Volkswagen of America, Inc
Senior Government Affairs & Public Policy Specialist - Autonomous Driving
Volkswagen of America, Inc, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Senior Government Affairs & Public Policy Specialist - Autonomous Driving
Join to apply for the Senior Government Affairs & Public Policy Specialist - Autonomous Driving role at Volkswagen of America, Inc.
VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future. Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion. Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity. As ADMT, we develop and realize fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to make mobility-and transportation-as-a-service safe, accessible, and most attractive for society. For that, we cover the entire ground from strategy and business development, software development and end‑2‑end integration, fleet operations to next‑generation self‑driving systems. Being the driver in Volkswagen Group initiative for mobility solutions, we’re an integral part of Volkswagen Group's future success. ADMT represents the Volkswagen Group as its driver for building self‑driving technology. With experienced leaders in the field and collaborative partnerships with some of the world’s largest automakers, we’re building self‑driving technology that is engineered to scale globally and transform mobility for millions. Talented individuals join our team because they share our purpose to make it safe, easy, and enjoyable for everyone to get around. We aspire to impact key industries that move people and goods, from ride hailing to deliveries. Are you ready to join us?
Role Summary
Primary responsibility for legislative, regulatory and community engagement in the Western United States with initial focus on Los Angeles.
Represent the company before the state legislatures, and local governmental forums on Level 4 autonomous activities. Be the voice and face of the company in the States related to Level 4 development and commercialization in various business models.
Build political support and gain regulatory certainty for the business at the federal, state and local level in deployment cities.
Develop events and experience for internal and external stakeholders showcasing VW ADMT’s technology and development including governmental representatives from the US and Germany.
Participate in state/local Chambers of Commerce as well as other allied groups; assume leadership positions.
Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities to build and maximize positive public acceptance for Mobility Use Cases with autonomous vehicles.
Create opportunities to feature/promote VWGoA at prominent events.
Provide the business development teams with relevant state and city insights and data on which to base deployment decisions.
Manage/direct a team of contract lobbyists as well as a VWGoA Public Affairs colleague.
Participate in setting strategy/policy for Volkswagen ADMT.
Ability to create high‑level presentations for executive consumption.
Role Responsibilities Local/State Government Relations – 40%
Manage, develop and oversee proactive local and state policy strategies that impact Volkswagen ADMT.
Develop close relationships with local officials and state legislators to promote company interests.
Mitigate risk by traveling to state capitals to represent company interests in legislative battles; leading public affairs events and advancing political strategies.
Develop collateral materials. Provide direct testimony and assist in testimony preparation for other leaders as required.
Track and report on legislative activity.
Represent the company at government affairs meetings and events.
Establish and maintain high‑level contacts with a wide variety of industry and non‑industry stakeholders including key industry trade associations, who are in a position to compel or promote government actions favorable to the company.
Coordinate, oversee and manage internal and external resources, including internal contractors and external consultants.
Community Relations Management – 30%
Lead the identification, cultivation, and maintenance of partnerships with key groups, organizations, and community leaders.
Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities.
Develop and manage engagement initiatives across additional markets, coordinating site support where needed.
Promote opportunities for joint programming with community‑based partners.
Build exposure, excitement, connection to our brand, and earned media opportunities.
Establish a trusted and visible face as contact point for ADMT at community events.
Integrate community and regulator feedback into responsive company programs and strategies.
Strategic Policy Development and Coordination (US & International) – 30%
Provide advice (including to President and Board Member level) as well as direction to major departments and related affiliates; including steering strategic vision and implementing policies and programs to support business objectives and achieve public policy objectives.
Monitor company‑wide progress, including identification of problem areas or obstacles, and provide assistance to solve them.
Highly collaborative and ability to work cross‑functionally across Volkswagen ADMT and across the Group.
Support the creation and execution of strategic planning goals in coordination with core business units.
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7+ years’ experience in political/government relations position (Capitol Hill or Agency, state/local government experience desired).
Master’s degree.
Skills
Knowledge of the legislative process at the local, state, and federal levels.
Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, local lobbying compliance and ethics laws.
