State Government Affairs Director

Position description

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

 

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

About you and this role

Dow has an exciting opportunity for a State Government Affairs Director located in Austin, TX!

In this role, you will develop and execute integrated state government affairs, advocacy, political engagement, and stakeholder strategies that advance Dow's business objectives, protect the company's license to operate, and strengthen Dow's reputation as a trusted partner in economic growth, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability. You will leverage your network and deep expertise, to anticipate emerging legislative, regulatory, and political developments that may impact the business. You will translate complex issues into actionable strategies, provide strategic counsel to senior leaders, and effectively influence diverse stakeholders by communicating complex concepts with clarity and credibility.

You will proactively identify opportunities and risks, anticipate potential objections, and build alignment across internal and external audiences to advance business priorities. Success in this role requires the ability to influence decision-making at senior levels and advocate for positions that may challenge existing perspectives. You will lead the resolution of complex, high-impact challenges with broad business implications and drive strategic initiatives involving significant risk, visibility, and organizational complexity. This includes developing and executing implementation strategies, directing priorities and resources, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will make decisions within broad corporate policies and industry frameworks, while shaping the direction, effectiveness, and long-term impact of government affairs programs and engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute state government affairs strategies aligned with Dow's business priorities and advocacy objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with governors, legislators, economic development officials, and other stakeholders to advance Dow's interests.
• Serve as the principal advisor to business and site leaders on state legislative, regulatory, political, and economic developments, translating emerging policy risks and opportunities into actionable business strategies.  Responsible for high level executive prep and briefs.
• Represent Dow before state legislative bodies, executive branch agencies, regulatory authorities, and other governmental entities.
• Establish and leverage a sophisticated network of policymakers, political leaders, and third-party stakeholders to shape outcomes and advance Dow's policy priorities.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies on legislative, regulatory, policy, and political issues impacting Dow and the broader manufacturing sector.
• Draft, review, and support proposed legislative amendments, regulatory language, and official comments during rulemaking and legislative processes.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts across Dow manufacturing sites, business leaders, trade associations, NGOs, and external consultants to ensure a unified approach.
• Represent Dow within key industry, trade, and busines
• s associations and help shape coalition advocacy strategies, policy positions, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Advance policies that promote manufacturing competitiveness, energy affordability, infrastructure investment, workforce development, innovation, and economic growth.
• Act as a strategic advocate on behalf of Dow, helping shape the policy environment and influence future legislative and regulatory outcomes in assigned states or regions.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts across Dow manufacturing sites, business leaders, trade associations, NGOs, and external consultants to ensure alignment on policy priorities and advocacy strategies
• Support Dow's political engagement activities, including relationship development with elected officials and participation in company-approved political and stakeholder engagement programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree or relevant military experience at or above a U.S. E5 or Canadian Petty Officer 2nd Class or Sergeant ranking. 
• A minimum of 10 years of public policy and/or government advocacy experience. 
• A minimum requirement for this position is the ability to work legally in the United States.  No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in law, public policy/government, economics, statistical analysis/business or related field preferred
• Prior public sector experience.

Skills

• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prioritization: Ability to manage tight deadlines and prioritize workload effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: Analytical skills and statistical reasoning are necessary.
• Issues Advocacy: Proven skills in government advocacy, influential leadership, and overall knowledge of industry
• Public Policies: Demonstrated ability to anticipate policy and political developments and proactively shape outcomes through advocacy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement.

Application instructions

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