Government Affairs Director

SUMMARY:

The Government Affairs Director will play a pivotal role in leading Douglas Products’ government relations strategies, leveraging extensive experience in policy making and advocacy to enhance our legislative presence and impact. This role demands a dynamic leader adept at navigating complex political landscapes in the Pest Control Industry and capable of shaping public policy to align with organizational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage federal, state, and local government affairs, aligning initiatives with the company’s strategic business goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to handle legislative and regulatory matters, ensuring favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Establish robust relationships with government officials, industry associations, and key policymakers to advocate for company interests.
• Manage and collaborate with outside consultants, ensuring they align with the strategic vision of Douglas Products.
• Actively participate in and seek leadership roles within trade associations and industry committees to influence policy discussions relevant to Douglas Products.
• Craft legislative testimonies, policy proposals, and strategic communications to advance the organization’s public policy positions.
• Direct ongoing monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation, emerging issues, and trends to determine their potential impact on the organization.
• Participate in the development and implementation of budgets for expenses related to advocacy activities.
• Regularly update senior management on government activities, potential threats (Federal and State specific), and opportunities, ensuring strategic alignment with business operations.
• Utilize expertise in political communication to enhance the organization’s public affairs messaging across various platforms.
• Proactively manage Douglas Products’ reputation in the external environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field, complemented by a proven track record in government relations.
• At least 5 years of experience in a government affairs role, managing both federal and state issues related to the agriculture or public health sectors, with proven success in legislative advocacy.
• Experience in a multinational company or association focused on agriculture and/or public health is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing government relations and policy advocacy, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
• Exceptional communication skills, adept at preparing and delivering persuasive presentations and written reports.
• A strong network of contacts within government and regulatory agencies at multiple levels.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Government Relations Management: Demonstrates proficiency in leading and managing government affairs issues at the federal, state, and local levels. Skilled in aligning government relations initiatives with the company’s strategic business goals to enhance influence and outcomes.
• Legislative Strategy and Execution: Expert in developing and executing comprehensive strategies to address legislative and regulatory challenges. Navigates complex policy environments effectively to ensure favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Relationship and Network Development: Exceptional ability in establishing and maintaining robust relationships with government agencies, industry associations, and key policymakers. Utilizes these relationships to advocate effectively for company interests and influence policy decisions.
• Industry Leadership and Influence: Actively seeks and assumes leadership roles within trade associations and industry committees. Influences policy discussions and promotes organizational interests through strategic involvement in these groups.
• Policy Communication and Advocacy: Strong interpersonal, networking and public speaking skills to communicate effectively and garner respect from industry and government agencies. Excellent advocacy skills to influence policy and legislative actions.
• Strategic Communications and Reporting: Provides regular, insightful updates to senior management on government activities, potential threats, and opportunities. Ensures these updates contribute to strategic alignment and informed decision-making within the organization.
• Expertise in Political Communication: Utilizes extensive knowledge in political communication to enhance the organization’s public affairs messaging across various platforms. Ensures that messaging is coherent, targeted, and effective in advancing the organization’s objectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:

• Work effectively with limited supervision.
• Be able to perform at a high level in various environments, including home/virtual office.
• Able to work collaboratively across cultures and with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Able to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.
• Dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent interactions with government and industry representatives.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• Work hours frequently extend beyond an 8-hour day and 40 hr. /week.
• Evening, late night, and weekend hours are occasionally required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel long distances via plane or automobile required.
• Ability to travel up to 35-45% of time required.
• Overnight travel required.
• Ability to travel within and outside the United States is required.

LOCATION:

Contiguous United States.

CONTACT:

If you have any questions or are interested in applying for the position, please contact Joni Gentry at [email protected] and provide a cover letter and a complete CV.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The Company’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and for pregnant employees who request an accommodation, with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The Company prohibits sexual harassment and the harassment of any individual on any other basis listed above.