Ability to comprehend and draft legislation.
Ability to navigate political, legislative and regulatory landscape at federal, state and local level.
Ability to manage government relations assets (lobbyists, public relations colleagues, memberships, etc.).
Ability to develop professional relationships with elected officials and related interests.
Ability to manage complex projects that require the management and coordination of internal and external partners.
Outstanding speaking skills to present company before stakeholders, including hearings.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key executive branch officials, federal and state legislators, their staff, committee staff, and regulators.
Strong writing ability; Strong computer skills; Strong verbal skills (articulate and concise); Goal and results oriented; Diplomacy and tact.
Team Player.
Required Specialized Skills
Capacity to lead, direct and manage an internal team as well as external lobbying firms and other stakeholders.
Established relationships at federal/state/local levels.
Insight on political realities/challenges at federal, state, local level.
Active experience working with and lobbying federal, state and local officials.
Knowledge of economic development negotiations and contractual obligations.
Establish ongoing systematic outreach to key city, county, state and NGO partners.
Strong relationships across industry and government.
Held leadership roles, active in relevant trade associations.
Executive presence: responsible company representative with senior government officials and within trade associations/coalitions.
Legislative understanding; regulatory knowledge; political savvy.
Desired
Automotive Industry Expertise.
Working knowledge and expertise in ADAS and AD technology and use cases.
Experience advising states on development of AD policies.
Experience public speaking at industry conferences, government hearings and task forces.
Experience in a regulated industry.
Experience coalition building.
Background in accessibility issues, relationships with disability community.
Create events to promote the business and leadership within existing structures (chambers, NGO memberships).
Work Flexibility
Accommodation for working time zone differences between international locations as needed.
Travel is estimated to be 10-25%.
Role requires flexibility in daily schedule, including early morning meetings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, and weekends for events and travel.
Salary and Benefits
In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role will be $160,000 - $185,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.
Eligibility for annual performance bonus.
Healthcare benefits.
401(k), with company match.
Defined contribution retirement program.
Tuition reimbursement.
Company lease car program.
Paid time off.
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.
Hybrid
Primary Location: United States-California-Los Angeles
#J-18808-Ljbffr
VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future. Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion. Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity. As ADMT, we develop and realize fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to make mobility-and transportation-as-a-service safe, accessible, and most attractive for society. For that, we cover the entire ground from strategy and business development, software development and end‑2‑end integration, fleet operations to next‑generation self‑driving systems. Being the driver in Volkswagen Group initiative for mobility solutions, we’re an integral part of Volkswagen Group's future success. ADMT represents the Volkswagen Group as its driver for building self‑driving technology. With experienced leaders in the field and collaborative partnerships with some of the world’s largest automakers, we’re building self‑driving technology that is engineered to scale globally and transform mobility for millions. Talented individuals join our team because they share our purpose to make it safe, easy, and enjoyable for everyone to get around. We aspire to impact key industries that move people and goods, from ride hailing to deliveries. Are you ready to join us?
Role Summary
Primary responsibility for legislative, regulatory and community engagement in the Western United States with initial focus on Los Angeles.
Represent the company before the state legislatures, and local governmental forums on Level 4 autonomous activities. Be the voice and face of the company in the States related to Level 4 development and commercialization in various business models.
Build political support and gain regulatory certainty for the business at the federal, state and local level in deployment cities.
Develop events and experience for internal and external stakeholders showcasing VW ADMT’s technology and development including governmental representatives from the US and Germany.
Participate in state/local Chambers of Commerce as well as other allied groups; assume leadership positions.
Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities to build and maximize positive public acceptance for Mobility Use Cases with autonomous vehicles.
Create opportunities to feature/promote VWGoA at prominent events.
Provide the business development teams with relevant state and city insights and data on which to base deployment decisions.
Manage/direct a team of contract lobbyists as well as a VWGoA Public Affairs colleague.
Participate in setting strategy/policy for Volkswagen ADMT.
Ability to create high‑level presentations for executive consumption.
