Director, Government Affairs

Lowe's Companies, Inc.•Mooresville, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is based at our headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina. Our corporate office is a space where you can collaborate and do your best work. Take a walk, grab a bite (or a cup of coffee), work out or get a check-up – we invest in you so you can find your inspiration. Your Impact The primary purpose of the Director, Government Affairs position is to lead the advocacy on behalf of Lowe's in the company's key strategic state and local markets for the athe South Division and/or Headquarters State (North Carolina). This Director position leads the advocacy before state and local executive, legislative and regulatory bodies; leads within trade and business associations; maintains a grasstops and grassroots network ; and develops and leverages a strong network of external influencers. This position requires a dynamic individual with proven communication, management, and leadership skills. This position will also have responsibility for maintaining strong relationships with state and local policymakers within the headquarter state of North Carolina and serve as government affairs lead for certain enterprise-wide initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Business Administration or related field.
8-10 Years 10 Years experience in government relations of combined experience working for either a corporate Government Affairs Department at the manager or above; working on a federal, state, or local candidate’s campaign; and/or working for a federal, state, or local elected official in the Southeast (i.e., NC, TX, FL, GA)
5-7 Years Proven ability to lead highly successful team of federal, state, and local lobbyists, and public policy advocates. Strong, positive executive presence. Knowledge of the federal, state legislative and regulatory processes
3-5 Years Developing and maintaining productive relationships with national organizations of state officials, both on the political and non-political arenas (i.e., NCSL, RGA, DGA, etc.).
3-5 Years Managing multiple large projects simultaneously in Fortune 100 corporate environment
3-5 Years Leadership experience – directly , managing professionals and subject matter experts
Experience with congressional staff or government relations consulting firm
Demonstrated work experience with local, state and/or federal elected officials, political parties, companies, consultancies, trade associations, governmental agencies, or equivalent organizations
Willing to travel up to 40% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

Nice To Haves

Government affairs experience in the retail industry and/or in a multi-state region.
Knowledge of public policy and familiarity with state legislative and regulatory processes.
Ability to analyze, interpret and present legislation in both oral and written formats.
Experience with grasstops and grassroots.
Exceptional judgment and ability to function and multi-task under pressure.
Excellent written and oral communications skills, analytical skills and presentation skills.
Existing relationships with policymakers in the Southeast at the state legislature, governor's office, large city/county office.

Responsibilities

Leads the state government affairs team and external consultants within assigned markets, oversees the identification of issues and development of proactive plans and objectives, policies, and strategies on Lowe’s priority issues in assigned markets and beyond as needed, with a particular focus on priority markets as defined in collaboration with business leaders
Sets the strategic direction and specific objectives for issue prioritization and engagement in assigned markets and ensures that business priorities are integrated into Lowe’s policies and positions.
Ensures that comprehensive and rigorous government affairs strategies fully take into account legislative, executive, and regulatory options, including direct advocacy, third-party and think tank engagement, creative policy approaches, and opportunities to engage the public
Builds and maintains relationships on behalf of Lowe’s with key stakeholders, including state and local officials in assigned markets, trade associations and NGOs who have the ability to impact/influence the company’s top issues in assigned markets and other areas needed.
Works with senior leadership to develop and drives the organization’s policies and objectives involving local and state government relations and policy
Acts as the company’s primary interface with elected officials and key community groups in assigned markets, and may serve as media spokesperson on certain issues, as appropriate
Cultivates, maintains, and engages trusted relationships directly with a sophisticated political contact network, including with state Attorneys Generals, Governors, state legislators, local government officials, and other key government stakeholders.
Maintains a comprehensive understanding of legislation, emerging issues, and industry trends in assigned markets, ensuring the Sr. Director, Government Affairs and the Vice President- Government Affairs and relevant stakeholders throughout the company are informed with analyses of the significance, relevance, and business impact of these developments in a timely manner.
Monitors and tracks proposed legislation and ballot measures (local, state, and federal), analyzes relevant proposed legislative, regulatory and ballot measure actions in assigned markets, assesses the potential impact on the company and formulates appropriate responses
Directs contract lobbyists and consultants in assigned markets as needed to assist the company’s efforts and works closely with trade and other associations.
Works closely with the Manager, Political Programs in developing strategy for the growth of the company’s political action committee, LOWPAC, and increased associate engagement in LOWPAC for assigned markets
Lead on one or more retail policy issues and be the go-to resource for the Government Affairs team on assigned topics.
Fosters an inclusive environment, where diverse ideas and perspectives are encourage to get to the best possible outcomes.