U.S. Federal Government Relations Director

1000 Bentley Systems, Incorporated; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bentley Impact Day

Colleague recognition awards

Bentley Achievers platform

Inclusion and wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Bentley Systems is seeking a senior Director of U.S. Federal Government Relations to lead the enterprise-wide federal advocacy strategy.

The role requires deep knowledge of federal policymaking and an ability to position Bentley as a trusted partner to Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. The successful candidate will work with cross-functional teams to influence infrastructure policy, digital twins, AI adoption, and cybersecurity standards, while advancing Bentley’s federal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience in federal government relations, public policy, or advocacy.
• Experience creating and carrying out a Federal Government advocacy campaign.
• Proven track record of building relationships on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive U.S. federal government relations strategy aligned with Bentley’s objectives.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with Members of Congress and executive agencies such as DOT, FHWA, USACE, EPA, DOE, and OMB.
• Monitor, analyze, and influence federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments.
• Advocate for policies that accelerate infrastructure delivery and digital tools adoption.
• Coordinate with industry associations and partners to amplify Bentley’s positions.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership and prepare advocacy materials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align government relations with business development and thought leadership.
• Attend PAC and other political events as necessary.

Skills

Federal government relations

Policy advocacy

Capitol Hill engagement

Strategic communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location

Preferred to be in or near Washington, D.C. (or metro area): Hybrid if you are within commuting distance of a Bentley office; otherwise, this is a home-based opportunity.

Position Overview

Bentley Systems is looking for a highly skilled, senior and motivated, Director of U.S. Federal Government Relations to serve as a key strategic leader in advancing the company’s federal policy agenda. In coordination with the Senior Director, North America Government Relations, the candidate will develop and drive a sophisticated, enterprise-wide advocacy strategy to shape federal legislation, regulations, appropriations, and policy priorities that accelerate the adoption of digital infrastructure technologies, digital twins, AI-enabled solutions, permitting reform, and advanced engineering software across critical infrastructure sectors. Additionally, the candidate will also monitor, and engage in, other policy areas as necessary, including cybersecurity, data privacy, cross border data transactions, and any relevant AI legislative and regulatory initiatives. Reporting to senior leadership, this role will collaborate closely with teams in infrastructure policy advancement, account advancement, marketing and communications, legal/compliance, and product to position Bentley as a trusted partner to federal agencies, Congress, and the White House. This Washington, DC-based (or metro area) position requires deep institutional knowledge of federal policymaking, proven influence on Capitol Hill and within key executive agencies, and the ability to position Bentley Systems as a trusted, strategic partner to Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. The successful candidate will operate at the highest levels of government and industry, translating Bentley’s digital infrastructure vision into impactful public policy outcomes while safeguarding and expanding the company’s federal market opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive U.S. federal government relations strategy aligned with Bentley’s business objectives, focusing on infrastructure investment, AI adoption, digital transformation, permitting reform, technology adoption in public sector projects, and related appropriations.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff (especially transportation, appropriations, energy, and science committees), executive branch officials at agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its modes, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others involved in infrastructure and technology policy.
• Monitor, analyze, and influence federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments (e.g., reauthorization of surface transportation bills, Water Resources Development, FAA Reauthorization, AI federal framework, NEPA/permitting reform, FedRAMP and cybersecurity standards for infrastructure software, federal procurement policies, and emerging AI/digital twin guidelines).
• Advocate for policies that accelerate infrastructure delivery, promote digital tools for efficiency and sustainability, reduce regulatory barriers, and secure continued federal funding for projects utilizing advanced engineering software.
• Coordinate with industry associations, coalitions (e.g., Build America Caucus supporters, infrastructure advocacy groups), and partners to amplify Bentley’s positions.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on political and policy risks/opportunities; prepare briefing materials, testimony, comment letters, and other advocacy documents.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align government relations efforts with business development, public sector sales, and thought leadership initiatives (e.g., policy papers, events, and reports on digital infrastructure benefits).
• Attend PAC and other political events as necessary.

Travel and Physical Requirements

The job consists of 10-15% travel. Requires sitting or standing at will while performing work on a computer (or any other physical requirements).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPP, MBA, or similar) preferred.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience in federal government relations, public policy, or advocacy, ideally with a technology/software company, infrastructure/engineering firm, trade association, or federal government role.
• Experience creating, and carrying out, an effective Federal Government advocacy campaign, including influencing both the legislative and regulatory processes.
• Proven track record of building and leveraging relationships on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, appropriations, or technology policy areas.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including appropriations, authorization bills, rulemaking, and executive actions.
• Experience advocating for technology adoption in government (e.g., SaaS/cloud solutions, digital twins, AI in engineering, cybersecurity standards) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with federal infrastructure programs (IIJA, NEPA, Buy American, FedRAMP) and current policy debates (permitting reform, digital infrastructure investment).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; experience drafting policy materials, testimony, or congressional correspondence.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acumen, and ability to translate complex technical concepts into policy-relevant messaging.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to ethical advocacy and compliance with all lobbying laws.

What We Offer

Step into a collaborative work environment where ideas flourish, and teamwork propels us forward towards shared success.

An attractive salary and benefits package.

Bentley Impact Day: take a day off from work to volunteer with an organization of your choice.

Celebrate milestone achievements and moments that matter through our colleague recognition award programs and our Bentley Achievers platform.

A commitment to inclusion, belonging and colleague wellbeing through global initiatives and resource groups.

Be part of a company committed to making a real difference by advancing the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life, where your contributions help build a more sustainable, connected, and resilient world.

Discover our latest user success stories for an insight into our global impact.

Who We Are

Bentley Systems (Nasdaq: BSY) is the infrastructure engineering software company.

We provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment.

Our industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, and industrial facilities.

Our offerings, powered by the iTwin Platform for infrastructure digital twins, include MicroStation and Bentley Open applications for modeling and simulation, Seequent’s software for geoprofessionals, and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud encompassing ProjectWise for project delivery, SYNCHRO for construction management, and AssetWise for asset operations.

Bentley Systems’ 5,200 colleagues generate annual revenues of more than $1 billion in 194 countries.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bentley is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, religion, national origin, age, genetic information or any other protected characteristic.

This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and training.

Know Your Rights as an applicant under the law.

Bentley Policy on EEO, Affinitiative Action and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Bentley participates in e-Verify / Bentley participate in e-Verify / Right to Work Notice Request an Accommodation: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Bentley is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. We encourage you to request a reasonable accommodation if you are not able to fully use or access our online application system. You can make an accommodation request by calling 610-458-5000 or sending us an email at [e-mail]

Additional Information

At Bentley, you'll help shape the future of infrastructure with innovative solutions, a global impact, and a culture that values growth, collaboration, and sustainability.

Built by engineers for engineers, Bentley has been the leading global provider of infrastructure engineering software for 40 years.

Join us on our continued journey leading industry change.

Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.

Bentley Systems (Nasdaq: BSY) is the infrastructure engineering software company. We provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment. Our industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, and industrial facilities. Our offerings, powered by the iTwin Platform for infrastructure digital twins, include MicroStation and Bentley Open applications for modeling and simulation, Seequent’s software for geoprofessionals, and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud encompassing ProjectWise for project delivery, SYNCHRO for construction management, and AssetWise for asset operations. Bentley Systems’ 5,200 colleagues generate annual revenues of more than $1 billion in 194 countries.