Director of Government Relations

Pond & Company•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public-sector sectors including transportation, state agencies, higher education, aviation, and local government. We are seeking a strategic, relationship driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public sector markets, including transportation, economic development initiatives, higher education, aviation, and local government. The ideal candidate understands how public agencies operate, how capital programs are funded, and how to effectively influence and navigate policy, procurement, and stakeholder environments at the state and municipal levels. This role will serve as a bridge between our executive leadership, market leaders, business development teams, and public-sector decision makers. In addition, this leader will help drive cross-market coordination and collaboration by aligning strategy, intelligence, and engagement efforts across geographies and market sectors. The individual will facilitate information sharing, identify synergies across clients and pursuits, and help position the firm to leverage relationships and insights at both the state and local levels.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business, Communications, or related field.
10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, or public-sector strategy.
Demonstrated experience working with state and/or local government entities.
Strong understanding of public procurement processes and capital funding mechanisms.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials and senior agency leadership.
Excellent written, verbal, and strategic communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, infrastructure, or related professional services industry.
Experience working in or with departments of transportation, aviation authorities, state agencies, or public higher education systems.
Knowledge of infrastructure funding programs (state budgets, bond programs, IIJA, etc.).
Existing network within relevant state or regional markets.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive state and local government relations strategy aligned with firm growth objectives.
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, legislative staff, procurement officials, and policy influencers.
Monitor and analyze legislation, funding initiatives, regulatory developments, and public policy trends impacting transportation, infrastructure, aviation, higher education, and municipal capital programs.
Advocate for policies and funding mechanisms that support infrastructure investment and align with the firm’s service offerings.
Represent the firm at legislative sessions, public hearings, industry coalitions, trade associations, and stakeholder meetings.
Identify emerging capital programs and funding opportunities at the state and local levels.
Provide strategic guidance to market leaders and business development teams on positioning for upcoming procurements.
Support pursuit strategies for major public-sector opportunities.
Track infrastructure funding programs (state appropriations, bonds, federal pass-through funds, etc.) and assess impact on growth strategy.
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on political and regulatory risks and opportunities.
Coordinate messaging and positioning across marketing, communications, and leadership.
Support development of briefing materials, talking points, and strategic outreach plans.
Help cultivate and manage key client relationships at the executive and agency level.