Head of Corporate Affairs | Washington DC, USA

About the Role

This role is critical in further building BHP’s capabilities, brand awareness and reputation across the USA. Leading a team responsible for the design and delivery of BHP’s Corporate Affairs (CA) strategy and plans for engaging and partnering with governments, communities, indigenous peoples and other external strategic partners across USA. 

 

The role facilitates access to, leads engagement with key stakeholders, including relevant governments, joint venture partners, industry associations, think tanks, NGOs and multilateral institutions, and oversees communications across USA. Partners closely with the non-operated JVs, Legacy Assets, Exploration and other teams exploring new growth opportunities.

 

• Sets and oversees delivery of country-wide CA and communications strategies, aligned to broader company strategies and priorities.
• Oversees CA and communications support for all BHP’s business interests across USA.
• Serves as the key internal business partner and adviser to BHP senior leaders and executives on CA and communications matters.
• Leads the management of external relationships with key external stakeholders including local, state and federal governments, policy makers, other political parties, civil society, industry groups, indigenous groups, environmental and community groups.
• Provides perspectives, expertise and guidance to BHP’s functions to inform public policy and sustainability positions, and engagement with government officials that will impact priorities and relationships.
• Serves as a senior representative and spokesperson with senior public officials, including governments, policy makers, community and Indigenous leaders and other external groups.
• Oversees the execution of public policy advocacy on relevant issues that support and inform the company’s value proposition.
• Evaluates political, policy and geopolitical trends emanating from the country that may impact BHP’s local, regional or global business objectives.
• Oversees the design, management and evaluation of the local and regional social investment strategy.
• Oversees the identification negotiation and management of social investment, commercial sponsorships and events across the country, ensuring alignment to Company and Regions objectives and brand standards, and that opportunities are strategically leveraged to the fullest extent.
• Leads a team of deep subject matter experts and provides the direction for and day-to-day management of the team including planning, budgeting and people development.

About You

 

• Tertiary qualification in politics, economics, communications, business or related field required
• 15-20 years’ experience in Government Relations, public policy in a major corporation, multilateral agency or large consultancy 
• Significant experience advising business leaders at executive group level and leading communications, public and government affairs and community relations
• Experience working in the resources or energy sector an advantage
• Knowledge of the political and economic environment and policy making structures and process of the USA or a demonstrated ability to develop such knowledge
• Extensive network of relationships 
• Exceptional communications skills including capability to effectively engage with and advise colleagues at all levels of the Company
• Ability to “join the dots” between brand, reputation, community, public policy and communications
• Fluent in English