Associate Director, State and Local Government Affairs

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world.

About the role

As the Associate Director, State and Local Government Affairs, you will set strategy and conduct a government relations program in targeted states and local governments in support of business development and sales efforts, project execution, payment issues, and Black & Veatch's growth strategies while adhering to budget and schedule. You will lead external engagement and advocacy efforts with state and local public policymakers and manage compliance with the company Political Participation Policy. This role works under the general direction of the Director of Government Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Implement annual Government Affairs (GA) strategies and budget
• Develop state and local legislative and regulatory priorities and strategies
• Track, analyze, and report on state and local legislative and regulatory developments affecting the organization
• Develop policy positions, briefing materials, comment letters, and testimony
• Represent the organization in meetings with state legislators, regulators, governors’ offices, mayors, and associated government staff
• Attend hearings, legislative sessions, and stakeholder meetings across priority jurisdictions
• Collaborate closely with internal legal, compliance, communications, and relevant business leaders to ensure policy alignment and risk mitigation
• Develop and provide direction to a GA resource pool of consultants and business/industry associations
• Manage business/industry association memberships and relationships

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, International Affairs, Legal, or related field or related experience
• Typically 8+ years in a Government Affairs organization
• Experience with complex filing systems including hard copy and electronic
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a state legislative, regulatory, congressional office, campaigns or private sector lobbying
• Prior experience managing or working with contract lobbyists
• Knowledge and understanding of coordinating multi-state lobbying efforts
• Proven experience working with state legislatures, municipal governments, or regulatory agencies
• Strong understanding of the public policymaking process, particularly with energy, engineering or construction related issues and political dynamics at the state and local levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including policy analysis and public presentation
• Ability to manage multiple legislative issues and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to build bipartisan relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Non-Technical Skills

• Organizing
• Planning
• Integrity and trust
• Written communications
• Drive for results
• Policy Research & Analysis
• Project & Issue Management
• Collaboration

Work Environment

• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments
• Domestic and international travel

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits including medical, dental and vision insurances
• Disability and a robust wellness program
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time
• Company-matched 401k plan
• Adoption reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vendor discounts
• Employment referral program
• AD&D insurance
• Pre-taxed accounts
• Voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union
• Performance-based bonus program for eligible professionals
• 100% ESOP-owned company, empowering employees to drive personal growth and company success, sharing in financial rewards through stock ownership