Director of government and community relations

Job Description

The Director of State Government Affairs, Community Engagement, and Issue Management is responsible for advancing the organization's public policy objectives at the state level, building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, and proactively managing issues that may impact the organization's reputation or operations. This role serves as a strategic liaison between the organization, government entities, community groups, and other external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

State Government Affairs Leadership / Federal Government Affairs Support

• Develop and execute state-level government affairs strategies aligned with organizational priorities
• Monitor, analyze, and influence legislation, regulations, and public policy developments
• Build and maintain relationships with state legislators and regulators, county councillors and officials, as well as local school administrators
• Represent the organization in meetings, hearings, and industry forums
• Coordinate advocacy efforts, including testimony, policy briefs, and coalition participation

Community Engagement

• Design and implement community engagement strategies to reduce risks, strengthen local relationships and trust
• Work collaboratively with Marketing and Communications Manager in Fort Mill on community engagement activities
• Partner with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders
• Participate in public meetings, and community issues forums
• Identify opportunities for partnerships that align with corporate social responsibility goals and operational objectives
• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of the organization within the community

Issue Management

• Identify emerging issues that may affect the organization's reputation, operations, or stakeholder relationships
• Develop and execute issue management and mitigation strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with communications, marketing, legal, and operations teams
• Prepare messaging, briefing materials, and response strategies for sensitive or high-impact issues
• Monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback

Qualifications

Skills

• Government affairs & public policy strategy
• Stakeholder engagement & relationship management
• Strategic communication & messaging
• Issue & crisis management
• Cross-functional collaboration (Legal, Marketing, Operations)

Traits

• Change agent mindset
• Strategic thinker
• Strong communicator
• Relationship builder
• Politically savvy/high business acumen
• Proactive and adaptable

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• 5-10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, community relations, or corporate affairs
• Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes
• Proven ability to build relationships with government officials and community stakeholders
• Experience managing complex, high-profile issues
• Experience working in or with state government preferred.
• Background in regulated industries (i.e., energy, healthcare, telecommunications, finance) preferred
• Established network of state-level contacts preferred

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Market Wages
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Savings Account option
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Home office and flexible working schedule