Director, Public Affairs

Rayonier•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will manage all aspects of our advocacy campaigns across Idaho, Arkansas, Texas, Washington, and Louisiana, ensuring tight alignment with regional business units while fostering an environment in which Rayonier can operate profitably. How You Will Contribute Reporting to Public Affairs Leadership, you will drive our success across several critical areas: Strategic Advocacy Leader: Translate business objectives into clear regional policy priorities, legislative strategies, and advocacy campaigns that protect and increase asset value. Government & Industry Champion: Build and leverage a strong network of state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies, and industry trade associations to shape policies that support timberlands, wood products, real estate, and energy/minerals. Governance & Compliance Monitor: Manage political giving budgets while maintaining strict oversight of campaign finance and ethics laws across multiple state and local jurisdictions. Collaborative Advisor & Storyteller: Partner with internal communications teams and external PR agencies to develop compelling communication tools and messaging that support our regulatory positions and highlight our work as a trusted corporate neighbor.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, Natural Resources, or a related field.
A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, issues management, coalition building, community affairs, or strategic communications.
An existing network of contacts with state and local officials in Idaho, Arkansas, or Texas, and a strong understanding of the legislative processes and political dynamics across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.
Superior capacity to convey personal trust and credibility, exercise good judgment, and maintain sensitive discussions in strict confidence.
Exceptional written and verbal communication, time management, and stakeholder collaboration skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience in natural resource policy, government agencies/executive branch, industry associations, or contract lobbying.
Proven background in strategic communications, public relations, and multi-project management.

Responsibilities

Track legislation, provide testimony, and actively engage in the legislative process to shape policy outcomes beneficial to Rayonier and the industry.
Formulate strategies to improve revenue opportunities, reduce corporate liabilities and expenses, and protect company assets across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.
Direct contract lobbying consultants to ensure execution against their scope of work and maximize return on investment.
Oversee political giving budgets in full compliance with state and local ethics and campaign finance laws.
Collaborate closely with regional managers across timberlands, wood products, real estate, energy, and minerals to identify key issues and revenue opportunities.
Develop strong working relationships with government agencies regulating land use, air, water, wildlife, and regional economic development.
Build collaborative relationships with key industry trade associations in the timber, real estate, wood products, and energy sectors.
Represent the company at legislative hearings, political fundraisers, community boards, and industry public events.
Partner with communications teams and external public relations agencies to develop effective advocacy materials, strategic messages, and PR tools.
Collaborate with regional teams to drive strategic community affairs programs and foster mutually beneficial relationships with local constituencies.
Promote corporate goodwill through public outreach programs such as National Forest Products Week, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and school partnerships.