Government Affairs Program Manager
LANSING, MI, US
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.
Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the GO service center located in Lansing, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).
General Summary of Job Responsibilities
The Government Affairs Program Manager is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs team in executing departmental objectives, supporting the company’s policy initiatives, leading business plan deployment, and coordinating planning efforts with company employees and CMS Energy’s employee‑run Political Action Committee (PAC).
This position oversees all external constituent relations cases involving legislative offices; creates metrics‑based visual management and educational content for PAC members and company officials; and coordinates the planning, governance, and compliance of key corporate political activities. The role ensures the smooth, efficient, and professional operation of the office and serves as the central point of coordination for administrative functions, facilities management, employee support, and day‑to‑day operations. The Government Affairs Program Manager helps maintain an organized, productive, and welcoming workplace environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Business Operations and External Affairs
- Support team budget decisions and financial allocation prioritization.
- Assist in the coordination of meetings and official site visits with policymakers and legislators.
- Participate in and track meetings, hearings, and other engagements with business executives and government officials.
- Serve as the team representative for internal company initiatives related to culture and training development.
- Assist team members in fostering a culture of empowerment, ownership, collaboration, and accountability.
Political Action Committee Coordination & Event Planning
- Oversee communication channels and meetings for the EBG Steering Committee (governing body), consisting of approximately 30 volunteer employees, in accordance with Employee PAC by‑laws.
- Coordinate and execute strategies and programs for PAC membership recruitment, retention, and recognition with eligible employees, shareholders, and retirees. Develop formal presentations and content, organize meetings, and facilitate group discussions.
- Plan and execute major regional EBG events, including but not limited to three large member recognition events annually, post‑election events, and regional receptions. Responsibilities include coordination with vendors, preparation of memos, management of special guests, registrations, and post‑event surveys.
Government Affairs Project Management
- Develop visual representations and create interactive reports and tools for use across multiple platforms, both internally and externally.
- Serve as project manager supporting Government Affairs on policy matters at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Conduct moderate research and monitoring of relevant policy issues; attend and document committee hearings as needed.
Compliance
Coordinate PAC compliance with applicable federal, state, and local election laws, as well as all required reporting with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Michigan Bureau of Elections, and other applicable agencies, in accordance with internal policies. Responsibilities include:
- Verifying the accuracy and integrity of reports, reconciling discrepancies, and obtaining appropriate internal approvals.
- Executing annual updates to the policies and procedures manual for PAC compliance responsibilities.
- Serving as the Information Asset Manager for State Governmental Affairs, Federal Governmental Affairs, and EBG.
- Maintaining accurate records of internal corporate political activities and Board of Directors approval documentation.
Other Duties
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- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Self‑starter and quick learner who can anticipate needs and opportunities with minimal direction.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Research and project management expertise.
- Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
- High proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and other productivity platforms.
- Strong analytical skills, including accurate database management.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Political Science,Public Administration,Business Management or related field with 2 years of relevant experience
- [OR] Associate Degree in Political Science,Public Administration,Business Managementor related field with 4 years of relevant experience
- [OR] High School Diploma with 6 years of relevant experience in Political Science,Public Administration,Business Management
Why should you join our team?
At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.
What we offer:
- Competitive compensation packages
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- 401k with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Up to 13 paid Holidays
- Paid time off
- Educational Assistance Program
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
Nearest Major Market: Lansing
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Governmental Affairs, Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, Program Manager, Equity, Government, Legal, Management, Finance