Director, State Government Affairs

Scout Motors   

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

Scout is all about respect.  Respect for the environment by developing all-electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location.  Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation.  Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers.  And respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. 

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply below.

What you’ll do

The Director, State Government Affairs will report to the Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs and will play a critical strategic and business role in helping to develop, implement and manage Scout Motors’ government affairs and public policy initiatives.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the all-electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Build the thesis, structure and implementation strategy for Scout Motors’ interactions with state and local legislators and regulatory authorities across the U.S., including lobbying and legislative efforts related to Scout Motors’ development, manufacture and sale of electric vehicles
• Develop strong relationships with key policymakers and regulators, including elected policymakers, administration and regulatory officials, and appointed staff within the respective state executive and legislative branches, to advance matters of importance to Scout Motors
• Help to build the reputation and presence of Scout Motors and its products at all levels of government
• Support the development of policy positions and strategies to advance Scout Motors’ broad strategic and business interests
• Represent Scout Motors through participation and activity in industry and advocacy groups, panel discussions and legislative hearings
• Identify, track and report to senior management as to legislative efforts and regulatory matters relating to Scout Motors’ business and operations
• Work together with other Scout Motors teams and stakeholders to build grassroots support for the Scout brand and products
• Engage and oversee consultants, lobbyists and other third parties as necessary or appropriate

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. The role will be based out of a Scout Motors location in Columbia, SC location. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout Motors colleagues in person and be able to travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here’s what else you’ll bring:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in governmental affairs, advocacy and public policy, automotive industry preferred
• Ability to build strong relationships and persuasively communicate messages at all levels of government
• Ability to develop and advocate for novel public policy positions and initiatives
• Strong knowledge of state and local legislative processes and political contexts of those processes, in particular in South Carolina
• Experience and desire to play a key leadership role in a growing public policy team that will provide strategic and business advice to senior leaders of the company
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, time-management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work well across departments and strengthen company culture through effective collaboration
• Keen attention to detail

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasti