Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy

Company Description
At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, and WD_BLACK™ brands.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Job Description
Western Digital is seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy to build an impactful government relations program and team to advance the company’s public policy agenda and represent the company’s interests on government policy at the federal, state, and local levels.

Based in Washington, D.C., this is an opportunity to establish, grow, and lead the company’s presence in Washington, D.C. and a global team. The Vice President will develop and execute strategies to build Western Digital’s visibility among government and public policy stakeholders, promote its public policy priorities, and shape public dialogue on critical business and technology issues in the data storage industry.

A successful candidate will have proven management, leadership, and communication skills, as well as strong, high-level relationships with policymakers and officials in Washington, D.C. The position will report to the Vice President, Government Affairs, Securities, and Corporate Governance.

Responsibilities
Lead and grow a corporate government relations function and team

Build Western Digital’s presence in Washington, D.C. to develop its brand in the policy and political spheres as a thought leader on issues impacting the company and industry

Develop, execute, and promote government relations strategies, outreach, and advocacy capabilities in Washington, D.C. and in those countries or jurisdictions where the company has strategic interests

Assist in the development and adoption of legislation and regulations in line with company and industry interests

Establish trusted relationships with key business partners across the company to help identify and inform advocacy priorities and objectives

Establish, leverage, and maintain relationships with government officials, industry groups, public policy organizations, think tanks, and other stakeholders to support Western Digital’s business objectives

Work cross-functionally across all aspects of the business to understand and identify legislative, regulatory, and policy risks and opportunities and execute strategies to manage those risks and capitalize on potential opportunities

Develop expertise on a wide variety of legislative, regulatory, and policy issues impacting Western Digital’s business and advise senior executives

Facilitate senior executives’ preparation for meetings with government and industry stakeholders and attend such meetings as necessary

Identify key hearings, conferences, and industry organizations and contribute to Western Digital’s informed and active participation to establish the company as a thought leader in policy debates

Prepare policy materials for internal and external use including position statements, reports, updates, briefing packages, and talking points

Manage correspondence with government officials and policy stakeholders

In cooperation with legal counsel and the Ethics & Compliance team, create policies and procedures related to government interaction and political activities

Manage lobbyists, consultants, and the government affairs budget

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in law, government, public policy, or related field

15+ years of experience in government affairs, including within a multinational corporate government affairs department

Congressional, agency, and/or White House experience preferred

Strong bipartisan House and Senate relationships

Knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes and policy developments in the data storage industry

Ability to set strategy and implement innovative solutions

Ability to align public policy with business strategy and propose practical business solutions

Experience in technology or data storage policy is preferred

Proven leadership in building high-performance teams

Strong organizational and project management skills

Analytical skills and ability to translate complex concepts for stakeholders

Growth mindset and continuous improvement attitude

Understanding of compliance laws regarding political activities

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Strong sense of accountability and ownership

Additional Information
Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate based on legally protected characteristics and prohibit harassment of any individual on any such grounds. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all employment aspects.

We comply with the laws outlined in the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

We value diversity and strive to mirror the diversity of our customers and communities within our teams. We are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive through respect and contribution.

Western Digital supports applicants with disabilities. To request accommodations, contact us at [email protected]. Include the job title and requisition number.

We anticipate the application deadline to be three months from posting, although we may close the process sooner if the position is filled. Updates will be posted if necessary.

Compensation & Benefits Details
An employee’s salary is determined by factors such as:

Relevant education, qualifications, certifications, and experience

Skills and job knowledge

Performance and contribution

Geographic location

Work shift

Internal and external equity

Organizational needs

The posted salary range applies to California, Colorado, New York, or remote roles in those states. The range is subject to change.

Eligible employees may participate in:

Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan

Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program (restricted stock units or cash equivalents)

RSU awards for eligible new hires

Paid vacation and sick leave

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life, accident, and disability insurance

Flexible spending and health savings accounts

Employee assistance program

Voluntary benefits: legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity

Tuition reimbursement

Transit assistance

Applause Program

Employee stock purchase plan

401(k) Plan

No compensation or bonus is considered earned until vested and determined. All elements of pay are at the company’s discretion and subject to applicable law.

Learn more here