.
• Identify and develop content for in-person speaking engagements and written communications that effectively highlight the vital role public utilities play in supporting New Jersey’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, legislators, regulators, industry organizations, and their respective staff.
• Build and maintain productive in-person relationships with community organizations, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, including those with differing perspectives, to foster trust, transparency, and constructive dialogue.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and represent the Association at meetings, stakeholder forums, public hearings, industry conferences, trade events, and political functions.
• Communicate complex energy, water, telecommunications, and infrastructure concepts in a clear, accurate, and accessible manner to policymakers, regulators, the media, community stakeholders, and the public.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute legislative, regulatory, and communications initiatives that advance the Association’s objectives. Build member consensus on legislative and regulatory matters, communications priorities, media engagement strategies, and related policy issues.
• Monitor, evaluate, summarize, and report on proposed legislation and regulations, including amendments, and prepare related analyses and draft language for NJUA staff, the Board of Directors, and Association policy committees.
• Provide oversight and direction to assigned staff and external consultants, as appropriate.
• Support the development and execution of public affairs and communications initiatives, including media outreach, development of informational and promotional materials, website management, and related content strategies.
• Prepare and file quarterly and annual reports with the Election Law Enforcement Commission in accordance with reporting requirements for lobbying organizations and government affairs agents, ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Support the planning, development, and execution of Association programs and events, including policymaker and staff educational seminars, the Annual NJUA Conference, awards ceremonies, scholarship outings, NJUA committee meetings, and other member activities. Provides administrative and strategic support to Association committees and their ongoing initiatives.
• Act as a key point of contact and resource for member companies, as well as national, regional, and state trade associations, business groups and industry partners, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
• Serve as spokesperson and association representative as back up to President & CEO, as assigned. This includes speaking in-person on panels and representing the utility industry on coalitions and boards to further the NJUA mission and brand.

Qualifications:                

•  Thorough knowledge of New Jersey legislative, regulatory, and political process, political landscape, policymaking environment and key players.
• Excellent in-person interpersonal skills to enable internal teamwork and external relationship-building with a diverse constituency, including member companies, government officials, media, other interest groups and the general public. 
• Possesses credibility, integrity, and professionalism, with a proven ability to build and maintain the trust of government officials, regulators, industry leaders, media representatives, and community stakeholders across diverse perspectives.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the executive presence and composure to represent the Company effectively in high-profile, complex, and often challenging public forums.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical, regulatory, and financial concepts into clear, accurate, and compelling communications for policymakers, the media, community stakeholders, and the general public.
• Demonstrated success in policy issues management through government, regulatory and/or public relations advocacy. Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and coalition partners at all levels.
• Knowledge of New Jersey's energy, water and telecommunications markets, regulatory framework, political environment, and governmental and civic landscape, supported by well-established relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and manage consensus processes to direct the development and implementation of policies, strategies and tactics to achieve the Association’s objectives.
• Experience leading teams, managing cross-functional initiatives, and collaborating with executive leadership.
• Ability to think strategically, use sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. 
• Experienced and comfortable working in a membership service organization with an externally-focused mission. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with approximately 7-10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, lobbying, or legislative advocacy, preferably within a company, trade association, governmental entity or related organization.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout New Jersey as needed.
• Ability to travel extensively for meetings, conferences, and advocacy events, including occasional out-of-state travel.
• Consistent, regular and punctual attendance.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required to attend legislative sessions, events, meetings, and association functions.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach to leadership.

Compensation:

Title and compensation commensurate with experience. NJUA offers a competitive compensation package, including salary with bonus potential, health and life insurance benefits, 401(k) plan, paid vacation and sick leave. 

To Apply:

Forward resume and cover letter with salary history/expectations by September 4, 2026 to dreed@njua.com with the word “Resume” in the subject line.  

NJUA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer