Director, Government and Industry Relations – U.S.

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world’s most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Government Affairs to manage and grow our relationships with U.S. government agencies, regulatory bodies, and key industry stakeholders. This role will be critical in advocating for public policies that align with the company’s goals, while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations in the global markets in which we operate. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and the political landscape at the federal level.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a government affairs strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives, advocacy priorities, and sustainability goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the company and U.S. government entities, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Identify emerging trends, legislative developments, and policy opportunities that could impact the company and the water sector.

Advocacy & Policy Influence

• Lead efforts to advocate for water-related public policies, including water infrastructure funding, creating incentives for innovative water technology and solutions, and mitigating regulatory risk.
• Represent the company in meetings, conferences, and hearings with key government officials, policymakers, and trade associations.
• Maintain existing, and develop new, relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, regulatory agencies, and key trade associations.

Regulatory & Legislative Monitoring

• Monitor relevant legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, and analyze their potential impact on the company’s operations, market opportunities, and reputation.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to senior management on regulatory risks and opportunities, helping to shape corporate strategy.
• Lead the preparation and submission of comments, filings, and position papers on regulatory matters that are critical to the company.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal departments such as legal, sustainability, business segments, and corporate communications to align government affairs strategies with business objectives.
• Partner with external consultants and lobbying firms to advance the company’s priorities on specific issues.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Engagement

• Support the company’s initiatives by engaging with policymakers on sustainability issues and demonstrating the company’s commitment to global water stewardship.
• Collaborate with the corporate social responsibility team to align advocacy efforts with the company’s broader sustainability goals.

Thought Leadership

• Support thought leadership through the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions by providing strategic recommendations on the Center’s programming and driving engagement with government officials.

Crisis Management

• Respond to and manage potential regulatory and political challenges that may arise, ensuring the company’s interests are protected.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, environmental studies, business, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory affairs. Time in leadership roles preferred.
• Proven track record of influencing government policy and regulatory decisions at the federal level.
• Experience working with large-scale, complex organizations is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present complex policy issues to a variety of stakeholders, including senior executives, government officials, and the public.
• Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex governmental structures and regulatory landscapes.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and respond to policy changes and market shifts.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups.
• Strong writer, with the ability to generate clear and concise material and to adapt writing style and tone to suit different audiences and purposes.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in water technology, environment, sustainability, or climate policy.
• Established network of contacts within governmental agencies, environmental organizations, and industry groups.

This role will be located in the Washington, DC region

Salary Range

$130,100.00 – $234,200.00

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you’ll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees’ well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem’s transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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