SME
Overview
Government Affairs Director role at SME. Represent SME in federal and state legislative and regulatory matters, communicate expertise on workforce talent development and technology in manufacturing to lawmakers, develop and execute advocacy strategies, cultivate relationships with policymakers and coalitions, and pursue federal and state funding opportunities.
Responsibilities
Conceive, refine and execute integrated legislative strategies at the federal and state levels aligned with SME’s strategic goals. Build internal systems and processes that facilitate cross‑departmental collaboration and internal stakeholder consensus‑building. Work directly with executive leadership to ensure advocacy strategies and funding agenda align with organizational priorities. Establish and facilitate internal work groups or task forces that draw on SME’s expertise and internal knowledge base to evaluate issues, develop positions, and recommend coordinated actions. Impact SME positioning by coordinating internal and external discussions and providing strategic recommendations that facilitate decision‑making in a dynamic environment. Advance SME goals by organizing and initiating SME’s representation before Congress, state legislatures, federal and state agencies and key stakeholders. Manage outside consultancy and resources to ensure operation within scope, budget and time dimensions. Facilitate organization‑wide input into legislative strategies, initiatives and funding efforts through informal committees, advisory groups, and collaboratively created structured consultation processes. Support the appropriate information flow among full leadership and full staff. Monitor legislative developments, analyze potential impacts and opportunities, and communicate timely updates to appropriate stakeholders. Translate complex technical or regulatory information into concise, actionable advocacy materials and funding opportunity briefs for both internal and external audiences. Identify and evaluate federal and state grant, contract, and partnership opportunities that align with SME’s expertise; advise leadership on prioritization and coordinate with program leads on pursuit strategies. Draft policy briefs for federal and state initiatives. Contribute to the development of white papers, reports and public commentary that highlight SME’s expertise and elevate its profile. Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, industry associations, and coalitions to advance shared positioning objectives. Coordinate outreach efforts with allied organizations at national and state levels to build broad‑based initiative support. Represent SME in coalition meetings, ensuring positions are effectively communicated and supported by strategic allies. Engage with state‑based associations and advocacy networks to strengthen influence in priority states. Create persuasive written materials that support interactions with policymakers and influencers. These materials include position papers, fact sheets, testimony, and correspondence. Represent SME at key meetings, briefings, and public forums where key, relevant, industry discussions are occurring concerning federal and state policy issues. Track, monitor, and report on legislative and regulatory developments, ensuring findings are factored into SME decision‑making processes and outcomes. Serve as a general liaison and project catalyst among internal teams and executive leadership to ensure coordinated action, consistent messaging, and strategic pursuit of funding opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; degree in political science, public policy, law, or related field preferred. At least 8 years’ experience in government relations or policy advocacy at the federal and state level with demonstrated experience identifying, analyzing, or pursuing government funding opportunities including grants, contracts, appropriations and other mechanisms. Proven experience designing and implementing internal processes for decision‑making and consensus‑building. Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at both federal and state levels and of federal and state funding mechanisms with a focus on workforce development and manufacturing ecosystems. Ability to work effectively with executive leadership. Exceptional relationship‑building skills with policymakers, coalitions, and grassroots stakeholders. Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated political judgment and organizational acumen. Ability to manage outside consultants/resources with confidence and assertiveness. Project management skills. Confidentiality and sensitivity to handling confidential information with the ability to maintain confidences and generate trust.
Key Competencies
Government & Regulatory Acumen Government Funding Strategy & Alignment Policy Analysis & Strategic Insight External Relationship Management Influence Without Authority Executive-Level Communication Collaboration Across Functions Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Internal Stakeholder & Executive Alignment
Working Conditions
Normal office environment Regular, in‑person attendance Primary office location: Southfield, MI Travel required (up to 25%)
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $120,000 – $150,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work‑life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.
EEO Statement
SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must live in the United States and legally be authorized to work there without sponsorship.
