Director, Government Affairs North America

We are Covestro. We are curious. We are courageous. We are colorful. We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push boundaries. Join us and our 18,000 colleagues now, and together we will make the world a brighter place.

WHAT WE OFFER

The primary responsibility of the Director, Government Affairs is a strategic senior leader of Covestro LLC Government Relations and Policy team and represents the company’s interests before the U.S. Congress and Administration and in various critical states. The position is critical to Covestro’s license to operate (LTO) and overall company mission.

This position offers a flexible hybrid work option where you can balance both in-person work (in our prominently located Washington DC office) and working remotely, as responsibilities permit.

Major Tasks & Responsibilities:

1. Build up a Government Relations presence in Washington DC, as well as manage/provide oversight for budgets, compliance, HR, and other relevant business functions.
2. Under the direction of the Head of Public Affairs NA, oversee and manage a proactive Government Relations program while providing leadership and oversight for a small staff of Government Relations lobbyists and policy professionals.
3. Serve as close and trusted counsel to Covestro LLC senior leadership, as the overall government affairs lead, providing both strategic advice and direct support on matters of interest, as well as informing senior management of emerging political and policy issues and developments.
4. Develop, execute, and lead strategies to favorably position the company and its core public policy objectives with critical governmental and non-governmental audiences, both domestically and internationally. Assume leadership of key initiatives and provide team support to others.
5. Attract, retain, develop a very high-performing team of lobbyists and policy professionals, both internal and external, through substantial and sophisticated people management experience and skill.
6. Assist in constructing and leveraging a comprehensive map of US-based and international stakeholders, decision-makers, and influencers; and use this to systematically build and maintain relations to provide a sound platform for engagement.
7. Maximize the return on the Company’s investments in its trade association memberships through active oversight and engagement, communication of the Company’s objectives, and effective coordination of both Company and Association resources to effectively advocate for sound policies impacting the respective industries.
8. Manage internal corporate education and communications programs related to government affairs, as well as outreach initiatives to bring key government policymakers to tour the company’s facilities and to meet with senior management.
9. Attend PAC events on behalf of the company, as well as work with the political team members to develop and execute sophisticated political strategies.
10. Lead the oversight and management of outside consultants, partners, and vendors, to support key LTO and growth initiatives.
11. Provide senior strategic counsel to the corporate leadership and senior management of the company, as appropriate.

WHAT YOU OFFER

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 8 years’ experience in the federal and/or state legislative arena as a government relations executive with a chemical, energy, or materials science company or trade association (experience with a consulting firm focused on chemical, energy, and/or materials science clients will also be considered).

Preferred Qualifications:

• J.D., M.P.P, or MBA
• Significant and demonstrable network of key contacts in federal and relevant state governments.
• Experience working with the US Congress, relevant members and/or committees, or with very senior Executive Branch personnel (EPA, DOE, EOP) is highly desirable.
• Understanding of chemical, energy, and materials science issues and the ability to quickly grasp and address the legislative and policy issues of importance to the company is strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Senior experience working with the US Congress, a relevant member or committee, or with senior Executive Branch personnel (EPA, DOE, EOP) is highly desirable.
• Superior understanding of the legislative process and deep relationships with key energy, environment & manufacturing Congressional and Administration leaders and staff.
• Understanding of chemical, energy, and materials science issues and the ability to quickly grasp and address the legislative and policy issues of importance to the company is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of government energy and environmental policies, their impact on downstream industrial energy consumers, including impacts on operations and the cost of production.
• Extensive bipartisan leadership, political, and organizational skills and the proven ability to successfully execute policy, political, and business objectives at the federal and state levels.
• Ability to translate business goals into results through the development and execution of an effective lobbying strategy and political relationship program.
• Ability to effectively communicate the value proposition of Covestro offerings for its customers to policymakers for the purpose of engendering understanding and support.
• Relationships across potential federal government customers, including DOD, DOS, GSA, USPS, DHS, and experience positioning products services before the procurement entities within those agencies.
• Strong legislative and policy analysis skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a timely manner.
• Ability to travel up to 20-25% (those not local to the Washington DC area will be subject to a higher percentage of travel).
• #LI-Hybrid

YOUR APPLICATION

Are you as curious, courageous, and colorful as we are? If so, we can offer you an exciting career opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application and resume. Become part of our team – apply now!

Equal Employment Opportunity: Hiring and advancement are based on job-related requirements and on an individual’s qualifications to perform a job. All aspects of employment are carried out free of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, or any unlawful criterion, existing under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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