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Director of Government Relations
Ready to turn your ambition into achievement? Join Pond & Company and be part of the team that’s redefining the future of Architectural, Engineering, Planning, Construction Management, and Environmental projects!
Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public-sector sectors including transportation, state agencies, higher education, aviation, and local government. We are seeking a strategic, relationship driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public sector markets, including transportation, economic development initiatives, higher education, aviation, and local government.
The ideal candidate understands how public agencies operate, how capital programs are funded, and how to effectively influence and navigate policy, procurement, and stakeholder environments at the state and municipal levels. This role will serve as a bridge between our executive leadership, market leaders, business development teams, and public-sector decision makers.
In addition, this leader will help drive cross-market coordination and collaboration by aligning strategy, intelligence, and engagement efforts across geographies and market sectors. The individual will facilitate information sharing, identify synergies across clients and pursuits, and help position the firm to leverage relationships and insights at both the state and local levels.
Key Responsibilities
Government Engagement & Advocacy
Required
Pond is an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, construction management, and environmental services firm providing professional solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and globally for nearly 60 years. Pond’s staff of 800+ professionals provide a deep bench strength of experience and capabilities to offer customized solutions that help clients manage projects from concept to completion – and everything in between – with confidence and clarity. Pond is currently ranked as the 80th largest engineering and design firm by ENR, Atlanta’s #1 engineering firm by Atlanta Business Chronicle, and has been recognized as an Employer of the Year by Georgia ACEC and a Best Place to Work for Working Parents.
Additional Information
Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.
Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond’s comprehensive benefits offerings here.
All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.
Apply for this position at careers.pondco.com.We are always looking for driven professionals of all disciplines to join our fast-growing company. For more information on our services, clientele, or employment opportunities, visit our website at www.pondco.com.
Should you run into any issues in completing the application, please reach out to recruiters@pondco.com for assistance.
Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public-sector sectors including transportation, state agencies, higher education, aviation, and local government. We are seeking a strategic, relationship driven Government Relations leader to represent and advance the firm’s interests across state and local government markets. This individual will play a critical role in positioning the firm within key public sector markets, including transportation, economic development initiatives, higher education, aviation, and local government.
The ideal candidate understands how public agencies operate, how capital programs are funded, and how to effectively influence and navigate policy, procurement, and stakeholder environments at the state and municipal levels. This role will serve as a bridge between our executive leadership, market leaders, business development teams, and public-sector decision makers.
In addition, this leader will help drive cross-market coordination and collaboration by aligning strategy, intelligence, and engagement efforts across geographies and market sectors. The individual will facilitate information sharing, identify synergies across clients and pursuits, and help position the firm to leverage relationships and insights at both the state and local levels.
Key Responsibilities
Government Engagement & Advocacy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive state and local government relations strategy aligned with firm growth objectives.
- Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, legislative staff, procurement officials, and policy influencers.
- Monitor and analyze legislation, funding initiatives, regulatory developments, and public policy trends impacting transportation, infrastructure, aviation, higher education, and municipal capital programs.
- Advocate for policies and funding mechanisms that support infrastructure investment and align with the firm’s service offerings.
- Represent the firm at legislative sessions, public hearings, industry coalitions, trade associations, and stakeholder meetings.
- Identify emerging capital programs and funding opportunities at the state and local levels.
- Provide strategic guidance to market leaders and business development teams on positioning for upcoming procurements.
- Support pursuit strategies for major public-sector opportunities.
- Track infrastructure funding programs (state appropriations, bonds, federal pass-through funds, etc.) and assess impact on growth strategy.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on political and regulatory risks and opportunities.
- Coordinate messaging and positioning across marketing, communications, and leadership.
- Support development of briefing materials, talking points, and strategic outreach plans.
- Help cultivate and manage key client relationships at the executive and agency level.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business, Communications, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, or public-sector strategy.
- Demonstrated experience working with state and/or local government entities.
- Strong understanding of public procurement processes and capital funding mechanisms.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials and senior agency leadership.
- Excellent written, verbal, and strategic communication skills.
- Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, infrastructure, or related professional services industry.
- Experience working in or with departments of transportation, aviation authorities, state agencies, or public higher education systems.
- Knowledge of infrastructure funding programs (state budgets, bond programs, IIJA, etc.).
- Existing network within relevant state or regional markets.
- Strategic thinking and political acumen
- Relationship-building and influence
- Policy analysis and legislative tracking
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Executive-level communication
- Ethical judgment and integrity
Pond is an award-winning, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, construction management, and environmental services firm providing professional solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and globally for nearly 60 years. Pond’s staff of 800+ professionals provide a deep bench strength of experience and capabilities to offer customized solutions that help clients manage projects from concept to completion – and everything in between – with confidence and clarity. Pond is currently ranked as the 80th largest engineering and design firm by ENR, Atlanta’s #1 engineering firm by Atlanta Business Chronicle, and has been recognized as an Employer of the Year by Georgia ACEC and a Best Place to Work for Working Parents.
Additional Information
Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.
Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond’s comprehensive benefits offerings here.
All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.
Apply for this position at careers.pondco.com.We are always looking for driven professionals of all disciplines to join our fast-growing company. For more information on our services, clientele, or employment opportunities, visit our website at www.pondco.com.
Should you run into any issues in completing the application, please reach out to recruiters@pondco.com for assistance.
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