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 Northeast. This role will track, report and influence the development of state legislation, regulation and policies that could... more details
Williams is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected under applicable discrimination law.
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 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 Northeast. 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.
Your work will challenge you, and with our Core Values to guide you, you’ll quickly learn and grow with us.
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
Why Choose Williams?
We are committed to providing our employees with competitive compensation and benefits as part of your Total Rewards package to help protect your current and future physical, emotional, and financial health. We generally offer health benefit programs to our employees and their families that are competitive and flexible enough to meet your needs, and retirement benefits to allow you to invest now for financial security when you retire. With rich learning and development programming and a high internal mobility rate, you are not just applying to a job with Williams; you are embarking on an exciting career!
- Competitive compensation
- Annual incentive program
- Hybrid work model - one to two work from home days each week for most office-based roles
- Flexible work schedule for most field-based roles
- 401(k) with company matching contribution and a fixed annual company contribution
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Generous company-paid life insurance and disability benefits
- A consumer-driven health plan option with the potential for a generous company contribution to a Health Savings Account
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid time off, including floating and company holidays
- Wellness Program with annual rewards
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Robust employee learning and development
- High internal mobility (we promote from within)
- Parental leave (we provide up to 6 weeks for each parent)
- Fertility coverage and adoption benefits
- Domestic partner benefits
- Educational reimbursement
- Non-profit donation matching contributions and time off to volunteer
- Employee resource groups
- Employee assistance programs
- Technology to make our work more productive and collaborative
- Regular employee engagement surveys and feedback processes
Williams has a long history of making a significant difference in the communities where we live and work, and we strive to cultivate an environment of employee inclusion, innovation and passion that values all voices and opinions. We help each other succeed and great things happen when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come together. Together, we make clean energy happen.
Eligibility and benefits are governed by the terms of the applicable plan or program document which can be amended or terminated at any time.
For more information, please visit https://www.williams.com/careers/total-rewards/.
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