Contractors’ Warehouse —
Director, Government Relations – East

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Director, State Government Relations will lead and advance The Home Depot's state and local public policy agenda in the Eastern half of the United States. This team leader is responsible for developing and managing a multifaceted strategic plan to accomplish key objectives and priorities aligned with our core values that will protect, defend and advance The Home Depot’s business.

MAJOR TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and manage government relations strategy across the Eastern United States.
• Oversee management and development of direct reports.
• Hire and oversee external lobbying firms.
• Direct and manage trade associations and serve on association Boards.
• Serve as the company’s primary point of contact for local and state elected officials, primarily Governors, Attorney’s General, state and local legislators, state agencies, Mayors and City Councilors and law enforcement.
• Track legislation and engage in direct lobbying.
• Recommend and oversee political contributions to candidates and associations aligned with business interests.
• Partner with Public Affairs to develop messaging, campaigns and external partnerships to favorably impact public policy issues and enhance our reputation with key stakeholders. 
• Organize store walks and engage in community events with elected officials.
• Engage with state-based staff for the federal delegation and engage on federal issues as needed.
• Provide rapid response to fast-moving legislative priorities including the development of talking points and grassroots campaigns and support for key issues.
• Engage with internal business partners to develop positions, prepare and provide legislative testimony and other subject matter expertise directly to state and local officials.
• Maintain frequent speaking engagements internally and externally to senior management, large groups and in legislative testimony.
• Report on activities in region of responsibility for weekly newsletters, write position papers, grassroots alerts, and issue summaries for internal and external audiences.
• Strictly adhere to all lobbying and ethics laws.

NATURE AND SCOPE

• Reports to the Sr. Director, Government Relations with frequent coordination with the Vice President, Government Relations and External Communications.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Environment:

• Position is based at the company’s Store Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia and requires in-person interaction with public officials.
• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Travel:

• Typically requires travel 50-75% of the time, primarily within the region of responsibility and to DC, or other locations as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.

Education Required:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Years of Relevant Work Experience:  10+ years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must have experience working in government relations, public affairs, lobbying or on Capitol Hill or state legislature/Governor's office.
• Must have demonstrated ability to develop and leverage a strong network of key bipartisan leaders.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Superior written communications skills in both formal and informal contexts.
• Excellent verbal presentation and public speaking skills.
• Exceptional judgement and ability to function and multi-task under pressure and ambiguity.
• Operate using the highest ethical standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about.
• On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.