Governmental Affairs Advisor

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Job Description

Governmental Affairs – Advisor (State/Local Government)

Requisition ID 2017-17425

Location US-CA-Los Angeles

Post Begin Date 2/9/2017


We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Responsibilities:

Advisor (State & Local) is involved in strategy development and project execution in a specified number of states and/or cities. This person leads strategy implementation and is the primary point of contact for political relationship management in their defined region.

WORK ACTIVITIES/CONTEXT:

Represent the Company at meetings at state capitols, city and county governments, airport advisory committees, port authorities, with elected and appointed officials, with business and labor organizations (e.g., industry trade association or chambers of commerce), and at political events.

Works to educate and inform internal SWA Customers of the lobbying issues being addressed by the department, and works to better understand the policy and regulatory needs of internal SWA Customers.

Monitors potential impact to the Southwest business model and route structure being considered by governmental entities at the local and state levels.

General lobbying at the state and/or local levels to protect/advance the Company’s policies and positions in the public affairs arena. Responsibilities may include lobbying and assisting department with federal matters, as needed.

Help to build/maintain a network of governmental, business, labor, and/or civic interests to support the Company.

Supervise outside political or legislative consultants.

Research, analysis, and writing assignments on political/governmental issues of importance to the Company.

Assist with compliance reporting with respect to lobbyist, tax, or financial reports for political activities.

Schedule GA-related meetings for Southwest Leaders visiting state and localities in the assigned region.

Assist the General Counsel Department with legal and regulatory matters, as needed.

Protect/advance the Company’s policies and positions on public affairs issues through direct advocacy (both verbally and in writing) with state and local policymakers.

Inform internal Southwest Customers about public policy issues being addressed by the department.

Engage in research projects and draft memoranda, remarks, and letters related to GA issues.

Work with Southwest’s internal departments on outreach activities with state and local policymakers.

Monitor and summarize legislation and industry news important to the GA Department.

Attend and report on hearings, meetings, and strategy sessions of interest and relevance to the department.

Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description.

May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders.

Qualifications:

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

 

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in related field required.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in local or state government or for a transportation-related agency in a policymaking position, and/or as a government relations professional for another company, firm, or trade association.

 

SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE/WORK STYLE:

 

Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines.

Must possess strong PC skills with knowledge of word processing application. Ability to use a computer keyboard with sufficient speed to meet demands of job.

Must have good people skills and be able to work effectively with all levels of SWA Employees.

Ability to work well with others as part of a team.

Proven ability to perform under pressure. Must have judgment sufficient to handle and resolve issues related to sensitive and confidential matters.

Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to perform efficiently and effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines.

 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

At a minimum, the candidate must: a) have a solid understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes of state and local governments; b) have a strong interest in the various legislative and regulatory issues facing the Company and airline industry; c) have a thorough understanding of (or the capacity and interest to learn about) the Company's commercial goals and strategies; d) have a strong desire to help develop and implement GA programs and tactics to effectuate those commercial goals and strategies; e) be a self-starter, a multi-tasker, and problem-solver, who has superb interpersonal, verbal/written communications, and Internet research skills; and f) have the ability to work individually and participate with internal and external teams to enhance Southwest's standing among governmental leaders, legislative and regulatory bodies, and the communities served by Southwest. Must be willing to travel when required (e.g., to support the Company’s goals and strategies).

Must be able to work flexible schedule to include non-business days and hours as needed.

Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines.

 

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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