Senior Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs

Liberty•Joplin, MO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Legal and Business Affairs will provide leadership for Liberty’s engagement with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders across the Central region, including Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Iowa, with a particular focus on Missouri. This role shapes Liberty’s external policy environment by advancing utility-friendly legislation and regulation and ensuring alignment between policy advocacy and regulatory execution. The incumbent builds trusted relationships with policymakers and regulators, represents Liberty in industry forums, manages external consultants in key states, and leads a team of Strategic Growth and Community Affairs professionals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
10+ years experience
5+ years in management/leadership role
Expertise in utility regulation, energy/gas/water policy, and legislative processes.
Demonstrated success influencing policymakers and regulators at state levels.
Experience building and leading coalitions.
Strong political acuity, lobbying skills, and stakeholder networking ability.
Knowledge of regulatory processes to align advocacy with case execution.

Responsibilities

Defines and directs government and regulatory affairs strategies at the state and municipal levels.
Works with corporate functions and business units to develop proactive policy positions that support Liberty’s long-term business strategy.
Provides input and feedback to Regulatory Services to help ensure policy advocacy reflects regulatory case realities and compliance requirements.
Oversees the development of legislative and regulatory strategies to address risks to business operations and advance strategic initiatives.
Builds and sustains strong relationships with elected officials, policymakers, regulatory authorities, and industry associations.
Manages contract lobbyists and external advisors at the state level.
Positions Liberty as a constructive and credible voice in political and regulatory forums.
Accountable for monitoring state legislation and assessing its impact on Liberty.
Works with the business to develop necessary advocacy strategies and represents Liberty in legislative hearings and industry forums.
Champions Liberty’s positions on key issues, ensuring alignment with corporate values, regulatory discipline, and customer priorities.
Coordinates Liberty’s participation in regional coalitions and industry bodies to help influence collective outcomes.
Collaborates with Finance, Operations, Legal, and Regulatory Services to ensure integrated approaches to policy.
Advises executives and business leaders on the implications of emerging policy and regulatory trends.
Ensures government and regulatory perspectives are incorporated into strategic planning and major projects.
Leads, mentors, and develops a team of Strategic Growth and Community Affairs professionals within the Central region.
Provides guidance and leadership to a team focused on Liberty’s strategic municipal and large strategic customers, while supporting the team’s active presence in the community.
Oversee existing Central state (AR, OK, KS, MO) company political action committee (PAC), including bringing recommendations to the Heartland Board, planning PAC activities for members, and member maintenance and expansion.