Sr. Local Government Specialist - Southwestern U.S. (Remote, 50% Travel)
The Sr. Local Government Specialist is responsible for representing and advocating the interests of Niagara Bottling before local government in our plant locations in the Southwestern States. The document outlines the responsibilities and qualifications for representing Niagara Bottling before local governments and community groups in the Southwestern United States, focusing on political advocacy, community engagement, and monitoring local policy decisions impacting business operations. It specifies required qualifications including a bachelor's degree, experience in local government, knowledge of Southwestern water policy, and the ability to work flexible hours with travel across the region. The role includes leadership, communication, and project management duties, as well as attending community events and maintaining relationships with diverse stake holders and local officials.
Essential Functions- Government Relations & Political Advocacy:
- Represent Niagara Bottling before local government officials, city councils, county commissions, and regional public agencies across assigned Southwest jurisdictions.
- Coordinate and carry out targeted local political advocacy, coalition-building initiatives, and stakeholder outreach.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for local stakeholders, elected officials, and internal business leaders on regional municipal affairs.
- Policy Management & Strategic Analysis:
- Monitor, analyze, and report on municipal ordinances, regional ballot measures, and county regulations affecting plant operations, land use zoning, commercial trucking, packaging, and water management.
- Provide real-time political insights and executive updates, integrating policy intelligence into corporate decision-making processes.
- Develop and execute an annual Southwest advocacy strategy aligned with broader public affairs and operational business goals.
- Partner with local plant leadership, the community and local officials.
- Assist plant management in local events and engagement.
- Community Engagement & Niagara Cares:
- Collaborate with local bottling plant leadership and Niagara Cares to identify, evaluate, and engage community organizations, non-profits, and neighborhood groups.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute community engagement events, sponsorship programs, and local partnerships with Niagara Cares.
- Crisis Management & Issue Mitigation:
- Serve as a first responder and liaison for emerging local political, regulatory, or community issues that pose operational, financial, or reputational risks.
- Partner with corporate communications to align regional messaging and handle local stakeholder inquiries when needed.
- Leadership & Communication:
- Write, review, and deliver regular executive briefs, advocacy reports, and external messaging for local public forums.
- Exercise leadership within assigned responsibilities, fostering cross-functional teamwork, loyalty, and organizational effectiveness.
- 50% travel required to Southwest states.
- Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.
Qualifications- Minimum Qualifications:
- 4 Years - Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
- *experience may include a combination of work experience and education
- Preferred Qualifications:
- 6 Years - Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
- *experience may include a combination of work experience and education
CompetenciesThis position embodies the values of Niagara's LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:
- Lead Like an Owner
- Makes safety the number one priority
- Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately
- Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals
- Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly
- Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively
- Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers
- InnovACT
- Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products
- Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances
- Increases performance through greater efficiency
- Find a Way
- Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
- Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions
- Seeks solutions rather than placing blame
- Empowered to be Great
- Consistently looks for ways to improve one's self through growth and development opportunities
- Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across
- Communicates effectively to manage expectations
Proficiency in, but not limited to:
- Demonstrated knowledge of and established relationships with local governments in Southwestern US.
- Understanding of SW water policy and local decision making.
- Experience planning and implementing community programs and events.
- Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills suited for public council meetings and internal executive updates alike.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common digital communication platforms.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Experience working with elected officials, coalition partners, or advocacy campaigns.
- Familiarity with Nevada, Colorado or Arizona's local government policies and process.
- Ability to track local Government activity and decisions.
- Ability to attend community events during evenings and weekends.
Education- Minimum Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
- Preferred:
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, or another closely related field
Certification/License:- Required: N/A
- Preferred: IEDC, NDC
Foreign Language- Required: None Required
- Preferred: None Required
Typical Compensation RangePay Rate Type: Salary
$87,360.12 - $126,672.19 / Yearly
BenefitsOur Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:
Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.
- Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
- Paid parental and caregiver leaves
- Medical, including virtual care options
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Health Savings Account with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
- Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
- Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
- Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
- Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
- And more!
https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits