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Government Affairs Director role at SME. Represent SME in federal and state legislative and regulatory matters, communicate expertise on workforce talent development and technology in manufacturing to lawmakers, develop and execute advocacy strategies, cultivate relationships with policymakers and coalitions, and pursue federal and state funding opportunities.
Responsibilities
Conceive, refine and execute integrated legislative strategies at the federal and state levels aligned with SME’s strategic goals. Build internal systems and processes that facilitate cross‑departmental collaboration and internal stakeholder consensus‑building. Work directly with executive leadership to ensure advocacy strategies and funding agenda align with organizational priorities. Establish and facilitate internal work groups or task forces that draw on SME’s expertise and internal knowledge base to evaluate issues, develop positions, and recommend coordinated actions. Impact SME positioning by coordinating internal and external discussions and providing strategic recommendations that facilitate decision‑making in a dynamic environment. Advance SME goals by organizing and initiating SME’s representation before Congress, state legislatures, federal and state agencies and key stakeholders. Manage outside consultancy and resources to ensure operation within scope, budget and time dimensions. Facilitate organization‑wide input into legislative strategies, initiatives and funding efforts through informal committees, advisory groups, and collaboratively created structured consultation processes. Support the appropriate information flow among full leadership and full staff. Monitor legislative developments, analyze potential impacts and opportunities, and communicate timely updates to appropriate stakeholders. Translate complex technical or regulatory information into concise, actionable advocacy materials and funding opportunity briefs for both internal and external audiences. Identify and evaluate federal and state grant, contract, and partnership opportunities that align with SME’s expertise; advise leadership on prioritization and coordinate with program leads on pursuit strategies. Draft policy briefs for federal and state initiatives. Contribute to the development of white papers, reports and public commentary that highlight SME’s expertise and elevate its profile. Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, industry associations, and coalitions to advance shared positioning objectives. Coordinate outreach efforts with allied organizations at national and state levels to build broad‑based initiative support. Represent SME in coalition meetings, ensuring positions are effectively communicated and supported by strategic allies. Engage with state‑based associations and advocacy networks to strengthen influence in priority states. Create persuasive written materials that support interactions with policymakers and influencers. These materials include position papers, fact sheets, testimony, and correspondence. Represent SME at key meetings, briefings, and public forums where key, relevant, industry discussions are occurring concerning federal and state policy issues. Track, monitor, and report on legislative and regulatory developments, ensuring findings are factored into SME decision‑making processes and outcomes. Serve as a general liaison and project catalyst among internal teams and executive leadership to ensure coordinated action, consistent messaging, and strategic pursuit of funding opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; degree in political science, public policy, law, or related field preferred. At least 8 years’ experience in government relations or policy advocacy at the federal and state level with demonstrated experience identifying, analyzing, or pursuing government funding opportunities including grants, contracts, appropriations and other mechanisms. Proven experience designing and implementing internal processes for decision‑making and consensus‑building. Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at both federal and state levels and of federal and state funding mechanisms with a focus on workforce development and manufacturing ecosystems. Ability to work effectively with executive leadership. Exceptional relationship‑building skills with policymakers, coalitions, and grassroots stakeholders. Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated political judgment and organizational acumen. Ability to manage outside consultants/resources with confidence and assertiveness. Project management skills. Confidentiality and sensitivity to handling confidential information with the ability to maintain confidences and generate trust.
Key Competencies
Government & Regulatory Acumen Government Funding Strategy & Alignment Policy Analysis & Strategic Insight External Relationship Management Influence Without Authority Executive-Level Communication Collaboration Across Functions Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Internal Stakeholder & Executive Alignment
Working Conditions
Normal office environment Regular, in‑person attendance Primary office location: Southfield, MI Travel required (up to 25%)
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $120,000 – $150,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work‑life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.
EEO Statement
SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must live in the United States and legally be authorized to work there without sponsorship.
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