Government and Community Relations Lead

Hanwha Defense USA Inc•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Government and Community Relations Lead – Philadelphia/Pennsylvania is Hanwha Defense USA's lead for local and state government relations, community engagement, and public affairs in Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The position's primary focus is advancing and protecting our interests with the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth, and the civic, business, labor, and neighborhood stakeholders that surround our location. The position will be filled at the Senior Manager or Director level depending on the selected candidate's experience. This is a relationship role first. The Lead is HDUSA's eyes and ears at the city and state level: the person who knows the Philadelphia political, civic, and business landscape, has standing relationships across it, and can translate what is happening locally into clear intelligence and recommendations for HDUSA leadership. The Lead is expected to operate with significant independence given physical distance from HDUSA headquarters, while maintaining tight alignment with the federal government relations function in Washington.

Requirements

At least five 5-10 years of relevant experience in government relations, public affairs, community engagement, economic development, campaigns, or public-facing roles
Deep familiarity with Philadelphia's political, civic, business, and community landscape, with established relationships across city government, Harrisburg, and local stakeholders strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with elected officials, agency leadership, community leaders, and advocacy organizations
Demonstrated success influencing public policy outcomes or securing governmental and community support at the local and/or state level
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and coordinating across internal and external stakeholders; strong organizational and program management skills
Experience working with highly confidential information
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex or sensitive information into clear, concise briefings for senior leadership
Ability to represent the company credibly before government officials, community audiences, and the press
Sound political judgment, discretion, and professional integrity
Ability to operate independently with limited day-to-day supervision while keeping headquarters informed
Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed organization and with an international parent company
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Experience managing external consultants or lobbyists preferred
Familiarity with shipbuilding, manufacturing, or the defense industrial base preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Serves as HDUSA's primary representative to Philadelphia city government, including the Mayor's office, City Council, city agencies and authorities, and to relevant Commonwealth officials, legislators, and agencies in Harrisburg.
Builds and sustains relationships with elected officials, their staff, and agency leadership.
Leads and executes a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy for the shipyard and its expansion, including stakeholder mapping, targeted outreach, and plans that build public understanding and support for investment, hiring, and operations.
Builds and maintains relationships with community leaders, neighborhood organizations, civic associations, labor, workforce and education partners, advocacy groups, the business community, and other key local stakeholders.
Represents the company at public hearings, community meetings, civic events, and other forums where the shipyard's interests are at stake.
Develops and drives short- and long-term community affairs initiatives, and develops strategies to build a broader profile and reputation for Hanwha in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Monitors local political, regulatory, and community developments and reports to HDUSA leadership on a regular cadence, identifying risks and opportunities to broader business goals and recommending action.
Serves as an internal advocate for community interests, proactively building relationships across functions to ensure community engagement priorities are represented in facility, infrastructure, workforce, and expansion planning and decision-making.
Supports integrated planning by driving alignment on communications, events, announcements, and project initiatives, ensuring community engagement is embedded in cross-functional strategy rather than bolted on afterward.
Helps manage HDUSA's external government relations consultant(s) for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania matters, setting priorities, tracking deliverables, and ensuring consultant activity is aligned with company strategy.
Supports communications on local and state matters, including messaging, talking points, event planning, and media engagement in coordination with corporate communications.
Handles sensitive political, regulatory, commercial, and community information with discretion.
Performs other duties as assigned.