Asst Vice President, Government Affairs

Genesee & Wyoming•Peoria, IL

36d•Remote

About The Position

The AVP Government Affairs plans, implements, and coordinates programs to affect government policy and legislation across their region of responsibility, with focus on both growth opportunities and handling specific issues at the state, regional, and local levels. This position covers most of G&W’s midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, as well as Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. An ideal candidate would reside in the Midwest. Most of the focus of this position is on state governments with work also at the regional and local government levels as required to fully represent the interests and objectives of the G&W affiliated railroad. This work is to be done in a manner that concurrently reaches the best interests of the communities and states that the railroad serves. The position requires detailed and on-going coordination and communications with the regional line managers responsible for railroads operations. It involves direct management of G&W relations with state agencies, state railroad associations, contract state lobbyists, and other third parties. The AVP Government Affairs ensures compliance with federal, state, and local lobbying laws and regulations, and monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative actions at the state and local levels.

Requirements

Strong professional and personal ethics
Knowledge of the rail-freight industry
Self-sufficiency in managing diverse relationships
Professional demeanor, with an open and receptive attitude
Superior writing and presentation skills; ability to persuasively communicate concepts and adjust to fit the audience and the message
Ability to form teams and build consensus
Good organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and handle multiple objectives
Ability to follow through on efforts without prompting
Ability to manage a significant travel schedule
A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant area of focus is required.
A very good understanding of the rail freight industry in the United States, including its structure, operations, customers and role in the national transportation network.
Minimum of five years of transportation industry experience with three years of direct experience in working with decision makers and stakeholders involved in the rail freight industry. This could include a demonstrated successful sales assignment with rail freight customers, significant experience in the area of public/private sector relationship management involving rail transportation, or a public agency or position with direct involvement with the rail industry.

Nice To Haves

Direct work experience in the rail freight industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain close relationships with relevant state departments of transportation, key state legislators, and other state, regional and local officials, and represent the company’s interests to these parties
Understand the company’s railroads, including routes, management teams, infrastructure, services, and investment requirements
Represent company interests in state railroad associations, key metropolitan planning organizations, and other groups relevant to short-line freight railroading
In collaboration with the company’s divisional vice presidents and their staffs, identify and develop rail-infrastructure projects appropriate for public-grant funding
Research and identify new state and regional infrastructure supporting opportunities to support regional or short line freight railroad infrastructure investments, including possible new state level grant programs or state short line tax credits
Promote company projects for grant funding, including creation of materials, preparation and delivery of presentations, and support of regional staff in completion of grant applications
Assist in the execution of grant agreements
Maintain an understanding of state lobbying laws and ensure full compliance with them, including the timely filing of all necessary forms
Assist in the management of state contract lobbyists where engaged
Assist company regions with significant local political issues as necessary
Maintain required records and files
Manage other projects and perform other duties as assigned