Dir-Government Affairs

Lowes • NC

115d

About The Position

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 and high policy risk state and local markets for the assigned markets - South Divisions and/or Headquarters State. This Director position leads the advocacy before state and local legislative and regulatory bodies in those markets; coordinates with trade and business associations; maintains a grassroots network among Lowe's associates; and develops and leverages a strong network of external influencers. This position requires a dynamic individual with proven communication, management, and leadership skills. In addition, this position will support the political action committee (LOWPAC), including education, communication, fundraising, political giving, donor relations, associate engagement, and legal compliance. This position will also have responsibility for maintaining strong relationships with legislative and community members within the headquarter state of North Carolina or serve as government affairs lead representative for enterprise-wide initiatives (e.g., Hometowns, merchandising and supplier diversity initiatives – "Into the Blue," Command Center, Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), CD&I and talent initiatives – military, major hub openings, Lowe's Foundation programming). Lastly, the position supports all Lowe's command center efforts and/or Global Security Operations Center, and is the key partner to ensure effective support during natural disasters, crisis situations and other high-risk issues facing the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Business Administration or related field.
• 8-10 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.
• 5-7 Years Proven ability to engage with highly successful team of federal, state, and local lobbyists, researchers, and public policy advocates.
• 3-5 Years Managing multiple large projects simultaneously in Fortune 500 corporate environment.
• 3-5 Years Leadership experience – directly or indirectly, managing professionals and subject matter experts.
• Experience with congressional staff or government relations consulting firm.
• Demonstrated work experience with federal elected officials, political parties, companies, consultancies, trade associations, governmental agencies, or equivalent organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree.
• Other Juris Doctorate.
• Government affairs experience in the retail industry.

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.
• Sets the strategic direction and specific objectives for the team in assigned markets.
• Builds and maintains relationships on behalf of Lowe’s with key stakeholders, including state and local officials in assigned markets.
• 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.
• Cultivates, maintains, and engages trusted relationships directly with a sophisticated political contact network.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of legislation, emerging issues, and industry trends in assigned markets.
• Monitors and tracks proposed legislation and ballot measures, analyzes proposed legislative, administrative and ballot measure actions in assigned markets.
• Directs contract lobbyists and consultants in assigned markets as needed.
• Provides strategic support for the company’s command center efforts and/or Global Security Operations Center efforts.
• Works closely with the Manager, Programs in developing strategy for the growth of the company’s political action committee, LOWPAC.
• Develops and executes creative education and solicitation campaigns to increase Associate participation and engagement in LOWPAC.
• Acts as key motivator and inspirational leader in creating a best-in-class PAC Champion network.
• Manages, recommends, and distributes PAC contributions to the campaigns of targeted Members of Congress and state legislators.
• Oversees the PAC website, ensuring content is current and relevant.
• Works with LOWPAC’s Advisory Committee Chair and the Vice President- Government Affairs, organize quarterly LOWPAC meetings.
• Organizes participation of Lowe’s Associates at various political and community events.
• Executes PAC donor events at the Store Support Center in Mooresville and field offices as needed.
• Ensures the timely filing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state political reporting.
• Prepares and maintains federal PAC budgets, develops PAC reports for internal and external use.
• Works closely with governmental affairs colleagues, Public Policy, and others to lead the representation of LOWPAC to associates.
• Presents to company executives in smaller settings and also engages larger audiences at corporate events.
• Fosters an inclusive environment, where diverse ideas and perspectives are encouraged.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees