Senior Manager, U.S. State Government Affairs – East Region

We help the world run better

At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we’ll bring out the best in you. We’re builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what’s next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You’ll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What’s in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

SAP’s Government Affairs division carries out the advocacy and lobbying efforts in markets where it does business. Government Affairs is part of the SAP Global Government Affairs Department which positions SAP and our leaders before influential government audiences on select, highly relevant topics and to support SAP´s business objectives. Our core priorities include public policy, business support, and thought leadership. The Senior Manager of U.S. State Government Affairs will join a growing, dynamic team and be able to immediately and directly enhance SAP’s advocacy at the U.S. state level by supporting our Public Sector business. This position, reporting directly to the Vice President and Head of U.S. Government Affairs, will play a critical role for our team by working with U.S. state and local government leaders to develop and achieve the company’s policy, political, business, and relationship goals in a way that reflects the values of SAP.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS

BASIC RESPONSIBILITY:

The Senior Manager of U.S. State Government Affairs, East Region will be responsible for state and local legislative and executive branch lobbying and will work directly with our U.S. Public Sector sales organization in its efforts to sell SAP’s products, services and solutions to government and education customers. In sum, the role’s basic responsibilities include:

• Create and execute U.S. state and local government affairs objectives in assigned 17 states as well as local municipalities in the U.S. East region.
• Provide advice for U.S. State Government Affairs, including Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. Leads strategic oversight to support business objectives.
• Identifies and manages risks to the business and serves as trusted advisor and business partner to the Executive team by providing strategic political advice and managing external consultants.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory issues at the state and local government level that may impact business operations.
• Assist in developing and executing strategic plans to advocate for our legislative and regulatory priorities with government agencies, commissions, and legislatures.
• Represent the company in meetings with local and state elected and appointed officials, trade associations, advocacy groups, and other relevant organizations.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Manager of U.S. State Government Affairs will be the principal face of SAP among state and local government officials in the assigned East region states. The specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist both the VP, Head of U.S. Government Affairs and the Head of U.S. State Government Affairs in the direction and organization of all efforts within the designated region.
• Identify and influence government action that may impact SAP’s business.
• Work closely with the public sector sales teams at the local and state level to drive adoption and usage of SAP technology solutions.
• Develop and maintain external relationships with elected officials in your region including state legislatures, governors, mayors, and regulators.
• Promote SAP as a local and global leader in providing software, services, and solutions.
• Develop a working knowledge of states’ technology legislation, regulations, and practices; advocate for public policy positions including digital government, privacy, cybersecurity, sustainability, cloud, and procurement.
• Monitor state legislation in assigned region and react accordingly; testify, educate, and work to advance pro-innovation legislation.
• Manage government affairs consultants / lobbyists in select geographies.
• Drive and host visits to SAP facilities in the East region U.S. states.
• Prepare materials for senior executive team including position papers, policy briefings, and presentations.
• Participate in political events as a representative of SAP America PAC.
• Represent SAP before business and trade organizations and at external events/conferences.
• Ensure compliance of lobbying and political activities with state and local laws and SAP’s Code of Business Conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree required; B.A. degree in political science, public policy, or related field preferred.
• Prior state government experience, public policy, and/or lobbying and advocacy background required.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 7-10 years related work experience in State government and/or state government affairs, lobbying and advocacy, or corporate external relations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Credibility and experience in influencing policy debates.
• High level of self-motivation and customer focus with an acute understanding of business drivers.
• Experience in public policy decision-making and relationship building.
• Maintain a strong, extensive professional network among state and local government officials.
• Strict adherence to ethics and compliance laws; disclosure of any lobbying bans is required.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Excellent communications skills (written and oral).
• Proven creative problem-solving history and ability to work under pressure.
• Outstanding leadership and professional presence.
• Highly motivated self-starter and results-orientated team player.
• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• An exemplary performance record and a clear reputation for ethical conduct.
• The ability to be a “quick study” regarding company issues and business perspectives.

Bring out your best

SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development.

We win with inclusion

SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. We invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations. If you need assistance, please email: [email protected].

Note for SAP employees: Only permanent roles are eligible for the SAP Employee Referral Program.

Compensation Range Transparency: The targeted combined range for this position is $142,500 – $327,100 (USD). The actual offer will depend on education, skills, experience, and location. Any variable incentive is dependent on company and personal performance.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

For information on the responsible use of AI in our recruitment process, please refer to our Guidelines for Ethical Usage of AI in the Recruiting Process. Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Requisition ID: 436115 |
Work Area: Communication |
Expected Travel: 0 – 50% |
Career Status: Professional |
Employment Type: Regular Full Time |
Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid

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