State Government & Regulatory Affairs Rep Staff

Williams; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams seeks a State Government Affairs Rep. Staff to lead relationships with state and local officials, influence policies, and align advocacy with business priorities in West Texas.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Communications, Operations and Finance, plus travel across designated regions and coordination with external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in business/political science/communications, 7+ years in government affairs, and strong written/spoken

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, political science or communications; a minimum of seven (7) years' direct experience in government affairs, customer/business partner relations or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; ten (10) years' experience in state House, Governor's office, or federal congressional office within the assigned geographic region.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and cultivates executive relationships with state and local government leaders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to represent the company position on issues
• Influences relevant policies and regulations and develops/enhances the reputation of the company
• Builds lasting relationships that help to establish trust, mitigate potential obstacles, convey our priorities and strategies and sustain efforts in new communities
• Supports leadership with updates on material legislative and regulatory developments; develops company position papers, collateral, fact sheets and presentations
• Participates in technical partner groups, industry trade associations, coalitions, and other advisory/industry committees; drives the agenda for business impact
• Supports development of implementation plans and tools for when new regulations or rules take effect; provides a strategy for addressing high risk issues
• Engages state and local officials, peers, and other key influencers in an effort to educate them about our industry and our business
• Willingness to travel, as needed, to states or cities within the individual’s coverage area
• Ability to manage outside consultants and work closely with both internal and external audiences
• Understand and manage department budgets
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Executive relationships

Policy influence

Stakeholder engagement

Oral communication

Written communication

Public policy knowledge

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, political science or communications

Master’s degree in law, business, political science or communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The State Government & Regulatory Affairs Rep. Staff is responsible for leading, developing and maintaining state government and regulatory agency, elected/appointed officials and non-governmental organization relationships in all areas where Williams operates for project advocacy, business growth, operations and project execution support – with a particular focus on the West Texas. This role will track, report and influence the development of state legislation, regulation and policies that could affect our organization. The team will align advocacy with business priorities for existing and prospective operational areas. This role will primarily support efforts at the state and local level, but certain policies and issues may need to be coordinated at a federal level or with other members of the team. The ability to develop and implement a comprehensive issues management process that nurture relationships, collaborate with others to assess and act upon key issues, contribute as a team member and lead cross functional teams without formal leadership authority are keys to success.

Responsibilities/Expectations:

• Establishes and cultivates executive relationships with state and local government leaders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to represent the company position on issues
• Influences relevant policies and regulations and develops/enhances the reputation of the company
• Builds lasting relationships that help to establish trust, mitigate potential obstacles, convey our priorities and strategies and sustain efforts in new communities
• Supports leadership with updates on material legislative and regulatory developments; develops company position papers, collateral, fact sheets and presentations
• Participates in technical partner groups, industry trade associations, coalitions, and other advisory/industry committees; drives the agenda for business impact
• Supports development of implementation plans and tools for when new regulations or rules take effect; provides a strategy for addressing high risk issues
• Engages state and local officials, peers, and other key influencers in an effort to educate them about our industry and our business
• Willingness to travel, as needed, to states or cities within the individual’s coverage area
• Ability to manage outside consultants and work closely with both internal and external audiences
• Understand and manage department budgets
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Years of Experience:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in business, political science or communications; a minimum of seven (7) years' direct experience in government affairs, customer/business partner relations or related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in law, business, political science or communications; a minimum of ten (10) years' experience as staff in a State House, Governor's office, or federal congressional office within the specific geographic region assigned

Other Requires Experience:

• Demonstrates excellent organizational/interpersonal skills and safety as the utmost priority
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and PC skills
• An understanding of energy policy, with a specific focus on legislation and/or the regulatory process
• Ability to work with elected officials across the political spectrum to build support and consensus
• Understands corporate communications tools and implementation with internal and external audiences
• Detailed understanding of the legislative process/rules and practice of government and regulatory affairs and outreach
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Able to establish excellent rapport with individuals on all levels, specifically senior leaders and officials
• Ability to work under high pressure in a dynamic environment and collaborate across a matrixed organization
• Preferred: Experience in political or issues campaigns
• Travel Requirements: Approximately 50% travel is expected to support project, and business needs
• This role is expected to be based in either the Houston office or the Midland/Odessa region

, Lead state government affairs efforts within designated regions. Partner with internal stakeholders including Communications, Operations, Environmental & Permitting, Engineering Services and Finance to develop and implement a comprehensive state and local issue management process that nurtures relationships across government. Align this with business priorities for existing and prospective operational areas. Support efforts at the state and local level, but certain policies and issues may need to be coordinated at a federal level or with other Government Affairs team members. Engagements with, but not limited to: state government officials, local leaders; NGOs and civil society, trade and business groups, academia, and other third parties. This position will effectively collaborate across all functions and the business to assess and act upon key issues.