VP, Government Affairs at Genesee and Wyoming Railroad in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

 

SUMMARY:

The person in this position plans, implements, and coordinates programs to affect government policy and legislation for the benefit of those U.S. railroads owned by G&W and the U.S. short line and regional rail industry as a whole. Primary area of focus is to engage legislators and policymakers on the importance of freight rail to the nation's economy, promoting an understanding among people who make decisions that affect railroads and railroaders, customers, suppliers, and communities. This position will work with federal, state, regional, and local governmental entities at all levels to further the Company’s subsidiary owned railroads’ business goals in concert with the best interests of the communities and customers that the G&W’s railroads serve. The position requires detailed and ongoing coordination and communication with the regional, divisional and field managers responsible for each of the railroad operations as well as corporate functions at G&W as appropriate. This person ensures compliance with federal, state and local lobbying laws and regulations and monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative initiatives and policies.

This role should seek to educate and inform public officials about issues important to our businesses, and engage with policymakers as they shape legislation, regulation and other policies that could impact our businesses. This role will also be responsible for leading and participating in the political process in the United States through political contributions. This role will manage political contributions and donations made to and from G&W’s political action committee (PAC) ensuring compliance to all rules and regulations.

This position will also work with the President of G&W’s Canadian operations in their responsibilities overseeing Government Affairs in Canada and its Provinces on behalf of G&W’s owned Canadian railroads. This interaction is primarily to ensure the sharing of best practices but also to ensure goal setting and accountability and to assist with Canadian efforts as required.

This position currently has three direct reports who are regionally based. It is envisioned the position will reside in the D.C. metro area although alternative locations may be considered. Ability to travel consistently is required, which may be significant at times depending on priorities and specific projects.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and maintain close relationships with relevant state and federal departments of transportation, key state and federal legislators, and other state and federal officials, and represent the Company’s interests to these parties

Understand the operations and priorities of the Company’s railroads, including routes, management team, infrastructure, services, major customers, business development opportunities and investment requirements

Oversee and represent Company interests in state and national railroad associations, key metropolitan planning organizations, and other groups relevant to short-line freight railroading and the industry as a whole. This includes interacting with Government Affairs representatives of Class I railroads as well as other short line and regional railroads as required

In collaboration with the Company’s regional senior vice presidents and their staffs, identify and develop rail-infrastructure projects appropriate for public-grant funding, including projects specifically related to growth opportunities

Research and identify state, regional and national infrastructure-grant opportunities available for Company projects

Promote Company projects for grant funding, including creation of materials, preparation and delivery of presentations, and support of regional staff in completion of grant applications

Oversee and assist in the execution of grant agreements

Maintain an understanding of state and federal lobbying laws and ensure full compliance with them, including the timely filing of all necessary forms

Assist in the management of state and federal contract lobbyists where engaged

Assist Company regions with significant local political issues as necessary

Maintain required records and files

Lead and manage G&W’s regional government affairs team

Be involved with G&W acquisition or divestiture activity to the extent it requires interacting with federal, state or local bodies, both addressing any outstanding concerns and-or soliciting their support when required

Manage other projects and perform other duties as assigned

 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge of rail-freight operations or transportation sector preferred

Self-sufficiency in managing diverse relationships

Political awareness

Superior writing and presentation skills

Ability to persuasively communicate concepts and adjust to fit the audience and the message

Ability to initiate, and persistently, but professionally, pursue conversations with key decisionmakers, stakeholders and relationships

Ability to form teams and build consensus, both internally and externally

Good organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and manage multiple objectives

Outstanding ethical sense

Professional demeanor

Ability to follow through on efforts without prompting

Ability to perceive potential future opportunities and risks and proactively move to address

Open and receptive attitude

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR CREDENTIALS:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, engineering, political science, or another relevant area; master’s degree preferred

10+ years of meaningful and successful experience in the area of public/private sector relationship management for a similarly sized or larger organization

Successful record of managing and developing team members/leadership preferred

Experience and interest in the transportation sector in general or freight railroading specifically a plus

Prior involvement with government officials preferred

Familiarity with grant applications and development of investment cases preferred

 

This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other protected status under federal, state or local laws.

 

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