Federal Affairs Director

swa; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Airlines is seeking a Federal Affairs Director to lead legislative priorities within the Governmental Affairs team in Washington, D.C. You will advocate for the Company's positions before Congress and federal agencies, build relationships, and monitor regulatory developments that impact Southwest’s operations.

The role requires a deep understanding of federal processes, excellent written and oral communication, and the ability to collaborate across teams to advance Company priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience with federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Ability to analyze laws and policies affecting airlines or similar industries.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with ability to educate internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership on legislative priorities and execution plans in Southwest's best interest.
• Advocate positions with policymakers in Congress and federal agencies.
• Represent Southwest at congressional meetings and with federal agencies.
• Educate internal stakeholders about GA issues and priorities.

Skills

Federal legislation

Regulatory affairs

Research skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Discretion

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department:Governmental Affairs

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

As a Federal Affairs Director supporting the Governmental Affairs Team, you'll advocate for Southwest's interests before Congress while helping shape and execute strategies that support the Company's priorities. You'll manage key political relationships within an assigned portfolio, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and collaborate across Teams to evaluate potential impacts to Southwest's business and operations.

Additional Details

Due to the nature of this role, you'll be required to work from our Washington, D.C. facility and may need to work evenings as business needs require. This role may also require travel for trainings, meetings, conferences, and other business needs.

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership on legislative and regulatory priorities, strategy, and execution plans that are in the best interest of Southwest
• Advocate for and advance the Company's positions on policy priorities through effective communication (verbal and written) with policymakers in Congress and various federal agencies
• Represent the Company at congressional meetings, federal agencies, political events, etc.
• Proactively educate internal Southwest Customers about issues being addressed by the GA department
• Understand Southwest operational and business model, commercial priorities, as well as the dynamics of the larger airline industry through regular interactions with other Southwest departments
• Monitor and assess potential impacts on Southwest business model and route structure being considered by federal policymakers.
• Initiate and maintain a network of individuals outside of Southwest and who work for government, business, labor, and nonprofit entities to support the Company's priorities.
• Conduct research, analysis, and writing assignments (e.g., memoranda, letters and legislation) on governmental and political issues important to the Company.
• Assist with compliance reporting related to lobbyist, tax, or financial reports for political activities.
• Coordinate GA-related meetings for Southwest leaders visiting Washington, DC.
• Collaborate with Southwest's internal departments on outreach activities with policymakers in Congress and various federal agencies.
• Monitor and summarize legislation and industry news relevant to the GA department.
• Attend and provide reports on hearings, meetings, and strategy sessions that are pertinent to the department.
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's leaders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in federal legislative and regulatory processes within the federal government
• Passion for federal legislative and regulatory issues with a keen interest in the diverse federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting both the Company and the airline industry is essential
• Familiarity and alignment with Company goals, commercial objectives, and a desire to actively contribute to the formulation and execution of government-related programs and tactics to achieve Company goals
• Possess exceptional research skills and efficiently manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills, who is able to work harmoniously within internal and external teams to enhance Southwest's reputation with governmental leaders, legislative and regulatory bodies, and the communities served by Southwest
• Proficient in PC applications with strong PC skills, including proficiency in word processing applications
• Ability to perform under pressure with a proven track record of performing effectively in high-pressure situations
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues with discretion
• Strong Interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication

Education

Required: Bachelor's Degree

Experience

• Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in: Legislative or policy experience working within or directly with the federal government (i.e., Congress and/or a federal agency)
• Aviation/transportation
• Preferred: Experience advocating for organizational or industry