Public Affairs Lead

Brief Role Description
This position is Career Level 20P+ located in Washington DC, with a Role Classification of Hybrid.

Role Summary
Reporting to the Head of Industry and Government Relations at VWGoA, manage a broad federal policy portfolio that may include issues such as safety, technology, and environment.

Develop and manage relationships with the US Congress as well as the US executive branch. Advance policy initiatives at trade associations and directly with key policymakers.

Support the VWGoA Public Affairs team on additional policy priorities & special projects as directed.

Role Responsibilities
Federal Affairs: 80%

Serve as the lead federal representative on a broad automotive policy portfolio that may include such issues as:

Safety & Surface Policy

Technology Policy including AV & CV2X

Data & Privacy as well as Intellectual Property Policy

Environmental Policy

Tax & Workforce Policy

Serve as the lead representative for VWGoA at the Federal Affairs Committee & Policy Committees of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Serve on select other trade association committees.

Track and report on legislative and political activity. Socialize and align policy positions with key subject matter experts across VWGoA.

Present during key VWGoA meetings and translate policy developments into decision factors for the business.

Engage with government officials from both the federal legislative and executive branches to advance aligned policy positions. Engage with non-governmental organizations to amplify the VWGoA policy agenda.

Establish and maintain high-level contacts with a wide variety of industry and non-industry stakeholders including key industry trade associations, who can compel or promote government actions favorable to the company.

Support the management if internal and external resources, including external consultants, to ensure effective advocacy efforts.

Develop collateral materials. Provide direct testimony and assist in testimony preparation as required.

Special Projects: 20%

Support the VWGoA government relations team on additional federal, state, or local policy priorities as directed.

Support on special projects such as executive presentations, event planning and legislative fly-ins.

Attend events as a representative of VWGoA.

Qualifications
Years of Experience:

7-10 years of relevant professional experience.

Required Education:

Bachelor of Arts or Science

Desired Education:

Master’s Degree or Experience Equivalent

Skills:

Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, be creative and strategic

Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written

Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software

Integration – joining people, processes or systems

Influencing and negotiation skills

Problem solving

Resource management

Required Skills:

Must be a 1) a US Citizen, 2) eligible to register as a lobbyist in the United States, and 3) face no restrictions on US political participation.

High level contacts in the legislative and executive branches of the US federal government

Proven ability to foster productive dialogue with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other advocacy groups.

Demonstrated ability to navigate the legislative and regulatory environments of federal government.

High degree of political expertise & deep knowledge with corresponding aptitude for proactive analysis.

Diplomatic and communication skills for both internal and external articulation of business interests.

Self-starter with strong initiative and high sense of personal responsibility.

Utmost personal integrity and professionalism paired with an excellent reputation among peers.

Desired Skills:

High level of experience handling political and regulatory considerations around automotive policy issues.

Work Flexibility:

The position is located in Washington DC, but requires occasional travel across the United States.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Job ID: 26045

Company: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Location: Washington, DC, US, 20004

Department: Other

Working Model: Full-time

Contract Type: Unlimited

Remote Working: According to company policy

Posting Date: May 14, 2026

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