Associate Director of Government Relations

Position Description

• Responsible for all government relations activities in multiple states.  Primary focus will be the Legislative and Executive branches, but some regulatory advocacy will also be required.  Responsible for developing messaging and political arguments as well as executing a political strategy for achieving desired policy outcomes.   
• Represents the Company in legislative and regulatory matters in states, providing policy direction, implementing initiatives, and lobbying for the Company's interests (e.g., energy, the environment, solid waste management).  Analyzes and monitors legislation and regulatory issues.  Collaborates with Director to develop the Company's position, required modifications to legislation, and create and implement a specific plan of action to achieve the desired policy outcomes. 
• Assists VP and Director in the development of the Company's legislative and regulatory positioning at the state and local level, taking into consideration the Company's operational challenges, developing areas of business, and new projects, and the current political and legislative landscape in each region and state.  Create and implement plans of action to target political situations and legislative environments.   Manage a corporate political contribution budget; make recommendations for candidates to support and events to attend.  Manage travel schedule to promote efficient time management.
• Writes position papers and presentations, drafts testimony, testifies before committees, and represents the Company in meetings and at conferences.  Collaborates with contract lobbyists in each state to make contacts, network, and optimize Covanta's positioning at national conferences, association meetings, and within industry groups.   Cultivate a network of contacts in states to support the Company's goals, including leaders in politics, industry and science.   Develops relationships with those who can advance the Company's goals and policies, optimize the Company's image and neutralize opposition. 
• The position reports to the VP Government Relations, but the individual will be working closely with corporate and regional facility management, business development and environmental divisions to clarify issues and advocacy strategies.

Position Requirements

• The qualified candidate must have a Bachelors Degree and a minimum of 7 to 10 years’ experience in the area of state government relations, and have strong analytic, written and oral communications skills. 
• The position requires an individual capable of working in a fast paced and diverse environment, and must be able to travel and maintain a flexible schedule. 
• A high degree of self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently are required.