Government Relations Director
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Omaha, NE, United States
Overview
At HDR, 100% of the company is owned by our employees and that employee‑ownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people and clients. HDR serves city, state, federal, military and private sector clients with 14,600 employees across the U.S., 14 other countries, and diverse service lines including Transportation, Health Care, Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power & Energy, Waste, and Industrial. Our work emphasizes technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose to safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. About the role: The Director of Government Relations will guide HDR’s enterprise‑wide advocacy strategy, strengthening HDR’s presence with Washington, D.C., federal agencies, and other government bodies critical to the architecture, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Responsibilities include coordinating strategic political engagements, monitoring legislation impacting the built environment, and positioning HDR as a trusted advisor on policy topics such as infrastructure investment, environmental regulation, transportation, and community development. Beyond local and federal advocacy, the Director will lead HDR’s approach to state and local government issues and work across business groups and corporate functions to ensure HDR’s perspectives are well represented and aligned with organizational goals. The position requires someone who can represent HDR effectively with politicians and party groups on both sides of the political aisle at all levels of government. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will be a dynamic, relationship‑driven leader who brings strategic insight, political acumen, and a passion for elevating HDR’s voice in the public arena while fostering a culture of partnership across the enterprise. Key Responsibilities
Engage proactively with government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to shape policy and advocate for the company’s priorities. Oversee the company’s Political Action Committee, including strategy development, annual campaigns, and political contribution activities. Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local reporting requirements. Select, hire, and manage external lobbying firms to effectively represent the organization’s interests. Protect and promote HDR's 100% employee ownership tax status as an S Corp ESOP. Include any other essential responsibilities as applicable. Requirements 10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or legislative strategy, with a demonstrated record of leadership and strategic impact. Established bipartisan relationships with federal government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders. 10+ years of experience working with C‑suite executives, providing strategic counsel and influencing enterprise‑level decisions. 5+ years of direct or indirect people‑leadership experience, fostering high‑performing teams and collaborative cultures. Proven experience partnering with and managing contract lobbying firms, ensuring effective representation and accountability. 10+ years of experience engaging with industry associations and political organizations, advancing policy objectives within complex stakeholder environments. Background in political giving, including PAC management and oversight of corporate contribution strategies. Strong ability to analyze executive and legislative actions, translating policy implications into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and operational teams. Exceptional negotiation, mediation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with success navigating high‑stakes, politically diverse environments and building consensus among varied stakeholders. Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to advocate on behalf of the organization, brief elected officials, and distill complex policy into compelling, accessible messaging. 10+ years of professional experience spanning a broad range of policy issues, demonstrating versatility and depth in legislative analysis. Ability to travel up to 50% on average. Must meet the qualifications to register as a lobbyist. Preferred Experience working within a large, complex corporate environment, navigating diverse regulatory, cultural, and organizational landscapes. Combination of strategic thinking and political acumen in the engineering/architecture industry. Experience working with a global firm. Position strongly preferred to be based in Omaha or Washington, D.C.; other locations may be considered based on qualifications. Experience and familiarity with Omaha’s civic, governmental, and business landscape. Advanced degree. Locations
United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC Schedule
Full-time Employee Status
Regular BusinessClass: Marketing and Admin Job Posting
Mar 11, 2026 At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.
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At HDR, 100% of the company is owned by our employees and that employee‑ownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people and clients. HDR serves city, state, federal, military and private sector clients with 14,600 employees across the U.S., 14 other countries, and diverse service lines including Transportation, Health Care, Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power & Energy, Waste, and Industrial. Our work emphasizes technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose to safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. About the role: The Director of Government Relations will guide HDR’s enterprise‑wide advocacy strategy, strengthening HDR’s presence with Washington, D.C., federal agencies, and other government bodies critical to the architecture, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Responsibilities include coordinating strategic political engagements, monitoring legislation impacting the built environment, and positioning HDR as a trusted advisor on policy topics such as infrastructure investment, environmental regulation, transportation, and community development. Beyond local and federal advocacy, the Director will lead HDR’s approach to state and local government issues and work across business groups and corporate functions to ensure HDR’s perspectives are well represented and aligned with organizational goals. The position requires someone who can represent HDR effectively with politicians and party groups on both sides of the political aisle at all levels of government. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will be a dynamic, relationship‑driven leader who brings strategic insight, political acumen, and a passion for elevating HDR’s voice in the public arena while fostering a culture of partnership across the enterprise. Key Responsibilities
Engage proactively with government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to shape policy and advocate for the company’s priorities. Oversee the company’s Political Action Committee, including strategy development, annual campaigns, and political contribution activities. Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local reporting requirements. Select, hire, and manage external lobbying firms to effectively represent the organization’s interests. Protect and promote HDR's 100% employee ownership tax status as an S Corp ESOP. Include any other essential responsibilities as applicable. Requirements 10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or legislative strategy, with a demonstrated record of leadership and strategic impact. Established bipartisan relationships with federal government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders. 10+ years of experience working with C‑suite executives, providing strategic counsel and influencing enterprise‑level decisions. 5+ years of direct or indirect people‑leadership experience, fostering high‑performing teams and collaborative cultures. Proven experience partnering with and managing contract lobbying firms, ensuring effective representation and accountability. 10+ years of experience engaging with industry associations and political organizations, advancing policy objectives within complex stakeholder environments. Background in political giving, including PAC management and oversight of corporate contribution strategies. Strong ability to analyze executive and legislative actions, translating policy implications into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and operational teams. Exceptional negotiation, mediation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with success navigating high‑stakes, politically diverse environments and building consensus among varied stakeholders. Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to advocate on behalf of the organization, brief elected officials, and distill complex policy into compelling, accessible messaging. 10+ years of professional experience spanning a broad range of policy issues, demonstrating versatility and depth in legislative analysis. Ability to travel up to 50% on average. Must meet the qualifications to register as a lobbyist. Preferred Experience working within a large, complex corporate environment, navigating diverse regulatory, cultural, and organizational landscapes. Combination of strategic thinking and political acumen in the engineering/architecture industry. Experience working with a global firm. Position strongly preferred to be based in Omaha or Washington, D.C.; other locations may be considered based on qualifications. Experience and familiarity with Omaha’s civic, governmental, and business landscape. Advanced degree. Locations
United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC Schedule
Full-time Employee Status
Regular BusinessClass: Marketing and Admin Job Posting
Mar 11, 2026 At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.
#J-18808-Ljbffr