What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dir Government Affairs position at Williams?
Do something that means something at Williams. This isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to explore and discover your passion with coworkers who become friends and mentors who push you to be your best self in and out of the office. At Williams, we make clean energy happen. And you can too, so bring your energy to ours!
The Director of Government Affairs will lead a team of professional staff who build and strengthen key relationships across governmental entities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. This leader collaborates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to represent our positions on key issues and help drive positive outcomes related to legislative policies and regulations. Using broad knowledge of governmental and regulatory landscapes, the director will recommend business solutions that support our organizational objectives and strategies that are essential for success.
Your work will challenge you, and with our Core Values to guide you, you’ll quickly learn and grow with us.
Responsibilities/Expectations:
The Director of Government Affairs will lead a team of professional staff who build and strengthen key relationships across governmental entities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. This leader collaborates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to represent our positions on key issues and help drive positive outcomes related to legislative policies and regulations. Using broad knowledge of governmental and regulatory landscapes, the director will recommend business solutions that support our organizational objectives and strategies that are essential for success.
Your work will challenge you, and with our Core Values to guide you, you’ll quickly learn and grow with us.
Responsibilities/Expectations:
- Leads Williams’ state government affairs team, by setting a strategic vision and tactical implementation of legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives to further business objectives
- Monitors, engages, and advances state legislation and policy through strategic lobbying and coalition building across two dozen states
- Leads a team of professionals in the development and implementation of state government affairs strategies to address identified threats and opportunities across all levels of government, coordinates workforce planning and career development activities for team members
- Leads the formulation of policy positions, strategies, and execution of tactics and advocacy materials to support member’s legislative and regulatory initiatives at the state and regional levels
- Partners with project managers, legal team, permitting experts, and commercial teammates to support business objectives
- Engages government officials, industry peers, and other key influencers at the state and regional levels to educate them about our industry and business, while assessing and carrying out strategic partnerships for the company
- Partners with state and regional government, trade, civic, and business organizations to advance and sustain efforts in new communities, aligning the company’s social mission and enhancing community outreach initiatives
- Develops a community partnership plan to nurture relationships with membership associations, organizations, and business partners at the state and regional level
- Develops reports and coordinate collateral materials with communications and public affairs to support public policy outcomes
- Represents the company on various committees, trade associations, at regional and state events, and industry advocacy groups
- Other duties as assigned
- Required: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in government affairs, partner relations, or a similar role
- Preferred: Master’s degree or juris doctorate and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in government affairs, partner relations, or a similar role
- Experience managing and leading a team of professionals, managing a budget, and directing outside consultants
- Serve as a registered lobbyist in key states and regions
- Willing to travel about 50% of time
- Experience using and implementing corporate communications tools
- Detailed understanding of the legislative process and understanding of regulatory and permitting requirements
- Knowledge of the energy industry and market systems, with a focus on oil and natural gas
- Prior experience with grassroots and grass‑tops coordination and campaign efforts