Lead and direct the state and local government affairs program and provide strategic external communications counsel to the state president and the state senior leadership team. Drive the state’s strategy and execution of goals supporting Inclusion and Diversity, external ESG initiatives, legislative initiatives and priorities, and all external communications and education/marketing efforts.

Key Accountabilities

• Provides counsel on matters affecting policy, politics, and key relationships and ensures the creation and implementation of strategic external communications comprised of robust written and dynamic digital communication content for external audiences. Works with the state president and team to effectively communicate and build relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders and will also monitor and measure communication plan outcomes and drive for continuous improvement in customer and overall stakeholder (legislative/regulatory/media) engagement.

• While managing numerous cross-functional projects, be a leader, skillfully collaborating with the entire government and external affairs team, as well as the state’s major accounts manager, as appropriate, and delegating tasks to direct reports in an effort to produce high-quality, resonant and engaging deliverables.

• Serves as the company’s lead state lobbyist, responsible for advancing, amending, and/or stopping legislation that impacts the company and water/wastewater industry in the state subsidiary supported. Directs and works with the Manager of Government affairs to lead the contract lobby team and to leverage political relationships, advocate the company’s position, testify on the company’s behalf, track legislation, and provide political guidance to the company.

• Working with the External Affairs team, monitor internal/external business developments, as well as identify PAGE 2 of 5 connections between business activities and industry trends, that may pose a threat or benefit to American Water’s reputation.

• As a master of creative content development with a strong visual sense, will propose creative and innovative communications tactics. In addition to written communication, will help produce videos as part of an overall external communications strategy.

• Engage with a variety of external stakeholders to build strategic relationships and coalitions to support the company’s legislative and communications initiatives. Actively participates in suitable business, industry, civic and community organizations, including involvement on various boards and committees. Supports the state president’s involvement in external organizations as appropriate.

• Partner with Internal Communications and Customer Communications colleagues to maintain strategic integration of messaging and regularly communicate and discuss projects best practices with client groups. Partner with Customer Experience and other cross-functional teams to build strategic external/internal communication plans to promote enterprise-wide projects and programs.

• Work across department functions to provide guidance on the political implications of various actions and relationships, including regulatory affairs, legal, business development, external affairs, and major accounts.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must possess an excellent working knowledge of the legislative process at all levels of government, including understanding of the structural and political dynamics impacting key players and the company’s advocacy efforts. Has a thorough understanding of PAC and election laws and a knowledge of the various reporting requirements as applicable.

• Must be a registered lobbyist.

• Strong digital communication and technology skills. Must expertly leverage the holistic customer and overall stakeholder (legislative/regulatory/media) digital experience.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to distill complex information into easy-to-understand content.

• Must work with agile mindset to meet tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

• Able to delegate tasks effectively by setting tasks and timelines and providing guidance as needed.

• Is experienced and adept at reviewing and providing thoughtful feedback for both copy and graphic design and layout.

• High confidence and enthusiasm when working with new technologies and new ideas; ability to manage through influence, and build strong, trusting relationships.

• Must be able to multitask and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and demand.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, government, journalism, communications, public relations, public policy or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years experience in government relations, lobbying, external affairs, or a communications role. Outstanding, proven written and oral communication skills.

• Direct, hands-on experience in multimedia communication such as video production, graphics, photography, social media platforms.

• Experience with local and national media.

Travel Requirements

• 40% within the state and travel across the US as needed

Work Environment

• Works in a modern-day professional office environment.

Other

• Active State Driver's License required with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report. 
• Know, understand and follow departmental and company policies and procedures, and contacts that govern the work environment.
• Assist in creating a predictable work environment by communicating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and managers.
• Participate in and contribute to the culture and environment in a positive and professional manner by collaborating with colleagues, offering suggestions, accepting feedback, resolving problems and being productive with the strategies of the organization in mind.
• Strive to achieve agreed upon goals, accept direction, offer and receive feedback in a constructive manner and communicate effectively to the betterment of the work environment.
• Possess the acumen of the subject matter and capacity to expand this knowledge based on professional dynamics.

Competencies