Government Relations Director

At HDR, 100%25 of the company is owned by our employees and that employee‑ownership model shapes everything we do, including how we support and care for our people and clients. At the center of our global business are 14,600 employees serving city, state, federal, military and private sector clients in every state in the U.S. and 14 other countries. Our diverse service lines, including Transportation, Health Care, Water, Architecture, Building Engineering Services, Field Services, Power & Energy, Waste, and Industrial reflect our commitment to shaping resilient, sustainable, and forward‑thinking communities around the world. Across these disciplines, our teams design and deliver solutions that safeguard public health, enhance quality of life, power innovation, and drive responsible growth. Whether advancing clean water, creating healing and learning environments, engineering next‑generation facilities, or building the infrastructure that moves people and energy, our work is rooted in technical excellence and a shared sense of purpose. Our employee‑owners collaborate across specialties, combining creativity, precision, and deep expertise to solve the most complex challenges facing our private and public sector clients and the communities we serve.

About The Role

The Director of Government Relations will serve as a key leader in advancing HDR’s enterprise-wide advocacy strategy. This role will strengthen and expand the company’s presence within Washington, D.C., federal agencies, and other governmental bodies critical to the architecture, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Responsibilities include coordinating strategic political engagements, monitoring and interpreting legislation that impacts the built environment, and positioning HDR as a trusted advisor on policy topics such as infrastructure investment, environmental regulation, transportation, and community development.

Beyond local and federal advocacy, which includes our federal advocates and local contract advocates across the country, the Director will guide the company’s approach to state and local government issues. This leader will work collaboratively across business groups and corporate functions to ensure HDR’s perspectives are well represented and aligned with organizational goals.

The position requires someone that has proven to be equally effective at representing HDR with politicians and party groups on both sides of the political aisle at all levels of government.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will be a dynamic, relationship‑driven leader, someone who brings strategic insight, political acumen, and a passion for elevating HDR’s voice in the public arena while fostering a culture of partnership and engagement across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage proactively with government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to shape policy and advocate for the company’s priorities.

• Oversee the company’s Political Action Committee, including strategy development, annual campaigns, and political contribution activities.

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local reporting requirements

• Select, hire, and manage external lobbying firms to effectively represent the organization’s interests.

• Protect and promote HDR's 100%25 employee ownership tax status as an S Corp ESOP.

#LI-BK1

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or legislative strategy, with a demonstrated record of leadership and strategic impact.

• Established bipartisan relationships with federal government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

• 10+ years of experience working with C‑suite executives, providing strategic counsel and influencing enterprise‑level decisions.

• 5+ years of direct or indirect people‑leadership experience, fostering high‑performing teams and collaborative cultures.

• Proven experience partnering with and managing contract lobbying firms, ensuring effective representation and accountability.

• 10+ years of experience engaging with industry associations and political organizations, advancing policy objectives within complex stakeholder environments.

• Background in political giving, including PAC management and oversight of corporate contribution strategies.

• Strong ability to analyze executive and legislative actions, translating policy implications into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and operational teams.

• Exceptional negotiation, mediation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with success navigating high‑stakes, politically diverse environments and building consensus among varied stakeholders.

• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to advocate on behalf of the organization, brief elected officials, and distill complex policy into compelling, accessible messaging.

• 10+ years of professional experience spanning a broad range of policy issues, demonstrating versatility and depth in legislative analysis.

• Ability to travel up to 50%25 on average.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Must meet the qualifications to register as a lobbyist.

   

  Preferred

   

• Experience working within a large, complex corporate environment, navigating diverse regulatory, cultural, and organizational landscapes.

• Combination of strategic thinking and political acumen in the engineering/architecture industry

• Experience working with a global firm

• Position strongly preferred to be based in Omaha or Washington, D.C.; other locations may be considered based on qualifications.

• Experience and familiarity with Omaha’s civic, governmental, and business landscape.

• Advanced degree