Director State Government Relations

Port Houston•Houston, TX

6d•Remote

About The Position

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence. Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact. Before submitting your application, please ensure your resume is ready for upload in either .doc or .pdf format. Application must be completed in full. This remote position based in Austin, Texas that requires approximately 15% travel to Houston, Texas to support business needs and in-person collaboration. Position Summary: The Director of State Government Relations serves as Port Houston’s senior strategist and principal representative for state-level legislative and executive engagement. This role is responsible for shaping and advancing the organization’s statewide public policy agenda in alignment with Port Houston’s long-term strategic plan, capital investment priorities, and economic development objectives. Acting as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director provides high-level counsel on legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and political developments that may impact the Port’s governance authority, infrastructure funding, operational flexibility, and competitive positioning. The position ensures that Port Houston’s interests are proactively positioned within the Texas Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and key state agencies. This role requires sustained executive presence in Austin during legislative and special sessions, as well as ongoing engagement throughout the interim to influence policy formation, protect statutory authority, and secure strategic funding opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Business, or related field from a 4-year accredited private or public institution required.
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy—preferably in transportation, infrastructure, or maritime sectors.
Demonstrated relationships within state government
Knowledge of state legislative matters
Critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Oral and written communication skills
Client, colleague, and stakeholder service skills
Leadership and management skills
Analytical skills
Research skills
Project management skills
Financial management skills
Knowledge of event planning
Demonstrated relationships with Texas state legislators, executive agencies, and key public affairs networks.
Strong legislative analysis, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking and policy drafting.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, high-visibility environment.
Ethical judgment, political acumen, and strategic thinking required.
Political Acumen
Strategic Relationship Building
Legislative and Regulatory Expertise
Communication and Influence
Policy Analysis and Development
Leadership and Collaboration
Integrity and Accountability

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Legislative Strategy & Advocacy Develop and implement Port Houston’s state legislative agenda in coordination with executive leadership.
Monitor, analyze, and report on proposed state legislation, regulations, and policies that may impact port operations, maritime commerce, trade, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives.
Draft state focused legislative testimony, position statements, and policy briefings for internal and external use.
Represent Port Houston before the Texas Legislature, regulatory agencies, and related organizations at the state-level.
Stakeholder Engagement Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with state legislators, Texas executive branch officials, agencies, and state-level industry associations (including the Texas Ports Association).
Serve as a key contact for state government inquiries related to Port Houston operations, priorities, and policy positions.
Position Port Houston as a statewide economic driver and critical infrastructure partner Policy & Regulatory Coordination Collaborate with internal departments to assess state legislative impacts on port operations and capital projects.
Monitor and interpret state regulatory developments affecting marine terminals, environmental permits, security mandates, transportation and intermodal operations Partner with legal, environmental, operations, and channel development teams to ensure alignment of state advocacy and compliance strategies.
Participate in state-based coalitions and partnerships that promote port-related economic development, supply chain efficiency, and maritime policy advancement.
Communications & Reporting Provide updates, reports, and strategic recommendations to the Director of Government Relations.
Develop quarterly state affairs dashboards and KPI reports Develop briefing materials, coordinated messaging, and communication strategies to support state government relations goals.
Represent Port Houston at conferences, public forums, and stakeholder meetings as required.
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you).
Perform other duties as assigned.