Principal Advisor, Government Relations

Rio Tinto•Salt Lake City, UT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Strategically plan and execute Rio Tinto’s strategy to build and maintain trusted relationships with government, communities and other key external stakeholders to support our licence to operate. Join a collaborative environment where you can work independently, build senior-level relationships and contribute to meaningful long-term outcomes. Grow your profile by leading high-impact stakeholder engagement initiatives, strategic forums and special projects across the Government Relations function based in Salt Lake City, Utah. We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other. About the role We are looking for a Principle Advisor for Government Relations to help the Government Relations team strengthen and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders. In this role, you will contribute to Rio Tinto’s licence to operate by providing stakeholder engagement advice, supporting significant business initiatives and fostering positive relationships with government representatives, communities, industry groups and other external bodies. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic stakeholder environment and wants to influence outcomes that support long-term business success.

Requirements

An unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others.
A qualification in communications, public policy, political science, business, social sciences, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in government relations, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, community relations, public affairs, or a related discipline within a large or complex organization.
Established experience building and maintaining relationships with the Utah Governor’s Office and senior staff, State of Utah and federal government agencies, Utah’s congressional delegation, members and leadership of the Utah Legislature, industry associations, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
A proven ability to develop and implement stakeholder strategies that build trust, strengthen relationships, influence outcomes, and support organizational priorities.
Strong political and organizational judgment, with the ability to understand complex stakeholder environments, anticipate emerging issues, and identify risks and opportunities.
Experience using stakeholder engagement frameworks, governance processes, and reporting practices to inform strategy and support effective business decision-making.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop concise executive briefings, facilitate complex discussions, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of policy, regulatory or legislative environments that impact heavy industry , air and water quality regulations, tax policies, or the Utah legislative process.
Experience leading cross-functional projects and stakeholder-focused change initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic government and stakeholder engagement advice to internal clients on significant business initiatives, emerging issues, and strategic matters involving State of Utah and federal government partners.
Lead high-level engagements, forums, and meetings with government officials and key stakeholders to exchange information, address emerging issues, advance business priorities, and strengthen understanding of Rio Tinto operations and land development activities.
Develop and maintain trusted, productive relationships with the Utah Governor’s Office and senior staff, state executive-level appointees, State of Utah and federal government agencies, legislators, Utah’s congressional delegation, industry associations, and other influential stakeholders.
Advise regional and business teams on government and stakeholder engagement strategies, frameworks, standards, and leading practices that strengthen external relationships and support business objectives.
Build trusted relationships with senior business leaders and collaborate across functions to align government relations strategies with broader business priorities and long-term objectives.
Monitor and assess emerging policy, legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder developments, providing timely insights, strategic advice, and recommendations to senior leaders to support informed decision-making.
Represent the Government Relations function in cross-functional initiatives, strategic planning activities, and external stakeholder engagements, ensuring government and political considerations are effectively incorporated into business decisions.
Lead strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen government and stakeholder engagement capabilities, improve organizational effectiveness, and deliver positive business and stakeholder outcomes.
Lead the business’s government relations and policy strategy on land use and land development, including engagement on legislative, regulatory, and tax policy matters that impact current and future land development opportunities.

Benefits

A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
Ongoing Employee Assistance Program for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals