Government Relations State Manager

Job Location: Hershey, PA or surrounding area (some hybrid work)

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Mandate

This position requires that you must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (even if working remotely) and present proof of vaccination before beginning employment. If you receive an offer of employment, you will be asked as part of the background check process to upload a copy of your vaccination card. If you believe you require an accommodation for medical or religious reasons related to the vaccine safety mandate, you may submit a request after you receive an offer of employment. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in your offer letter.

Summary

The State Government Relations Manager provides insight and analysis on state and local legislative and regulatory actions and trends, particularly in our headquarters state of Pennsylvania, that impact the Company’s ability to manufacture, market and sell product in the United States. This position requires a sophisticated understanding of political and legislative strategy, a proven record of political acumen and strong working knowledge of the food manufacturing industry or agricultural supply chains. Reporting to the Senior Director, Global Government Relations, this individual will develop strategies for Hershey’s priorities in the U.S. Sates, establishing and maintaining key relationships at the state and local levels across our Company’s domestic manufacturing and distribution footprint, and with key business partners and state-based and national associations (such as the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National and/or Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce). The State Government Relations Manager will proactively provide strategic advice on state and local policy matters related to the Company’s business and policy objectives.

Ideal candidate has demonstrated government relations experience in Pennsylvania, including developing legislative strategy, issues management (including forecasting), and operational experience in political strategy, including a proven track record of internal collaboration, and working in a highly matrixed environment. Successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated the ability to work cross-functionally and in collaboration with teams to achieve desired outcomes. Candidates must be exceptional communicators with proven ability to facilitate discussions among decision-makers and business leaders as well as with external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be experienced in stakeholder engagement and representing an organization internally and externally. The successful candidate must perform well in a team environment, with the ability to work effectively and independently.

This is an external-facing position based in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Summary of major duties:

Government Relations Research, Trend Analysis, Issue Management and Advocacy

• Lead Pennsylvania and other state-based lobbying and legislative agenda, and assist in policy formation efforts, and state grassroots activities of the Company, and inform management on legislative issues and developments.
• Develop, lead and coordinate state-based lobby days, plant and other tours and events to further the Company’s government relations objectives
• Review, monitor and analyze applicable state legislative and regulatory issues and trends in all 50 states and in localities in our domestic manufacturing footprint.
• Engage with state and local policymakers to advocate for legislation favorable to our Company and industry that aligns with our policy framework and is consistent with our regulatory strategy and Company values.
• Maintain a robust state and local intelligence gathering network and identify and apprise management of political and legislative opportunities and threats of importance to Hershey
• Create and implement strategic plans for effective government relations engagement with public policy makers for the Company’s domestic footprint based on the Company’s business priorities
• Provide regular status updates to the Company on legislative and policy priorities
• Prepare briefing notes and memos, position statements, talking points and other policy communications for Company leadership, and participate in the development of relevant reports and communications materials
• Provide high level strategic advice on Hershey PAC growth strategy, giving, and planning, with a focus on state political contributions; attend PAC functions.

Trade Association Management

• Primary responsibility for engagement and representation of Hershey in Pennsylvania-based trade associations.
• Participate in key national state and local and state-based trade associations and community organizations as directed by the Senior Director.
• Assist in development of industry policy positions and policy priorities and proactively influence and shape relevant external policies.
• Provide staff support to Company executives who sit on the boards or committees of US-based and state-based trade associations.

Internal Thought Leadership

• Establish and maintain effective internal relationships with relevant subject matter experts and with colleagues across all related business functions
• Partner with key internal stakeholders, including the legal department, Procurement, Supply Chain, Brands, Finance and other business units, to anticipate business needs and proactively develop strategy and positioning to build reputation and amplify Hershey narrative that progresses our business goals
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal stakeholders to inform and assist in development of company policy positions
• Participate in cross-functional teams relating to Hershey’s mission and priorities

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of increasing responsibility in legislative or government relations, public policy or related field
• Pennsylvania-based experience, in the Governor’s Office, a state Executive Department (such as Department of Economic Development, Department of Agriculture) or in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, or related Pennsylvania-based trade association, required.
• In depth knowledge of regulatory and policymaking processes in Pennsylvania and government relations required. Experience with agricultural supply chains preferred.
• Experience successfully engaging with and advancing shared goals.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and a track record of successful prioritization and execution
• Strong influencing, collaboration, and experience managing relationships with all levels within an organization and with external stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and standards-setting bodies.
• Superior oral and written communications skills, and an ability to clearly articulate Hershey’s position on specific topics
• Excellent judgement on key sensitive issues, and an ability to provide recommendations on how they are advocated
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable, managing and progressing projects with differing objectives, milestones, and deliverables
• Possess the stature and presence to represent Hershey at industry forums and events
• Ability to keep information confidential.