Dir of State Government Affairs

Williams CompaniesHouston, Washington, District of Columbia, TexasOn-siteFull-timePrincipal, 12–15+ yearsListed 1 hour ago

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About this role

At Williams, we’re powering a cleaner, more connected future, and that starts with you. Here, your work fuels communities, drives innovation, and helps deliver reliable energy the world depends on. Join a Fortune 500 team that invests in your growth, values your contributions, and challenges you to make a lasting impact every day.

The Director of Government Affairs will lead a team of professional staff who build and strengthen key relationships across governmental entities, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. This leader collaborates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to represent our positions on key issues and help drive positive outcomes related to legislative policies and regulations. Using broad knowledge of governmental and regulatory landscapes, the director will recommend business solutions that support our organizational objectives and strategies that are essential for success.

Responsibilities/Expectations:

- Leads Williams’ state government affairs team, by setting a strategic vision and tactical implementation of legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives to further business objectives
- Monitors, engages, and advances state legislation and policy through strategic lobbying and coalition building across two dozen states
- Leads a team of professionals in the development and implementation of state government affairs strategies to address identified threats and opportunities across all levels of government, coordinates workforce planning and career development activities for team members
- Leads the formulation of policy positions, strategies, and execution of tactics and advocacy materials to support member’s legislative and regulatory initiatives at the state and regional levels
- Partners with project managers, legal team, permitting experts, and commercial teammates to support business objectives
- Engages government officials, industry peers, and other key influencers at the state and regional levels to educate them about our industry and business, while assessing and carrying out strategic partnerships for the company
- Partners with state and regional government, trade, civic, and business organizations to advance and sustain efforts in new communities, aligning the company’s social mission and enhancing community outreach initiatives
- Develops a community partnership plan to nurture relationships with membership associations, organizations, and business partners at the state and regional level
- Develop reports and coordinate collateral materials with communications and public affairs to support public policy outcomes
- Represents the company on various committees, trade associations, at regional and state events, and industry advocacy groups
- Other duties as assigned

Education/Years of Experience:

- Required :  Bachelor’s degree and ten plus (10+) years of experience in government affairs, partner relations, or a similar role
- Preferred :  Master’s degree or juris doctorate and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in government affairs, partner relations, or a similar role

Other Requirements:

- Experience managing and leading a team of professionals, managing a budget, and directing outside consultants
- Serve as a registered lobbyist in key states and regions
- Willing to travel about 50% of time
- Experience using and implementing corporate communications tools
- Detailed understanding of the legislative process and understanding of regulatory and permitting requirements
- Knowledge of the energy industry and market systems, with a focus on oil and natural gas
- Prior experience with grassroots and grass‑tops coordination and campaign efforts
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We invest in our people in ways that actually show up in your day-to-day, not just on paper. Our Total Rewards are built to support how you work, live, and plan for what’s next.

Here’s a look at what that means:

- Strong pay plus an annual incentive program
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with options that fit your life, not the other way around
- 401(k) with company match and an annual company contribution
- Paid time off, including company and floating holidays
- Paid parental leave (up to six weeks per parent), plus fertility and adoption support
- Advanced AI tools and resources to help level up and work smarter
- Clear paths to grow your career, with a strong culture of promoting from within
- Tuition reimbursement and support for continuing education
- HSA and FSA options
- Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Domestic partner benefits
- Employee resource groups, wellness support, paid volunteer time, and company matching for causes you care about

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 Total Rewards | Williams Companies .

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.