Associate Director, State and Local Government Affairs

The Opportunity

As the Associate Director, State and Local Government Affairs , you will have the opportunity to:

• Set strategy and conduct a government relations program in targeted states and with local governments in support of business development and sales efforts, project execution, payment issues, and Black and Veatch's growth strategies while adhering to budget and schedule
• Lead external engagement and advocacy efforts with state and local public policymakers
• Manage compliance with the company Political Participation Policy with state and local government
• Work under general direction of the Director of Government Affairs

Key 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 
• Management of business/industry association memberships and releationships 

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, International Affairs, Legal, or related field or related experience
• Typically 8+ years in a Government Affairs organization
• 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.

Certifications

Experience with complex filing systems including hard copy and electronic

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• 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.