Director of Government and External Affairs

Primary Role

Leads and directs the state and local government affairs program for one of American Water’s state subsidiaries, including the development and implementation of recommended strategies and tactics for advancing the company’s priorities, protecting its business interests and enhancing its reputation. Provides counsel to the state president and leadership team on matters affecting policy, politics, and key relationships. This role is the senior government relations professional responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and/or directly establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed individuals at the state and local levels of government. Works with the state president and his/her leadership team to effectively communicate with elected officials and key stakeholders and to position the company as a trusted partner and expert resource. Ensures issues are addressed quickly and appropriately, and that every effort to maintain external relationships is made.

Key Accountabilities

• Serves as the company’s lead state lobbyist, responsible for advancing, amending, and/or stopping legislation that impacts the company and water/wastewater industry. Responsible for development of messaging and strategic communication regarding legislative issues. Hires and manages contract lobbyists to support the company’s legislative efforts.
• Directs and works with the contract lobby team to build and leverage political relationships, advocate the company’s position, testify on the company’s behalf, track legislation, and provide political guidance to the company.
• Directly oversees local government affairs efforts, including the Manager of Government Affairs, whose primary responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders in St. Louis County and its 90+ municipalities.
• Supports federal government affairs efforts by working with the state president and Vice President of Communication and Federal Government.
• Affairs to build and leverage relationships with the state’s Congressional delegation and relevant federal agencies and officials.
• Keeps district offices apprised of relevant projects and opportunities to support the company’s investments in the state.
• Engages with a variety of external stakeholders to build strategic relationships and coalitions to support the company’s legislative initiatives. Actively participates in suitable business, industry, civic, and community organizations, including involvement on various boards and committees. Supports the state president’s involvement in external organizations as appropriate.
• Attends various business and industry conferences to grow expertise and build relationships with elected officials, regulators, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Works with the Vice President of National Government Affairs and Community Development and the Director of National
• Regulatory Affairs to leverage sponsorship and engagement opportunities at the corporate level.
• Leads all fundraising efforts for the company’s state Political Action Committee, including development of sponsorship levels and benefits for employees and stakeholders. Develops annual budget and contribution recommendations for the PAC board, and is responsible for dispersing checks and representing the company at various campaign events.
• Works with legal and finance departments to ensure all election laws, regulations, and reporting requirements are met.
• Works across department functions to provide guidance on the political implications of various actions and relationships, including regulatory affairs, legal, business development, external affairs, and major accounts.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must possess an excellent working knowledge of the legislative process at all levels of government, including a thorough understanding of the structural and political dynamics impacting key players and the company’s advocacy efforts. Has a thorough understanding of PAC and election laws, and a knowledge of the various reporting requirements as applicable.
• Demonstrated ability to testify before and effectively lobby legislative audiences, including the capacity to gauge when and how to utilize senior management and issue experts.
• Must be able to access information and quickly gain knowledge of issues in the business and political arenas that may impact the company.
• Must be a registered lobbyist.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budget resources efficiently in order to maximize benefits to company.
• Able to manage/coach people to develop potential and build capabilities.

Experience/Education

• Minimum (7) seven years of experience in government relations or lobbying, preferably within the utility sector required.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, government, journalism, communications, public relations or related field preferred, or demonstrated experienced commensurate with the requirements of the position.

Travel Requirements

• 40% within the state and in the United States.

Competencies