Role Responsibilities Local/State Government Relations – 40%
Manage, develop and oversee proactive local and state policy strategies that impact Volkswagen ADMT.
Develop close relationships with local officials and state legislators to promote company interests.
Mitigate risk by traveling to state capitals to represent company interests in legislative battles; leading public affairs events and advancing political strategies.
Develop collateral materials. Provide direct testimony and assist in testimony preparation for other leaders as required.
Track and report on legislative activity.
Represent the company at government affairs meetings and events.
Establish and maintain high‑level contacts with a wide variety of industry and non‑industry stakeholders including key industry trade associations, who are in a position to compel or promote government actions favorable to the company.
Coordinate, oversee and manage internal and external resources, including internal contractors and external consultants.
Community Relations Management – 30%
Lead the identification, cultivation, and maintenance of partnerships with key groups, organizations, and community leaders.
Lead strategic planning and implementation of community engagement programs in deployment cities.
Develop and manage engagement initiatives across additional markets, coordinating site support where needed.
Promote opportunities for joint programming with community‑based partners.
Build exposure, excitement, connection to our brand, and earned media opportunities.
Establish a trusted and visible face as contact point for ADMT at community events.
Integrate community and regulator feedback into responsive company programs and strategies.
Strategic Policy Development and Coordination (US & International) – 30%
Provide advice (including to President and Board Member level) as well as direction to major departments and related affiliates; including steering strategic vision and implementing policies and programs to support business objectives and achieve public policy objectives.
Monitor company‑wide progress, including identification of problem areas or obstacles, and provide assistance to solve them.
Highly collaborative and ability to work cross‑functionally across Volkswagen ADMT and across the Group.
Support the creation and execution of strategic planning goals in coordination with core business units.
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7+ years’ experience in political/government relations position (Capitol Hill or Agency, state/local government experience desired).
Master’s degree.
Skills
Knowledge of the legislative process at the local, state, and federal levels.
Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, local lobbying compliance and ethics laws.
Ability to comprehend and draft legislation.
Ability to navigate political, legislative and regulatory landscape at federal, state and local level.
Ability to manage government relations assets (lobbyists, public relations colleagues, memberships, etc.).
Ability to develop professional relationships with elected officials and related interests.
Ability to manage complex projects that require the management and coordination of internal and external partners.
Outstanding speaking skills to present company before stakeholders, including hearings.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key executive branch officials, federal and state legislators, their staff, committee staff, and regulators.
Strong writing ability; Strong computer skills; Strong verbal skills (articulate and concise); Goal and results oriented; Diplomacy and tact.
Team Player.
Required Specialized Skills
Capacity to lead, direct and manage an internal team as well as external lobbying firms and other stakeholders.
Established relationships at federal/state/local levels.
Insight on political realities/challenges at federal, state, local level.
Active experience working with and lobbying federal, state and local officials.
Knowledge of economic development negotiations and contractual obligations.
Establish ongoing systematic outreach to key city, county, state and NGO partners.
Strong relationships across industry and government.
Held leadership roles, active in relevant trade associations.
Executive presence: responsible company representative with senior government officials and within trade associations/coalitions.
Legislative understanding; regulatory knowledge; political savvy.
Desired
Automotive Industry Expertise.
Working knowledge and expertise in ADAS and AD technology and use cases.
Experience advising states on development of AD policies.
Experience public speaking at industry conferences, government hearings and task forces.
Experience in a regulated industry.
Experience coalition building.
Background in accessibility issues, relationships with disability community.
Create events to promote the business and leadership within existing structures (chambers, NGO memberships).
Work Flexibility
Accommodation for working time zone differences between international locations as needed.
Travel is estimated to be 10-25%.
Role requires flexibility in daily schedule, including early morning meetings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, and weekends for events and travel.
Salary and Benefits
In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role will be $160,000 - $185,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.
Eligibility for annual performance bonus.
Healthcare benefits.
401(k), with company match.
Defined contribution retirement program.
Tuition reimbursement.
Company lease car program.
Paid time off.
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.
Hybrid
Primary Location: United States-California-Los Angeles
#J-18808-Ljbffr