Public Affairs Manager

The Public Affairs Manager advocates for Weyerhaeuser interests in Arkansas and Oklahoma and provides project support at a local government level for key projects. Responsibilities include leading a proactive, results-producing public and government affairs program in the region and engaging with policymakers, community leaders and other stakeholders. This position reports to the Director of Advocacy and Philanthropy. The position may be located in Little Rock or Hot Springs, AR.

Responsibilities

• Create value and manage risks for business units in the Arkansas/Oklahoma region through favorable political, regulatory and economic climate. All Weyerhaeuser business units operate in this region: Timberlands, Wood Products, and Natural Climate Solutions
• Support business projects at a local government level, as needed, in the U.S. South
• Provide media/public/community relations support for all business units in region and assist with corporate philanthropy
• Manage budget allotment and stay within set budget; manage budgeted political giving
• Position involves approximately 30-40% travel, especially during legislative sessions, with a mixture of same-day and overnight travel

Policy/Regulatory Duties

• Represent the company on key state and local issues focused on reducing business costs, improving earnings and gaining competitive advantage while maintaining the company’s public license to operate
• Monitor issues, assess impact/risk, develop strategies, build relationships, allocate resources and actively lobby policymakers for favorable outcomes
• Establish and manage relationships with state and local government officials
• Foster relationships with key business/trade associations and coalitions to ensure Weyerhaeuser’s priorities are supported
• Provide regular communications/reporting for business leaders
• Support federal government relations by attending political action committee (PAC) events; organize and staff congressional and state legislative tours as necessary
• Ensure interaction with government officials and staff is done through legal, ethical and responsible participation in political processes and provide accurate and timely information to policymakers

Media/Community/Public Affairs Duties

• Respond to local and regional media for region-specific events/needs
• Coordinate response with team and corporate communications
• Working with local Giving Fund committee, provide support for philanthropy in the region

• Four-year bachelor’s degree required in natural resources, communications, political science or general business
• 7-10 years public/government affairs or commensurate experience required
• Highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct; projects credibility, depth of knowledge and integrity consistent with the company’s values and necessary to be a trusted partner to policymakers and stakeholders
• Exceptional knowledge of legislative and regulatory process; ability to work comfortably and effectively with top-level government officials across the political spectrum, association leaders and community leaders
• Serves as trusted advisor on government and public affairs issues for company leaders
• Team player; excellent communicator; great people skills; enthusiasm and willingness to work hard
• Self-starter with ability to function individually in a region while coordinating with broader team around the country; flexible; problem-solver; detail and results oriented and ability to balance competing priorities
• Managerial experience not required; however, familiarity with managing budgets is helpful
• Exercises excellent judgment, poise, and strong negotiation skills

Location: This role can sit in Little Rock or Hot Springs, Arkansas. The position requires approximately 30-40% travel, especially during legislative sessions, with a mixture of same-day and overnight travel.