Senior Director Government Relations

Position Purpose:

The Senior Director, Government Relations serves as a primary executive advocate and strategist representing The Home Depot before elected officials and high-level decision-makers at the federal and state level. This role shapes and executes the company’s legislative agenda, aligning political strategy with enterprise business goals to mitigate risk, drive growth, and enhance shareholder value.

In addition to leading policy strategy across the organization, the Senior Director oversees multi-million dollar departmental and PAC operational budgets, manages external advocacy resources, and leads a high-performing team of government relations professionals and retained lobbying firms.

Key Responsibilities:

• 30% Strategic Enterprise Policy Management - Formulate and direct proactive, high-impact government relations strategies across enterprise-critical policy portfolios (including e-commerce, data privacy/security, corporate tax, international trade, supply chain/global sourcing, and labor). Assign legislative portfolios and delegate strategic priorities across internal lobbying teams and external consulting firms to ensure company objectives are effectively advanced. Manage external consultants and ensure they represent the company to elected officials. Management of relationships with all trade associations including directing them to engage on behalf of the company.
• 20% Department Budgeting & PAC Governance - Financial & Resource Oversight: Develop, manage, and optimize the government relations department operating budget, ensuring efficient capital allocation across internal operations, external counsel, and advocacy campaigns. Political Action Committee (PAC): Direct the financial governance, strategic disbursement, fundraising initiatives, and compliance of The Home Depot Political Action Committee (PAC) in alignment with corporate goals and legal standards.
• 25% Legislative Advocacy & Direct Stakeholder Engagement - Serve as a senior representative of The Home Depot to Members of Congress, Administration/White House leadership, federal regulatory agencies, and industry trade associations. Facilitate and moderate high-level engagements between C-suite executives, Board members, and key government leaders.
• 10% Senior Leadership Reporting & Political Intelligence - Provide real-time strategic counsel and executive briefings to Senior Leadership and relevant business units on regulatory trends, legislative risks, and political shifts impacting the enterprise.
• 15% Team Leadership & Development - Lead, develop, and coach an experienced team of government relations professionals. Establish clear priorities, build team capabilities, and foster an environment that drives engagement, accountability, and professional growth. Attract and retain top talent consistent with The Home Depot's values and culture of doing the right thing.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

• This Position typically reports to Vice President, Government Relations and External Communications
• Direct management of 4-6 professional direct reports and oversight of external retained lobbying firms and consultants

Travel Requirements

• Typically requires overnight travel 5% to 20% of the time.
• Frequent travel within Washington, D.C. and to key federal, state, and local government meetings, industry conferences, and company locations.

Physical Requirements:

• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions, there may be a need to move or lift light articles.

Working Conditions:

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in federal government relations, congressional staff leadership, administrative agencies, or corporate public policy settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• People Leadership: Proven track record of managing and developing direct reports and leading high-performing government affairs teams within public, consumer-facing companies or major corporate trade associations.
• Bipartisan Network: Extensive, established bipartisan relationships across both chambers of Congress, key legislative committees, and executive branch agencies.
• Financial Management: Demonstrated experience building, forecasting, and managing multi-million dollar operational and political budgets.

Minimum Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:

• The completion of a Juris Doctor or equivalent and required certifications for practicing law.

Minimum Years of Work Experience

• 10

Preferred Years of Work Experience:

• No additional years of experience

Minimum Leadership Experience

• 5+ years of previous leadership experience

Preferred Leadership Experience:

• No previous leadership experience

Certifications:

• None

Competencies:

• Executive Presence: Mastered ability to negotiate and interact effectively with C-suite executives, Cabinet officials, and Members of Congress.
• Financial Acumen: Strong budget management skills, including contract negotiation with external firms and financial reporting.
• Strategic Communication: Superior written, verbal, and executive presentation capabilities.
• Crisis & Pressure Management: Exceptional sound judgment and decision-making under high-pressure, ambiguous and fast-moving political environments.