Manager, State Government Relations

Job Description

ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

The Team You Will Be a Part Of

As a member of Whirlpool Corporation’s government relations team, you will be part of a diverse, dynamic team responsible for promoting and protecting Whirlpool Corporation’s reputation and enhancing public policy through state-level issue education and engagement. In this role, you will drive business value in support of our company’s mission to earn trust and create demand for our brands in a digital world.

This Role in Summary

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor to business teams and a key partner in driving continuous improvement in the company’s government relations activities while anticipating new ways to deliver value for the business. The Manager of State Government Relations reports to the Director of Government Relations and is based in Washington, DC. #LI-DD1

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Issue Identification and Prioritization

• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity impacting Whirlpool Corporation’s products, services, and operations.
• Collaborate with business leaders to analyze proposed public policy, understand business impacts, and manage the prioritization of advocacy activity and development of appropriate policy positions.

Issue Leadership and Advocacy

• Develop strategies and execute state advocacy on critical policy issues, including energy, environment/climate, chemicals/materials, repair, indoor air quality, privacy, cybersecurity, and IoT.
• Coordinate state advocacy externally with trade associations, interest groups, and coalitions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state policymakers and other external stakeholders.

Global Public Policy Coordination

• Support the management of the company’s Global Government Relations operating model.
• Work cross-functionally with teams such as Product Regulatory Affairs, Global Sustainability, Corporate Communications, Legal, and Global Strategic Sourcing.
• Coordinate activities of the company’s global Issue Action Teams.

Economic Development and External Funding

• Support economic development activities for the company’s U.S. manufacturing and supply chain operations, including project management, compliance, and workforce initiatives.
• Coordinate external funding initiatives for Advanced Development, Open Innovation, and University Partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal teams and state/federal agencies regarding appliance industry-related programs in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Lobbying Compliance and Reporting

• Manage compliance with federal and state lobbying disclosure requirements.
• Handle external reporting of lobbying and professional/trade organization engagement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of relevant experience working on legislative matters, preferably in Congress, state government, or a corporate government relations role.
• Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time.

Preferred Skills and Experiences

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced degree preferred (MA, JD).
• Strong analytical, organization, and project management skills.
• Self-driven and action-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to interpret technical information related to proposed product requirements.
• Knowledge of consumer product, energy, environment, and technology policy issues.
• Strong political acumen.

What We Offer

• Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more!
• Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy – Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability; additional costs required).

Additional Information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday, we offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits to help balance work and home, including:

• Always On Flexibility – Manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere – Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical – Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Connect with Us and Learn More

At Whirlpool Corporation, we value and celebrate diversity. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Learn more here