Director, State & Local Government Affairs
Location: Marriott International HQ, 7750 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Job Number:
Employment: Full‑time Management position; Salary $125,600–$173,200 annually. Bonus and stock package available.
Job Summary
The Director, State & Local Government Affairs is a key member of Marriott International's Government Affairs group. They work to advance the interests of the company with state and local legislators, regulators, mayors, governors, and other stakeholders influencing state and local policy development. This role autonomously manages a multi‑issue, multi‑jurisdictional policy portfolio; serves as the subject‑matter expert and primary representative of Marriott with relevant state and local policymakers; continuously monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory activity for its impact on the business; maintains relationships with policymakers and company leaders to inform advocacy, political giving, and compliance strategies; and manages relationships with external consultants, lobbyists, business associations, and coalitions.
Candidate Profile
Education and Experience
- Four‑year college degree in political science, public policy, or related field (required).
- 10 years’ experience in state or local legislative office, legislative affairs or policy role within a state agency or Governor’s office, or in a government relations role (required).
- Fluency with state and local political and legislative processes, including experience with grassroots and coalition management.
- Ability to undertake significant travel (≈50% during peak legislative season) and flexibility to attend evening events.
- Preferred: Advanced studies or graduate degree in political science, public policy, or related field.
- Experience with a mix of government and private sector.
- Experience in the hospitality industry with strong knowledge of related products, services, solutions, and strategies.
Core Work Activities
- Lead and oversee Marriott’s engagement in state and local legislative and political affairs, including identifying policy priorities through internal stakeholder engagement.
- Manage a multi‑issue policy portfolio – independently analyze relevant legislative and regulatory activity across various jurisdictions, determine potential impact, and develop company positioning.
- Build advocacy campaigns while managing the strategic deployment of outside consultants, lobbyists, and coalition partners.
- Develop and maintain relationships with state and local officials and their staff to build receptivity to company policy goals.
- Represent the company with state trade associations and coalitions to drive alignment in advancing company objectives.
- Develop and execute strategic political‑giving plans with leadership; represent Marriott at fundraisers, conventions, and related political events.
- Support political compliance efforts in collaboration with outside counsel.
- Oversee grassroots political engagement by Business Councils and other property‑level associates.
- Engage key internal stakeholders: inform senior leadership, develop executive communications on state and local policy matters; collaborate with field, legal, and operations leaders; identify and prepare executives for potential political sensitivities; identify proactive engagement opportunities with policymakers; collaborate across company functions to ensure alignment on policy issues.
- Support other Government Affairs activities and projects: identify, shape, or create opportunities at public events to educate policymakers; develop or oversee content for internal and external communications; represent Government Affairs office to build support for MARPAC; represent the company at fundraising and community events; build programming for Government Affairs Day Fly‑Ins with Business Council and property leaders.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal‑opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non‑discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan, stock purchase plan, discounts at Marriott properties, commuter benefits, employee assistance plan, childcare discounts.
- Full‑time positions also offer medical, dental, vision, health‑care flexible spending accounts, dependent‑care flexible spending account, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, adoption expense reimbursements, paid parental leave, and educational assistance.
- Washington applicants only: accrued paid sick leave, 0.077 PTO per hour worked, and a minimum of 9 holidays annually.
- Hybrid work environment for headquarters‑based positions; remote positions considered for candidates outside commuting distance to Bethesda, MD.