Regional Director of State Government Affairs

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for diverse, talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Who we’re looking for

Toyota’s Government Affairs Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Regional Director of State Government Affairs based in Kentucky.

Reporting to the National Director of State Government Affairs as part of the company’s Washington, DC office, this position regularly collaborates with the Group Vice President, Government Affairs and the team of federal and state government and regulatory affairs professionals in Washington, DC and elsewhere in the country.

This individual will represent Toyota before federal, state and local elected and appointed officials, both in Kentucky in addition to a region that includes West Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. The individual will be responsible for prioritizing, managing and reviewing the activities of the company’s contract consultants in the capitols of those states.

Key responsibilities include building internal consensus in response to legislative proposals and providing a leading voice within the capitols, the industry’s trade association, and other business groups and coalitions. As part of these efforts, the Regional Director regularly interacts with Toyota executives, technical experts, and policy decision makers to consistently recommend and manage effective action plans based on the changing business conditions and political dynamics in the state capitols within her/his region.

This individual will be in a key position to further strengthen and leverage relationships and resources to help create a productive business environment between the company and elected/appointed officials in this region.

The Regional Director will develop close working relationships with state leaders and decision makers and become strongly integrated into the policy-making community in identified state capitols by, but not limited to:

• Participating in select fundraisers, association meetings, Capitol events, and meetings of the political groups in which Toyota invests.
• Assuming leadership roles in ad-hoc committees and organizations that Toyota is a member of or aligned with based on our policy priorities in Kentucky and in-Region capitols.
• Seeking consistent opportunities to host and manage the schedules of executives who are invited to help advance our policy objectives in the capitols of identified states.
• Testifying in committee and collaborating with other company subject matter experts to extend Toyota’s messages within the Capitol, to regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Positioning Toyota as a leader in the advancement of innovation and mobility in identified states.

As the individual will represent the company and its team members on a broad range of policy initiatives, travel within the identified region, Washington, DC, and elsewhere will be required to manage the volume of issues and maintain a consistent, in-person presence.

Other travel will be required as policy efforts and coalition building efforts dictate. In addition, the Regional Director will participate in national political events identified as priorities, and as coordinated with members of the State Government Affairs team.

What you’ll be doing

Monitoring, reviewing and influencing state and local legislative and regulatory policy issues that could potentially impact the company, its operations or team members. That includes developing Toyota’s positions on policy issues such as advanced powertrains, environmental/climate matters, dealer association proposals, tax, and labor proposals, and others impacting the company or team members. Establishing a strategy and tactical framework that supports operations within the Region and develop and maintain an effective, results-driven State Government Affairs program in identified states that becomes a key element of the team’s national priorities and activities. Collaborate with those internally who seek assistance from state agencies or access to regulatory bodies. Consistently share program and issue updates and results internally. Draft and circulate policy issue analyses and/or make presentations on priority policy issues ranging from automotive safety and the environment to technological innovation and workforce development. Integrate and coordinate company action with various internal and external in-state resources and assets. Create and maintain a consistent compliance effort with identified state-level agencies. Collaborate with team colleagues focused on Federal-level efforts and contribute to the success of the Washington-based Toyota Government Affairs team by participating in certain initiatives and engagement plans.

What you bring

Proven track record of impacting public policy at all levels. Established network of government contacts in Kentucky. Experience in managing external resources. Background in building issue consensus and successfully resolving complex policy challenges.

Added bonus if you have

Master’s degree in public policy or related field of study. Background in federal-level issues and relationship-building. Ability to operate effectively in multiple states. Experience in automotive, transportation, environmental, or energy industries.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace diverse perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong. As a company that has been one of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity and a member of The Billion Dollar Roundtable supporting minority and woman-owned suppliers for over 10 years, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that celebrates the diversity of the communities where we live and do business.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [email protected].

Learn more here