Director of Government Affairs - Southwest

As part of Rainmaker’s Domestic Government Affairs team, you will develop and execute our state-level government affairs strategy, advocating for policies and funding that support Rainmaker’s efforts in strengthening water infrastructure, enhancing conservation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This position focuses on navigating legislative and executive processes to secure support, shape policy, and advance Rainmaker’s mission. \n What You'll Do * Strategic Advocacy & Policy Shaping: Serve as a proactive advocate for Rainmaker’s priorities in New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona, engaging with legislators, executive agencies, and other stakeholders to promote water resource sustainability and related initiatives. * Develop policy and appropriations strategies that address water supply challenges and develop state-level precipitation enhancement programs. * Legislative & Budget Engagement: Drive Rainmaker’s involvement in New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona state legislative sessions, budget cycles, and stakeholder forums, ensuring alignment of policy initiatives with funding opportunities. * Identify and advocate for state appropriations, grants, or legislative measures that support water infrastructure improvements, agricultural resilience, and environmental protection. * Prepare and deliver testimony, policy briefs, and presentations to relevant committees and decision-making bodies. * Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Rainmaker’s leadership, technical teams, and other internal stakeholders to align government affairs strategies with broader organizational goals. * Coordinate with communications, legal, and other departments to ensure messaging consistency and compliance with state regulations. * Coalition & Relationship Building: Build and sustain productive relationships with New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona legislators, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and community organizations. * Forge alliances and working groups to support sustainable water resource initiatives and pilot programs, creating a strong network of supporters for Rainmaker’s objectives. * Planning & Execution for Program Development: Identify emerging opportunities for state-level funding—such as infrastructure bills, grant programs, and other pathways—and drive strategic engagement. * Develop long-range plans for securing resources to implement water management and conservation initiatives across multiple fiscal years and legislative sessions. * Event & Facility Coordination: Organize and facilitate visits for lawmakers, agency officials, and other key stakeholders to Rainmaker’s facilities or project sites to highlight innovations and ongoing projects. * Host roundtables, educational forums, or site tours to foster deeper understanding of Rainmaker’s approach and its positive economic and environmental impacts. * Monitoring & Analysis: Track legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments across the water, agriculture, and environmental sectors to identify and capitalize on policy or funding opportunities. * Provide regular status updates and strategic recommendations to Rainmaker leadership on impending changes or emerging trends. * Political Engagement: Cultivate relationships with elected officials, political leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and rally support for water resource improvements. Requirements * 5+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative/executive roles, ideally in natural resources, water management, agriculture, or environmental policy. * Proven track record of successfully shaping or supporting state legislative and budgetary outcomes in the American West. * In-depth understanding of how state policy frameworks intersect with water supply, environmental protection, and agricultural needs. Familiarity with state-level committees, agencies, and advocacy networks in natural resources, water resources, or related areas. * Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional, fast-paced environment. A proactive and creative mindset for addressing challenges and pursuing new opportunities. * Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees in political science, business, economics, law, or related fields are welcomed but not mandatory. * Willingness and ability to travel (approximately 50% or more) in support of legislative sessions, stakeholder engagements, and project site visits. \n $125,000 - $150,000 a year + commission \n If you are passionate about shaping state-level policy in water resources and are eager to contribute to sustainable solutions, join Rainmaker’s Domestic Government Affairs team. Together, we’ll help ensure a more resilient water future for communities and environments across the Southwest. No recruiting agencies.