OverviewThe Role:
Suffolk is seeking a Vice President, State & Local Government Relations to lead the company’s engagement with elected and appointed officials across our key markets. This leader will play a critical role in advancing Suffolk’s strategic priorities by strengthening public sector relationships, influencing policy and procurement environments, and positioning the company for continued growth.
Serving as Suffolk’s primary liaison to state and local government leaders, this role partners closely with executive and regional leadership to enhance market access, mitigate political and regulatory risk, and elevate Suffolk’s brand as an industry leader in safety, innovation, and project delivery.
This individual will also lead external government relations partners and advise senior leadership on political engagement strategies, including oversight of the company’s Political Action Committee (PAC).
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute Suffolk’s state and local government relations strategy across the Los Angeles market.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key public sector stakeholders to support business development and operational success
- Identify and influence policy, regulatory, and procurement developments that impact Suffolk’s projects and growth opportunities
- Partner with regional leadership to align government relations efforts with business priorities, helping to unlock new opportunities and strengthen Suffolk’s competitive position
- Develop and manage strategic engagement plans that elevate Suffolk’s brand and reputation in key markets and sectors
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory dynamics
- Oversee and coordinate external consultants, lobbyists, and government relations partners to ensure alignment and impact
- Support crisis management and issues response related to public sector stakeholders, including reputational and political risk mitigation
- Provide guidance and oversight for Suffolk’s political engagement activities, including PAC strategy and compliance
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related field, preferably within construction, infrastructure, real estate, or a highly regulated industry
- Proven track record of building and leveraging relationships with state and local government leaders across multiple regions
- Strong understanding of public sector procurement, policy development, and regulatory environments
- Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and align external engagement strategies with business objectives
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive presence
- Experience managing consultants, external partners, or multi-market initiatives
- Knowledge of political compliance requirements, including PAC oversight
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
- Willingness to travel regularly to key Suffolk markets
Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.
Compensation Information
Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.