Director, Business Development & Government Affairs

Directs the state and local government affairs program and the development of new business opportunities for one of American Water’s state subsidiaries, including the development and implementation of recommended strategies and tactics for advancing the company’s priorities, protecting its business interests and enhancing its reputation. This will also include oversight and management of resources responsible for contacting municipal and privately-owned water and wastewater operations to discuss acquisition, negotiate sales for resale contracts and other related business opportunities. Provides counsel to the state president and leadership team on matters affecting policy, politics, and key relationships. This role is the senior government relations professional responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and/or directly establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed individuals at the state and local levels of government. Directs the strategy and implementation of external affairs initiatives to support community engagement and customer education. Works with the state president and his/her leadership team to effectively communicate with elected officials and key stakeholders and to position the company as a trusted partner and expert resource. Ensures issues are addressed quickly and appropriately, and that every effort to maintain external relationships is made. This role reports directly to the State President and matrix to VP, Chief Growth Officer and VP, Chief Legislative & External Affairs.

• Oversee the lead state lobbyist, responsible for advancing, amending, and/or stopping legislation that impacts the company and water/wastewater industry. Provide guidance related to messaging and strategic communication regarding legislative issues. Hire and manage contract lobbyists to support the company’s legislative efforts.
• Work with legal and finance departments to ensure all election laws, regulations, and reporting requirements are met. The PAC responsibility may be led by other functions.
• Coordinate with EVP, Communications & External Affairs to align company communications.
• Works across department functions to provide guidance on the political implications of various actions and relationships, including regulatory affairs, legal, business development, external affairs, and major accounts.
• Attend various business and industry conferences to develop expertise and build relationships with elected officials, regulators, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Direct preparation of informational material, studies and conclusions regarding potential business development opportunities as well as proposals for acquisitions, operations and management contracts and other related business opportunities.
• Engage with a variety of external stakeholders to build strategic relationships and coalitions to support the company’s legislative initiatives.
• Manage the company’s strategic communications efforts in supporting the Manager of External Affairs and major account engagement in supporting the lead major accounts position.
• Directly oversee local government affairs efforts, including members of the Government Affairs team, whose primary responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders
• Lead team members individually responsible for Business Development and Government /External Affairs.
• Actively participates in suitable business, industry, civic, and community organizations, including involvement on various boards and committees. Supports the state president’s involvement in external organizations as appropriate.
• Supports federal government affairs efforts by working with the state president and vice president of Communication and Federal Government Affairs to build and leverage relationships with the state’s Congressional delegation and relevant federal agencies and officials. Keeps district offices apprised of relevant projects and opportunities to support the company’s investments in the state.
• Manage the government affairs priorities with the contract lobby team to build and leverage political relationships, advocate the company’s position, testify on the company’s behalf, track legislation, and provide political guidance to the company.
• Works with the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs to leverage sponsorship and engagement opportunities at the corporate level.
• Develop annual budget and contribution recommendations for the PAC board and is responsible for dispersing checks and representing the company at various campaign events.
• Manage all fundraising efforts for the company’s state Political Action Committee, including development of sponsorship levels and benefits for employees and stakeholders.

This is a senior people leader position with direct reports who are experienced individual contributors in diverse areas of expertise.

25% within the state and in the United States

• Leadership presence: ability to engage and communicate effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, government, journalism, communications, public relations or related field preferred, or demonstrated experienced commensurate with the requirements of the position.
• Able to manage/coach people to develop potential and build capabilities.Must possess knowledge and practical experience of effective external communications to build brand recognition and reputation.
• Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, collaboration, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Must possess an excellent working knowledge of the legislative process at all levels of government, including a thorough understanding of the structural and political dynamics impacting key players and the company’s advocacy efforts. If applicable, has a thorough understanding of PAC and election laws, and a knowledge of the various reporting requirements if applicable.
• Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Demonstrated ability to testify before and effectively lobby legislative audiences, including the capacity to gauge when and how to utilize senior management and issue experts.
• Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective people management (planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising, coaching, developing, and leading individual staff and teams)
• Total work experience of around 15 years with around 7 years in business development, government relations, external affairs or lobbying, preferably within the utility sector.
• Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations
• Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills
• Must be able to access information and quickly gain knowledge of issues in the business and political arenas that may impact the company.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budget resources efficiently in order to maximize benefits to company.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.