Position Summary...

What you'll do...

The Director, Federal Government Affairs, will play a key role in developing and maintaining relationships with Democratic stakeholders and constituencies at the federal level (based in Washington, DC). The ideal candidate for this position should have a track record of working closely and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. He/she will play an important role as an advocate on behalf of the company to achieve positive policy outcomes and will be asked to contribute significantly to stakeholder engagement efforts. In addition to understanding the legislative and regulatory process, candidates may be asked to: provide input on amendments and alternatives to legislative proposals; draft testimony for Congressional hearings to be presented by appropriate company executives; draft and submit timely responses to Federal Register notices; present to various external groups on key issues; initiate meetings and interact with senior executive branch officials, members of Congress, Congressional staff, political party leadership and foreign ambassadors; elevate Federal Government Affairs outreach initiatives and relationships among trade associations, think-tanks, non-governmental organizations, and coalitions; and deliver testimony to executive branch inter-agency committees.

• Ensuring alignment of Walmart's overall corporate goals and business objectives with government policy by providing input on strategic priorities for Public and Government Affairs and serving as a subject matter expert on legislative or political issues and their impact on Walmart goals and objectives.
• Working with internal stakeholders to determine the company's position on top-priority regulatory, legislative and inter-agency proposals and align on strategies for issue portfolios based on emerging and existing legislative and regulatory developments.
• Representing the company's regulatory, compliance and policy positions and initiatives with internal and external groups, including engagement with policymakers to discuss company positions; advancing the company's position at industry and legislative events; preparing relevant statements and testimony; making presentations at relevant conferences and panels; testifying at legislative hearings; and discussing key emerging issues or pending legislation with external stakeholders at many levels.
• Collaborating across broader corporate affairs departmental senior management to develop messaging and implement multi-channel media strategies including using traditional media, paid advertisements and leveraging social media while ensuring compliance with multi-channel media guidelines and governance.
• Preparing Walmart senior and executive management for public testimony on complex issues, including speeches and presentations to government and non-governmental organizations, conferences and task forces.
• Managing performance of Federal Government Affairs suppliers and external consultants to ensure consistency with current business and political needs; leading the evaluation of supplier performance in terms of contract agreements and compliance with company policies.
• Determining and supporting resource requirements; evaluating operational processes; measuring outcomes to ensure desired results; identifying and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; promoting a customer environment.
• Demonstrating adaptability and pursuing continuous learning.
• Contributing to an environment where associates respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all programs and practices.
• Developing and engaging internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals, which may include leveraging company-sponsored community outreach and branded initiatives.

• At least 7 years' experience working on Capitol Hill or in public policy, with an emphasis on strong relationships with key Democratic stakeholders and constituencies.
• A proven track record of goal setting and achievement of those goals.
• A creative vision and a confident voice to advocate and execute the vision.
• A high level of comfort working across a matrix organization with peers and senior leaders.
• An organized and disciplined approach for managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills for distilling legislative and policy issues into easily understood briefing materials.
• Political astuteness and a keen understanding of the evolving landscape in which our business operates.