Senior Government Affairs & Public Policy Specialist - Autonomous Driving

Volkswagen Group of America•Los Angeles, CA

60d•$160,000 - $185,000

About The Position

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future. Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion. Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity. As ADMT, we develop and realize fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to make mobility-and transportation-as-a-service safe, accessible, and most attractive for society. For that, we cover the entire ground from strategy and business development, software development and end-2-end integration, fleet operations to next-generation self-driving systems. Being the driver in Volkswagen Group initiative for mobility solutions, we're an integral part of Volkswagen Group's future success. ADMT represents the Volkswagen Group as its driver for building self-driving technology. With experienced leaders in the field and collaborative partnerships with some of the world's largest automakers, we're building self-driving technology that is engineered to scale globally and transform mobility for millions. Talented individuals join our team because they share our purpose to make it safe, easy, and enjoyable for everyone to get around. We aspire to impact key industries that move people and goods, from ride hailing to deliveries. Are you ready to join us? Senior Government Affairs & Public Policy Specialist - Autonomous Driving Role Summary: Primary responsibility for legislative, regulatory and community engagement in the Western United States with initial focus on Los Angeles. Represent the company before the state legislatures, and local governmental forums on Level 4 autonomous activities. Be the voice and face of the company in the States related to Level 4 development and commercialization in various business models. Build political support and gain regulatory certainty for the business at the federal, state and local level in deployment cities. Develop events and experience for internal and external stakeholders showcasing VW ADMT's technology and development including governmental representatives from the US and Germany Participate in state/local Chambers of Commerce as well as other allied groups; assume leadership positions. Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities to build and maximize positive public acceptance for Mobility Use Cases with autonomous vehicles. Create opportunities to feature/promote VWGoA at prominent events. Provide the business development teams with relevant state and city insights and data on which to base deployment decisions. Manage/direct a team of contract lobbyists as well as a VWGoA Public Affairs colleague. Participate in setting strategy/policy for Volkswagen ADMT Ability to create high-level presentations for executive consumption.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and at least 7 years' experience in political/government relations position (Capitol Hill or Agency, state/local government experience desired).
Master's degree
Knowledge of the legislative process at the local, state, and federal levels
Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, local lobbying compliance and ethics laws
Ability to comprehend and draft legislation
Ability to navigate political, legislative and regulatory landscape at federal, state and local level
Ability to manage government relations assets (lobbyists, public relations colleagues, memberships, etc.)
Ability to develop professional relationships with elected officials and related interests
Ability to manage complex projects that require the management and coordination of internal and external partners
Outstanding speaking skills to present company before stakeholders, including hearings
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key executive branch officials, federal and state legislators, their staff, committee staff, and regulators
Strong writing ability; Strong computer skills; Strong verbal skills (articulate and concise); Goal and results oriented; Diplomacy and tact
Team Player
Capacity to lead, direct and manage an internal team as well as external lobbying firms and other stakeholders.
Established relationships at federal/state/local levels
Insight on political realities/challenges at federal, state, local level
Active experience working with and lobbying federal, state and local officials
Knowledge of economic development negotiations and contractual obligations
Establish ongoing systematic outreach to key city, county, state and NGO partners
Strong relationships across industry and government
Held leadership roles, active in relevant trade associations
Executive presence: responsible company representative with senior government officials and within trade associations/coalitions.
Legislative understanding; regulatory knowledge; political savvy.

Nice To Haves

Automotive Industry Expertise
Working knowledge and expertise in ADAS and AD technology and use cases
Experience advising states on development of AD policies
Experience public speaking at industry conferences, government hearings and task forces
Experience in a regulated industry
Experience coalition building
Background in accessibility issues, relationships with disability community
Create events to promote the business and leadership within existing structures (chambers, NGO memberships)

Responsibilities

Manage, develop and oversee proactive local and state policy strategies that impact Volkswagen ADMT
Develop close relationships with local officials and state legislators to promote company interests
Mitigate risk by traveling to state capitals to represent company interests in legislative battles; leading public affairs events and advancing political strategies.
Develop collateral materials. Provide direct testimony and assist in testimony preparation for other leaders as required.
Track and report on legislative activity.
Represent the company at government affairs meetings and events
Establish and maintain high-level contacts with a wide variety of industry and non-industry stakeholders including key industry trade associations, who are in a position to compel or promote government actions favorable to the company.
Coordinate, oversee and manage internal and external resources, including internal contractors and external consultants.
Lead the identification, cultivation, and maintenance of partnerships with key groups, organizations, and community leaders
Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities
Develop and manage engagement initiatives across additional markets, coordinating site support where needed
Promote opportunities for joint programming with community-based partners
Build exposure, excitement, connection to our brand, and earned media opportunities
Establish a trusted and visible face as contact point for ADMT at community events
Integrate community and regulator feedback into responsive company programs and strategies
Provide advice (including to President and Board Member level) as well as direction to major departments and related affiliates; including steering strategic vision and implementing policies and programs to support business objectives and achieve public policy objectives,
Monitor company-wide progress, including identification of problem areas or obstacles, and provide assistance to solve them.
Highly collaborative and ability to work cross-functionally across Volkswagen ADMT and across the Group.
Support the creation and execution of strategic planning goals in coordination with core business units.