U.S. Federal Government Relations Director

Location: Preferred to be in or near Washington, D.C. (or metro area): Hybrid if you are within commuting distance of a Bentley office; otherwise, this is a home-based opportunity.

Position Overview

Bentley Systems is looking for a highly skilled, senior and motivated, Director of U.S. Federal Government Relations to serve as a key strategic leader in advancing the company's federal policy agenda. In coordination with the Senior Director, North America Government Relations, the candidate will develop and drive a sophisticated, enterprise-wide advocacy strategy to shape federal legislation, regulations, appropriations, and policy priorities that accelerate the adoption of digital infrastructure technologies, digital twins, AI-enabled solutions, permitting reform, and advanced engineering software across critical infrastructure sectors. Additionally, the candidate will also monitor, and engage in, other policy areas as necessary, including cybersecurity, data privacy, cross border data transactions, and any relevant AI legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Reporting to senior leadership, this role will collaborate closely with teams in infrastructure policy advancement, account advancement, marketing and communications, legal/compliance, and product to position Bentley as a trusted partner to federal agencies, Congress, and the White House.

This Washington, DC-based (or metro area) position requires deep institutional knowledge of federal policymaking, proven influence on Capitol Hill and within key executive agencies, and the ability to position Bentley Systems as a trusted, strategic partner to Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies. The successful candidate will operate at the highest levels of government and industry, translating Bentley's digital infrastructure vision into impactful public policy outcomes while safeguarding and expanding the company's federal market opportunities.

Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a proactive U.S. federal government relations strategy aligned with Bentley's business objectives, focusing on infrastructure investment, AI adoption, digital transformation, permitting reform, technology adoption in public sector projects, and related appropriations.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff (especially transportation, appropriations, energy, and science committees), executive branch officials at agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its modes, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others involved in infrastructure and technology policy.
• Monitor, analyze, and influence federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments (e.g., reauthorization of surface transportation bills, Water Resources Development, FAA Reauthorization, AI federal framework, NEPA/permitting reform, FedRAMP and cybersecurity standards for infrastructure software, federal procurement policies, and emerging AI/digital twin guidelines).
• Advocate for policies that accelerate infrastructure delivery, promote digital tools for efficiency and sustainability, reduce regulatory barriers, and secure continued federal funding for projects utilizing advanced engineering software.
• Coordinate with industry associations, coalitions (e.g., Build America Caucus supporters, infrastructure advocacy groups), and partners to amplify Bentley's positions.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on political and policy risks/opportunities; prepare briefing materials, testimony, comment letters, and other advocacy documents.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align government relations efforts with business development, public sector sales, and thought leadership initiatives (e.g., policy papers, events, and reports on digital infrastructure benefits).
• Attend PAC and other political events as necessary.
• The job consists of 10-15% travel.

• Requires sitting or standing at will while performing work on a computer (or any other physical requirements).

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPP, MBA, or similar) preferred.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience in federal government relations, public policy, or advocacy, ideally with a technology/software company, infrastructure/engineering firm, trade association, or federal government role.
• Experience creating, and carrying out, an effective Federal Government advocacy campaign, including influencing both the legislative and regulatory processes.
• Proven track record of building and leveraging relationships on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, appropriations, or technology policy areas.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including appropriations, authorization bills, rulemaking, and executive actions.
• Experience advocating for technology adoption in government (e.g., SaaS/cloud solutions, digital twins, AI in engineering, cybersecurity standards) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with federal infrastructure programs (IIJA, NEPA, Buy American, FedRAMP) and current policy debates (permitting reform, digital infrastructure investment).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; experience drafting policy materials, testimony, or congressional correspondence.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acumen, and ability to translate complex technical concepts into policy-relevant messaging.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to ethical advocacy and compliance with all lobbying laws.

What We Offer:

• A great Team and culture - please see our colleague video.
• An exciting career as an integral part of a world-leading software company providing solutions for architecture, engineering, and construction - watch this short documentary about how we got our start.
• An attractive salary and benefits package.
• A commitment to inclusion, belonging and colleague wellbeing through global initiatives and resource groups.
• A company committed to making a real difference by advancing the world's infrastructure for better quality of life, where your contributions help build a more sustainable, connected, and resilient world. Discover our latest user success stories for an insight into our global impact.