(USA) Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy
About The Position
The (USA) Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy leads strategic engagement to align and execute public policy initiatives with organizational objectives. This role shapes high-impact messaging, manages complex reputational risks, and fosters collaborative partnerships across markets and industries. By integrating policy insights with business strategy, the director advises leadership on emerging risks and opportunities, drives proactive external storytelling, and guides cross-functional teams through scenario planning and decision-making processes. The position requires expertise in advocacy, public policy and public affairs to influence outcomes and support long-term organizational goals. The State & Local Government Relations team represents Walmart before state and local governments, advancing public policy priorities and managing emerging issues. Collaborating across the business, the team monitors and shapes legislation and regulations impacting stores, associates, customers, and operations. They engage with governors, legislators, local officials, and stakeholders to develop state-specific strategies and clear advocacy. Team members anticipate risks and opportunities, exercise sound political judgment, and build strong relationships that support Walmart’s mission to serve customers and communities effectively. This position will be based in New York state, with a preference to be located in Albany.
Requirements
- At least 10 years experience in policy analysis, public policy advocacy, and regulatory compliance within complex environments.
- Proven ability to lead strategic communication and public affairs initiatives across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
- Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive communication and crisis response plans.
- Demonstrated capability to manage projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
- Proficiency in coaching teams on negotiation, storytelling, and conflict resolution in public policy contexts.
- Ability to integrate strategic foresight and business insights to shape policy and reputational outcomes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, Communications, or related area and 8 years’ experience in government relations, public policy research, legislative affairs, regulatory analysis, or related area OR 10 years’ experience in government relations, public policy research, legislative affairs, regulatory analysis, or related area
Nice To Haves
- Advanced graduate degree
- experience leading large-scale/national or multi‑market government affairs initiatives within the region or area of expertise.
- People management experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute Walmart’s state government affairs strategy in New York and an additional state, advancing legislative, regulatory, and public policy priorities.
- Represent Walmart before governors’ offices, legislatures, attorneys general, regulatory and economic development agencies, and local officials.
- Build trusted relationships with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, and key stakeholders.
- Monitor and engage on legislation, regulations, and emerging political issues affecting Walmart’s business.
- Lead advocacy strategies, coalition efforts, and direct policymaker engagement.
- Anticipate political and policy risks and provide strategic counsel to leadership.
- Translate complex business issues into compelling policy arguments, briefings, testimony, and executive recommendations
Benefits
- performance-based bonus awards
- medical coverage
- vision coverage
- dental coverage
- 401(k)
- stock purchase
- company-paid life insurance
- PTO (including sick leave)
- parental leave
- family care leave
- bereavement
- jury duty
- voting
- short-term disability
- long-term disability
- company discounts
- Military Leave Pay
- adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
- PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
- Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
