Director, Government & Community Affairs

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Overview

This job contributes to REI’s success by advancing REI’s community and government affairs in the interests of the co-op, its members, employees, and the outdoor recreation community. The role leads government affairs and civic engagement, establishing and executing federal, state, and local strategies. This position works with elected officials and their staff, agencies, trade associations, coalitions, and key stakeholders to advance REI Co-op’s impact and business goals.

The director has oversight of the REI Cooperative Action Network for activating grassroots advocacy with REI’s members. They work in close partnership with key internal partners including Communications, Marketing, Trade Compliance, Stores, the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a public charity focused on making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Overview

This job contributes to REI’s success by advancing REI’s community and government affairs in the interests of the co-op, its members, employees, and the outdoor recreation community. The role leads government affairs and civic engagement, establishing and executing federal, state, and local strategies. This position works with elected officials and their staff, agencies, trade associations, coalitions, and key stakeholders to advance REI Co-op’s impact and business goals.

The director has oversight of the REI Cooperative Action Network for activating grassroots advocacy with REI’s members. They work in close partnership with key internal partners including Communications, Marketing, Trade Compliance, Stores, the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a public charity focused on making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

This position operates in a fast-moving corporate retail business, serving as a subject matter expert for REI’s executive leadership and frequently representing the co-op in public forums. Reports to the Divisional Vice President, Sustainability & Community Affairs and supports executive leadership. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Leading the Way

• As a member of the Leadership Forum, develops a deep understanding of, effectively communicates, and broadly supports execution of company strategies and priorities.
• Translates company strategies into actionable divisional plans and executes successful delivery.
• Works cross-divisionally to drive execution of specific divisional and company strategies, initiatives and projects.
• Identifies and communicates key responsibilities and practices to ensure the organization promotes a successful attitude, confidence in leadership, and teamwork to achieve business results.
• Supports the implementation of company programs, procedures, methods and practices to promote REI key messages.
• Challenges and inspires employees to achieve business results.
• Ensures employees adhere to legal and operational compliance requirements.
• Oversees training and development of employees directly and indirectly managed and makes effective staffing decisions.
• Conducts and ensures the completion of performance reviews.
• Provides coaching, direction and leadership support to employees in order to achieve department, company and customer results.
• Establishes and maintains visibility within the department.
• Monitors operational statistics, reports trends, variances and issues, and takes appropriate action.

• Develop and execute REI’s civic engagement strategy at federal, state, and local levels.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-divisional partners to shape and implement REI’s public policy agenda.
• Identify and advance issues critical to REI’s business, including trade, regulations, public lands, recreation access, and conservation.
• Represent REI in legislative and regulatory matters.
• Build and manage relationships with elected officials,…