Head of State and Local Government Relations

Head Of State & Local Government Relations

Suffolk is seeking Head of State & Local Government Relations to lead the company's engagement with elected and appointed officials across our key markets. This leader will play a critical role in advancing Suffolk's strategic priorities by strengthening public sector relationships, influencing policy and procurement environments, and positioning the company for continued growth.

Serving as Suffolk's primary liaison to state and local government leaders, this role partners closely with executive and regional leadership to enhance market access, mitigate political and regulatory risk, and elevate Suffolk's brand as an industry leader in safety, innovation, and project delivery.

This individual will also lead external government relations partners and advise senior leadership on political engagement strategies, including oversight of the company's Political Action Committee (PAC).

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Suffolk's state and local government relations strategy across priority markets
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key public sector stakeholders
• Identify and influence policy, regulatory, and procurement developments
• Partner with regional leadership to align government relations efforts with business priorities
• Develop and manage strategic engagement plans
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory dynamics
• Oversee and coordinate external consultants, lobbyists, and government relations partners
• Support crisis management and issues response related to public sector stakeholders
• Provide guidance and oversight for Suffolk's political engagement activities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related field
• Proven track record of building relationships with state and local government leaders
• Strong understanding of public sector procurement, policy development, and regulatory environments
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and align external engagement strategies with business objectives
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive presence
• Experience managing consultants, external partners, or multi-market initiatives
• Knowledge of political compliance requirements, including PAC oversight
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• Willingness to travel regularly to key Suffolk markets

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk.