Jobs and Careers
AU

Senior Director of State and Local Government Relations

Austal USA
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 13 Apr 2026

About the role

REPORTS TO: Chief Growth Officer

SUPERVISES: Assigned Managers

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Represent Austal USA on state/local legislative and regulatory issues

  • Monitor and analyze proposed legislation and regulations to determine potential impacts on business operations

  • Oversee fiscal impact assessments of tax and procurement policies to guide executive decision making

  • Develop, lead, and execute state/local government engagement strategy

  • Maintain close contact with government officials and staff members throughout the year to maintain awareness of key programs

  • Support and lead tours and visits to Austal USA facilities as required

  • Manage external contract lobbyists and consultants across multiple jurisdictions to ensure consistent messaging

  • Ensure 100% compliance with state ethics, lobbying disclosure, and campaign finance laws

  • Coordinate with internal legal and communications teams to ensure unified public facing positions

  • Support Austal USA trade show and media engagement efforts

  • Support the Director of Government Relations (Federal) when needed

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

  • 10 years’ experience within state and local government or similar roles

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; degree / experience in Public Policy, Business, Communications, Marketing or related field preferred.

  • Thorough understanding of Alabama politics

  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment

  • Proven ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously 

  • Ability to listen to customers and act appropriately

  • Excellent communication and outreach skills

  • Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply governmental regulations

DESIRED:

  • Experience managing budgets

  • Understanding of DoD acquisition process as related to DoD ship procurement

  • Experience identifying grant opportunities and preparing required proposals to obtain those grants

TOOLS: Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

  • 18 years of age or older at time of application

  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status

  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date

  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date

  • Willing to submit to a drug screen

  • Willing to submit to a background check

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal’s commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion. 

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Company

Austal USA

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