Lead, Government Affairs; State

Job Description

Job Title:

Lead, Government Affairs (State)

Job Title:

Lead, Government Affairs (State)

Posting

Start Date:

9/10/26

Job Description:

$120,000 - $130,000

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow profession

The primary role of this position is to develop and manage a comprehensive state government affairs program to advance and support the company’s business plan and state–specific objectives. This role manages legislation with the potential to impact the company and provides strategic direction and tactical implementation of government affairs activities in support of company objectives.

This role is also responsible for establishing, nurturing and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed state government officials, for ensuring that the company is properly and effectively positioned with key elected/appointed individuals, and is a trusted and expert resource.

The Lead, Government Affairs reports to the Director of Government Affairs (State) and is responsible for effective reporting and communications with American Water to ensure the company is advancing an aligned, integrated and effective government relations strategy across the business. This role works closely with the Corporate Government and External Affairs team to ensure timely sharing of relevant information related to legislative efforts, including development of policy issues and narratives, bill drafting and amendments, and internal legislative tracking and reporting.

• Leads and directs the effective development, implementation and assessment of an integrated government affairs program to enhance the company's strategy and reputation, and to position American Water as the trusted expert and industry leader relative to water and wastewater issues.
• Establishes regular proactive communication outreach strategies and tactics in the state government political arena to ensure state government and political relationships are solidified and American Water is looked upon across all service territories with respect and positioned as the industry leader and trusted expert.
• Proactively meets with state and local government officials on a regular basis to create strong relationships, mitigate emerging or potential problems, and establish a level of trust between the company, state legislators and other appointed and elected officials.
• Develops and implements government affairs and outreach strategy and tactics for rate case proceedings and other company initiatives as directed.
• Is the primary state lobbyist for the company charged with helping to change, stop or advance water, wastewater, utility or other legislation impacting the company and/or the industry.
• Prepares and manages the development of legislative testimony, testifies on behalf of the company and/or prepares the other company representatives to provide legislative testimony, as appropriate.
• Manages contract lobbyists and maximizes…