Director Government Affairs

Director of Government Affairs

IHG Hotels & Resorts Washington, District of Columbia (Remote)

The Director, Government Affairs advances the interests of the company with legislators, regulators and other non-governmental stakeholders influencing federal policy development. The Director must develop excellent relationships with policymakers, formulate sophisticated advocacy on a broad range of policy issues, and provide clear guidance to the business about risks and opportunities.

Location: This role is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Vice President, Government Affairs.

Lead and oversee IHG’s engagement in federal legislative and government affairs nationally, including:

• Identifying policy priorities through internal stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships to enhance the company’s profile with policymakers and their staff, working closely with stakeholders and allies.
• Formulate and execute policy advocacy and identify developments that might impact the company on a broad range of issues.
• Managing a multi-issue policy portfolio, including analyzing relevant legislative and regulatory and developing company positioning.
• Represents IHG externally with stakeholders and with key trade associations.
• Effectively manages the IHG PAC, including supervising a full-time PAC Manager.

Provide guidance to corporate senior leadership by:

• Informing senior leadership and developing executive communications on federal policy matters.
• Educating legal and operations leaders on legislative/regulatory changes that impact business activity and providing guidance as they implement compliance strategies.

Support other Government Affairs activities and projects, including:

• Identifying, shaping and/or creating opportunities at public events to educate policymakers about IHG to bolster company’s reputation.
• Developing or overseeing the creation of content for internal and external communications related to federal policy developments.
• Supporting the Government Affairs team in executing the government affairs advocacy objectives as well as ad hoc policy issues as they arise in the AMER region.
• Executing a clear owner engagement plan on key policy initiatives and advocacy efforts at the federal level.

Education -

Four-year college degree required, with advanced studies or a graduate degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field preferred.

Experience -

10+ years of experience working in a federal legislative office, in a legislative affairs or policy role within a government agency, political campaign, or in a government relations role, or with a mix of government, campaign and private sector experience preferred.

Technical Skill & Knowledge -

• Fluency with the federal political and legislative processes, as well as experience with grassroots and coalition management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating confidence and professional impact in front of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to work closely with people at all levels of the organization and explain complicated concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with limited required direction and guidance.
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to creatively develop solutions as necessary.
• Commitment to maintain the highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity.