Federal Affairs Director

Southwest Airlines • Washington, DC

1d • $145,600 - $161,800 • Onsite

About The Position

The Federal Affairs Director supports Southwest Airlines’ Governmental Affairs Team by advocating for the Company’s interests before Congress and helping shape and execute strategies supporting Company priorities. The role manages political relationships within an assigned portfolio, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, and works across teams to evaluate potential effects on Southwest’s business and operations. The position is based at the Company’s Washington, D.C. facility and may involve evening work as business needs require, as well as travel for trainings, meetings, conferences, and other business needs.

The Director provides thought leadership on federal legislative and regulatory priorities, represents the Company before policymakers and agencies, and informs internal stakeholders about relevant issues. The role also conducts research and analysis, prepares written materials, supports compliance reporting for political activities, coordinates meetings for Southwest leaders visiting Washington, and monitors legislation, hearings, meetings, and industry news.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and expert-level experience and extensive knowledge in legislative or policy work within or directly with the federal government and in aviation or transportation. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the United States is required; work authorization sponsorship is not available. The position offers an annual salary of $145,600 to $161,800, depending on qualifications and experience, with potential bonus opportunities for eligible roles. Benefits include flight privileges, retirement plan contributions, potential profit sharing, and health insurance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Expert-level experience and expansive knowledge of legislative or policy work within or directly with the federal government, such as Congress or a federal agency.
• Expert-level experience and expansive knowledge in aviation or transportation.
• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong interest in federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting the Company and airline industry.
• Familiarity with and alignment to Company goals and commercial objectives, and willingness to contribute to government-related programs and tactics.
• Exceptional research skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills for working effectively with internal and external teams.
• Proficiency in PC applications, including word-processing applications.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform desk and office work for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact in English and use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must comply with Company appearance and attendance standards.
• Must be able to travel to support Company goals and strategies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advocating for organizational or industry priorities before Congress.
• Experience in the aviation industry or representing aviation-related interests.
• Demonstrated project management experience and strong organizational skills.
• Experience developing strategic plans and driving successful execution.
• Experience drafting legislative text or committee report language.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership on legislative and regulatory priorities, strategy, and execution plans that serve Southwest’s interests.
• Advocate for Company policy priorities through verbal and written communication with congressional policymakers and federal agencies.
• Represent the Company at congressional meetings, federal agencies, political events, and related settings.
• Educate internal Southwest stakeholders about issues addressed by the Governmental Affairs department.
• Develop an understanding of Southwest’s operations, business model, commercial priorities, and the airline industry through regular interaction with other departments.
• Monitor and assess potential effects of federal policy proposals on Southwest’s business model and route structure.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts in government, business, labor, and nonprofit organizations to support Company priorities.
• Conduct research, analysis, and writing on governmental and political issues, including memoranda, letters, and legislation.
• Assist with lobbyist, tax, or financial compliance reporting related to political activities.
• Coordinate Governmental Affairs meetings for Southwest leaders visiting Washington, D.C.
• Collaborate with internal departments on outreach to congressional policymakers and federal agencies.
• Monitor and summarize relevant legislation and industry news.
• Attend and report on relevant hearings, meetings, and strategy sessions.
• Perform other job duties as directed by the Employee’s leaders.

Benefits

• Free travel on open seats on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Company contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential annual ProfitSharing contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan, at the Company’s discretion.
• Competitive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, including pets, with coverage options beginning on the first day of employment.
• Potential bonus opportunities for eligible leadership and individual contributor roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director