Kroger Hiring for Deputy Director, Government Relations at Washington, DC Full Time

Position Summary

Responsible for helping to implement the company’s federal government relations strategy. Expand Kroger’s license to operate by influencing key stakeholders in government and trade associations to support and shape the outcome of legislative decisions. Responsible for political and trade association management and Political Action Committee (PAC) management.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, maintain, and leverage relationships with Members of the Congress, key staff, the Administration, industry peers and trade associations in order to impact key public policy objectives
• Research and analyze issues, policies and pending legislation to determine impact to organization
• Translate impact of bills/laws to leaders in the organization and make recommendations on how to proceed
• Serve in leadership roles on trade association committees/public policy committees and develop industry relationships to help align and advance key policy objectives and priorities
• Attend legislative committee meetings and hearings and report summaries
• Work with aligned third party public affairs groups, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations to elevate Kroger’s profile as a thought leader on public policy
• Devise and implement strategies related to participation in political activities necessary to support business
• Serve as primary point of contact with key legislative service organizations and Congressional member organizations
• Provide actionable foresight and insight to Kroger and Corporate Affairs leadership team
• Develop and execute government affairs strategies leveraging company’s internal business expertise, political, grassroots, executive and trade association assets to ensure successful outcomes on issues
• Lead company’s PAC and annual division solicitation/disbursement strategy
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of Lobby Disclosure filings as required by the Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives as well as KroPAC filings with the Federal Election Commission
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Travel independently (up to 25%) to attend meetings, hearings, and to support business needs
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, communications, journalism, economics or related field
• 7+ years lobbying experience, legislative, public affairs or government relations experience
• Any previous experience in Washington, D.C. is critical, preferably having served as a primary point of contact to legislative offices for a company, organization, or issue
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills

Desired Previous Experience/Education

• Any previous experience as a public affairs leader in retail or corporate environment, or within or managing public relations agencies
• Any experience in Capitol Hill in a legislative role in a Member, Committee or supporting office
• Any previous work with elected officials or political campaigns
• Any experience in the food and agriculture value chain and/or retail preferred