The client is seeking a Vice President of State Government Relations (SGR), a management and advocacy role leading a team focused on public policy in the U.S. states. The position is responsible for policy advocacy related to agriculture, biofuels, environment, nutrition, sustainability/climate, and tax issues for the client’s state business, with an emphasis on driving effective government engagement and providing strategic support to internal stakeholders.
The Vice President of State Government Relations will lead the SGR team and coordinate strategy on key public policy issues, including developing and executing advocacy and issue management plans with internal business leaders. The role will represent the client in policy discussions and engagements with state officials, provide policy insights and strategic updates to business stakeholders, and manage team planning and budget in partnership with global government relations leadership. The role will also advance policy priorities with state officials and stakeholders across multiple states, and educate external stakeholders on the client’s corporate strategy while advocating for relevant state grants and incentives.
Qualifications include 10–15+ years of experience in state government relations and related private-sector work, along with a strong bipartisan stakeholder network across key states and relevant policy sectors. The candidate should have expertise in advocacy, issue management, and association/consultant management, and be able to translate complex policy issues for both business and government audiences. Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), organizational, and management skills are required, with experience working in and/or having an established network in state governments, primarily in the Mid-West, expected. A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.