Director Public Relations & Govt Affairs

Swire Coca Cola•Bellevue, WA

About The Position

The Director of Public Relations & Government Affairs serves as a regional leader for Swire Coca-Cola, USA, overseeing a multi-state territory to support business operations by enhancing the company’s visibility, cultivating and maintaining key relationships, and strengthening government affairs capabilities. As a critical member of the Public Relations and Government Affairs team, this role reports to the Senior Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs and is the primary media spokesperson and represents the company’s interests at local, state, and federal levels, engaging with both public and private sector partners. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with exceptional communication skills, capable of navigating complex political and legislative landscapes and managing crisis and incident response within their region. The director must effectively operate in a highly polarized environment, balancing diverse stakeholders and actions across the political spectrum.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public relations, communications or similar required.
6+ years’ experience working in government relations, public affairs, public relations, and/or on staff with an elected official required.
Knowledge of political landscape in assigned geography.
Experience building relationships with key business and public space stakeholders.
Crisis management experience beginning to end.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.

Nice To Haves

Significant political campaign experience (candidate, party, issue, ballot initiative, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

Build, preserve and improve relationships with key government agencies and officials, industry associations and NGOs, main community opinion and thought leaders, as well as with other relevant constituencies to be able to shape their perceptions of Swire Coca-Cola.
Develop ongoing relationships with key elected officials, including identifying up-and-coming leaders.
Develop and maintain partnerships with non-profits and other community organizations, which includes activating events.
Network with industry, customer and other relevant peers for information gathering and relationship building.
Provide strategic counsel to industry campaigns, lobbyists and consultants on company’s positions on outside threats, including tax and regulatory threats, derogatory labeling legislation, and other legislative, regulatory and public policy challenges.
Participate in training and business team meetings to align with operational objectives and provide public relations and government relations perspective.
Recommend, activate, maintain a budget, and report on suggested memberships, contributions and other community participation by the company.
Monitor relevant media outlets, plan proactive and reactive communication strategies, and serve as spokesperson when needed.
Provide crisis and incident management support to all parts of the business.
Be accountable for ongoing public relations and community relations activities in assigned geography.