Director of Federal & Diplomatic Relations Job at Coca-Cola HBC in Washington

Leads federal advocacy efforts focused on sustainability, environmental policy, and community engagement to support The Coca-Cola Company’s long‑term business strategy and reputation. Provides strategic guidance on sustainability policy and related political strategy, while cultivating relationships with key government and non‑government stakeholders. Individual contributor who operates with a high degree of independence and expertise in complex policy environments.

The Coca‑Cola Company is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Diplomatic and Federal Relations with a focus on sustainability, environmental policy, and community engagement. This role will be part of a high‑performing team of public policy and government relations professionals, supported by external consultants, to advance Coca‑Cola’s sustainability agenda and federal political strategy in Washington, D.C.

The Director will engage with the executive branch, Congress, and federal agencies, as well as non‑governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders. Key policy areas include climate and environmental sustainability, circular economy, water stewardship, packaging and recycling, and community development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute federal lobbying strategies that advance Coca‑Cola’s sustainability and environmental goals.
• Lead engagement with federal policymakers and agencies on sustainability‑related legislation and regulation.
• Provide strategic counsel on federal political strategy, including PACS engagement and compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on federal sustainability policy for internal stakeholders, including bottling partners, sustainability teams, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications and Political Strategy & Advocacy teams to shape and amplify Coca‑Cola’s sustainability narrative in Washington, D.C.
• Build and maintain coalitions with trade associations, NGOs, and community‑based organizations to support shared policy objectives.
• Partner with the Stakeholder & Social Impact and Public Policy teams to align on messaging and engagement strategies with national policy influencers and community leaders.
• Support the development of thought leadership platforms that elevate Coca‑Cola’s role in advancing sustainable communities.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in public policy, environmental studies, or related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in federal government and/or government affairs, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental policy.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and coalition‑building skills.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies.
• Experience working with or within environmental NGOs, trade associations, or community‑based organizations is a plus.

Work Focus:

• Drive Coca‑Cola’s sustainability and community engagement agenda at the federal level.
• Monitor and influence federal policy developments related to environmental sustainability and community initiatives.
• Translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies that support business and societal impact.

Communication Focus:

• Serve as a lead communicator with federal stakeholders on sustainability and community issues.
• Align internal and external messaging to ensure consistency and impact.
• Represent Coca‑Cola in public forums, policy roundtables, and advocacy coalitions.

What We Can Do For You

• Iconic & Innovative Brands: Our portfolio represents over 250 products with some of the most popular brands in the world, including Coca‑Cola, Simply, Fairlife & Topo Chico.
• Expansive & Diverse Customers: We work with a diversified group of customers which range from retail & grocery outlets, theme parks, movie theatres, restaurants, and many more each day.