Director - Federal Government Affairs

For over 100 years, WACKER has been a world's leading innovator in materials science, and is the global leader in industries such as semiconductor and solar grade polysilicon manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies in silicones, polymers and bio-solutions. In the U.S., WACKER has 4 business divisions, consists of 8 production sites and 12 total locations across 8 states and representing 1,500 employees. WACKER is looking for a leader to engage with government officials, industry representatives and our business teams to further WACKER's brand, maintain an understanding of policy, legislative and regulatory landscape, and provide analysis internally and representation externally. WACKER Polysilicon is an industry leader in the building block for semiconductor and and solar applications, WACKER Silicones is an industry leader in numerous products and applications incl. thermal insulation for EV batteries and used in solar modules. Each are active in Federal and State activities, and would be supported along with Polymers and BioSolutions divisions.

The Director of Federal Government Affairs will report directly to the Head of Government Affairs and Project Management, and is responsible for helping to execute a strategic advocacy approach on behalf of WACKER's North American organization. Primary focus in this role will be on Federal Government Affairs, working with offices and federal agencies on behalf of WACKER and the respective division(s) operating in North America, as well as consultants and third parties where appropriate. This role would work within the Government Affairs colleagues to develop strategies and implementation methodology for federal matters while ensuring collaboration and cohesive approach within the region. Additionally, this role would support the Head of Government Affairs & Project Management on Polysilicon divisional support as needed and establishing the network and opportunities necessary to support a world class leader in semiconductor and solar manufacturing for the energy transformation. Engagement with trade organizations, associations and partnership with our community relations and communications team would be required.

Essential Functions

• Represents WACKER on advocacy matters with Federal officials and government offices, at external events, meetings and conferences as appropriate. Assist in overseeing and guiding federal lobbyists. In conjunction with team, develop further the strategic relationships with officials and staff and liaise with variety federal agencies periodically in consultation with key internal stakeholders. Identifies opportunities for further engagement that may be relevant for a German-American chemical manufacturing organization. Familiarize with the divisions and sites to understand risks and opportunities related to legislative actions, incentives for potential investments. Partners with Government Affairs team members, site leadership and representative communications team members, engagement with industry associations. Assess and align outreach and federal advocacy efforts to ensure properly tailored while organizationally consistent. Effectively support and manage federal advocacy programs.
• Supports Head of Government Affairs with Polysilicon Divisional support, including understanding business critical needs, crafting further federal strategy, advising on relationship development and implementation strategy. Work with other relevant companies and organizations on advocacy, including Polysilicon Coalition, Solar Energy Manufacturing Association, Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance, SEIA, and the Semiconductor Industry Association amongst others.
• Ensures compliance of political activities with external laws and regulations, as well as WACKER business code of conduct. Support government incentives opportunities, potentially including federal and state grants or other funding opportunities for business divisions. Possible opportunities to support broader department on strategic projects as need arises and skill set to support

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Chemistry or related field(s).
• J.D. or Master´s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Chemistry or related field(s) is strongly preferred; other relevant experience could be considered.
• 7-10+ years of related working experience in an international organization in a position related to Government Affairs and/or business environment having engaged with public officials at various levels of government.
• Professional experience interfacing with government officials on behalf of organizational business interests.
• Established network in Federal Government(s) and/or an ability to efficiently develop and build relationships with government officials
• Excellence interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with key government officials, business team members.
• Ability to work cohesively with regional stakeholders and representatives
• Policy or advocacy experience (in semiconductor, solar, silicones, biopharma industries preferred)
• Be part of and work well within a team; must be able to work in a cross-cultural and diverse environment.
• Excellent "Business Analyst style" communication, presentation, active listening, influencing and documentation skills.
• Must be highly-motivated, professional and organized with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete or abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products - Word, PowerPoint, Outlook namely.
• Must be able to travel (~15% of time) while also able to effectively support local teams virtually as needed.

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement