The State Government & Regulatory Affairs Rep Sr. is responsible for leading, developing and maintaining state government and regulatory agency and non-governmental organization relationships in all areas where we operate, not only for project specific advocacy but for overall business growth, operations and project execution support. This position will lead company engagement to influence the development of state legislation, regulation and policies that could affect our company. The ability to collaborate across all business functions and partner with internal business partners to develop and implement a state and local issue management process that nurtures relationships across government are keys to success.
Day in the Life:
As a State Government & Regulatory Affairs Rep Sr/Staff supporting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region, you’ll spend your days building trusted relationships with policymakers, tracking legislation, and shaping regulatory outcomes that support natural gas pipelines. Whether you're briefing senior leaders, collaborating with internal teams, or representing Williams in statehouses and industry groups, your work will directly influence our ability to operate and grow responsibly. It’s a dynamic role where strategy meets advocacy—and where your voice helps power the future.
Responsibilities/Expectations:
•Serves as on-the-ground lobbyist and company representative within the region of operations
•Cultivates relationships with government leaders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to advocate on behalf of our position on issues, enhance our reputation and influence policies and regulations
•Leads meaningful engagement in technical partner groups on issues and appropriately influence policy development and regulatory comments and advocacy
•Drafts company position papers and presentations; accompanies senior leaders on visits and prepares them for these meetings by creating relevant briefing materials focused on political advocacy guidance developed on-the-ground in relevant states
•Drives the agenda for business impact; tracks our participation in these groups and actively participates in trade associations, coalitions and other industry groups to drive business objectives
•Leads engagement on proposed state-level regulations and leads us through the public comment process, collaborating with Environment & Permitting and Legal on technical insights
•Develops implementation plans and tools for when new regulations or rules take effect; risk ranks each proposed regulation and provides a monthly report while also providing a strategy for our highest risk issues
•Leads collateral creation by drafting presentations, creating talking points, developing fact sheets, elevating the political perspective for content across the company, and undertaking research and expansion projects
•Other duties as assigned
Education/Years of Experience:
•Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Political Science, Communications; a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in government affairs, patron relations or related field
•Preferred: Master's degrees in Law, Business, Political Science, Communications; a minimum of eight (8) years of experience as staff in a State House, Governor's office, or federal congressional office within the specific geographic region to which the individual is assigned; public relations background
Travel Requirements:
•Willingness to travel throughout the region regularly (up to 50% of time)
Other Requirements:
•Must be registered as a lobbyist in states where our organization operates; in either the mid-Atlantic or Northeast region
•Ability to be proactive in legislative and regulatory engagements
•Strong understanding of the energy industry and experience in oil and natural gas policy issues
•Thorough understanding of the legislative process and rules
•Demonstrates excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and safety as the utmost priority
•Proficiency in Microsoft Applications and PC skills
•Experience using and implementing communications tools with internal and external audiences
•Highly developed strategic skills in government and regulatory affairs and outreach
•Ability to work under high pressure in a dynamic environment and collaborate across a matrixed organization
•Preferred: Former legislative or regulatory staffer
•Preferred: Experience in issues campaigns