Dir-Government Affairs

Your Impact

The primary purpose of the Director, Government Affairs position is to lead the advocacy on behalf of Lowe’s in the company’s key strategic and high policy risk state and local markets for the assigned markets – South Divisions and/or Headquarters State. This Director position leads the advocacy before state and local legislative and regulatory bodies in those markets; coordinates with trade and business associations; maintains a grassroots network among Lowe’s associates; and develops and leverages a strong network of external influencers. This position requires a dynamic individual with proven communication, management, and leadership skills.

In addition, this position will support the political action committee (LOWPAC), including education, communication, fundraising, political giving, donor relations, associate engagement, and legal compliance. This position will also have responsibility for maintaining strong relationships with legislative and community members within the headquarter state of North Carolina or serve as government affairs lead representative for enterprise-wide initiatives (e.g., Hometowns, merchandising and supplier diversity initiatives – “Into the Blue,” Command Center, Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), CD&I and talent initiatives – military, major hub openings, Lowe’s Foundation programming). Lastly, the position supports all Lowe’s command center efforts and/or Global Security Operations Center, and is the key partner to ensure effective support during natural disasters, crisis situations and other high-risk issues facing the company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the state government affairs team and external consultants within assigned markets, oversees the identification of issues and development of proactive plans and objectives, policies, and strategies on Lowe’s priority issues in assigned markets, with a particular focus on priority markets as defined by the business leaders
• Sets the strategic direction and specific objectives for the team in assigned markets. Ensures that business priorities are integrated into Lowe’s policies and positions. Ensures that comprehensive and rigorous government affairs strategies fully take into account legislative, executive, and regulatory options, including direct advocacy, third-party and think tank engagement, creative policy approaches, and opportunities to engage the public
• Builds and maintains relationships on behalf of Lowe’s with key stakeholders, including state and local officials in assigned markets, trade associations and NGOs who have the ability to impact/influence the company’s top issues in those assigned markets
• Works with senior leadership to develop and drives the organization’s policies and objectives involving local and state government relations and policy
• Acts as the company’s primary interface with elected officials and key community groups in assigned markets, and may serve as media spokesperson on certain issues, as appropriate
• Cultivates, maintains, and engages trusted relationships directly with a sophisticated political contact network, specifically in the retail arenas with state Attorneys Generals, other state government officials, local government officials, and other key government stakeholders in assigned markets
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of legislation, emerging issues, and industry trends in assigned markets, ensuring the Vice President- Government Affairs and relevant stakeholders throughout the company are informed with analyses of the significance, relevance, and business impact of these developments in a timely manner
• Monitors and tracks proposed legislation and ballot measures (local, state, and federal), analyzes proposed legislative, administrative and ballot measure actions in assigned markets, assesses the potential impact on the company and formulates appropriate responses
• Directs contract lobbyists and consultants in assigned markets as needed to assist the company’s efforts and works closely with trade and other associations in assigned markets
• Provides strategic support for the company’s command center efforts and/or Global Security Operations Center efforts to ensure alignment with strategic priorities for the company in support of our associates and the communities we serve
• Works closely with the Manager, Programs in developing strategy for the growth of the company’s political action committee, LOWPAC, and increased associate engagement in LOWPAC for assigned markets
• Develops and executes creative education and solicitation campaigns to increase Associate participation and engagement in LOWPAC
• Acts as key motivator and inspirational leader in creating a best-in-class PAC Champion network—i.e., designated company leaders and Associates who work together to encourage other eligible Associates to participate in LOWPAC—providing timely responses to their needs, developing and hosting regular trainings, and sharing creative fundraising ideas to help them achieve their goals
• Manages, recommends, and distributes PAC contributions to the campaigns of targeted Members of Congress and state legislators and attends fundraising events as needed
• Oversees the PAC website, ensuring content is current and relevant
• Works with LOWPAC’s Advisory Committee Chair and the Vice President- Government Affairs, organize quarterly LOWPAC meetings, including development of the agenda and all related materials
• Organizes participation of Lowe’s Associates at various political and community events
• Executes PAC donor events at the Store Support Center in Mooresville and field offices as needed
• Ensures the timely filing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state political reporting, and ensures compliance with all state, federal, and local election law
• Prepares and maintains federal PAC budgets, develops PAC reports for internal and external use, and runs the day-to-day of the Company’s PAC
• Works closely with governmental affairs colleagues, Public Policy, and others to lead the representation of LOWPAC to associates through written and in-person communications
• Presents to company executives in smaller settings and also engages larger audiences at corporate events
• Fosters an inclusive environment, where diverse ideas and perspectives are encouraged to get to the best possible outcomes

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Business Administration or related field, and 8-10 years of combined experience working for either a corporate Government Affairs Department at the manager level or above; working on a federal, state, or local candidate’s campaign; and/or working for a federal, state, or local elected official
• 5-7 years of proven ability to engage with a highly successful team of federal, state, and local lobbyists, researchers, and public policy advocates. Strong, positive executive presence. Knowledge of the federal and state legislative and regulatory processes
• 3-5 years managing multiple large projects simultaneously in a Fortune 500 corporate environment
• 3-5 years of leadership experience – directly or indirectly managing professionals and subject matter experts
• Experience with congressional staff or a government relations consulting firm
• Demonstrated work experience with federal elected officials, political parties, companies, consultancies, trade associations, governmental agencies, or equivalent organizations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree
• Juris Doctorate
• Government affairs experience in the retail industry

Lowe’s is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

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