U.S. State and Local Government Relations Director

U.S. Director of State and Local Government Relations

Location: Home-based, US (ET preferred)

Summary:

Bentley Systems is seeking a strategic and experienced U.S. Director of State and Local Government Relations to lead our engagement with state and local government entities across the United States. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive government relations strategy to promote Bentley’s infrastructure software solutions, foster partnerships, and influence public policy to support the company’s mission of advancing a digital transformation in state and local transportation and infrastructure policy. The Director will serve as the primary liaison between Bentley Systems and state/local governments, trade associations, and other key stakeholders. The position will report to the Senior Director of U.S. Government Relations.

 

Responsibilities:

• Government Relations Strategy: Develop and implement a strategic plan for state and local governments engagement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with state and local government officials, agencies, and industry associations to advocate for policies and initiatives that align with Bentley’s business objectives.
• Policy Advocacy: Monitor and analyze state and local legislation, regulations, and policies impacting infrastructure, engineering, and technology sectors. Advocate for policies that support the adoption of Bentley’s solutions.
• Business Development Support: Collaborate with Bentley’s sales and marketing teams to identify and pursue opportunities with state and local government agencies, ensuring alignment with their infrastructure needs and procurement processes.
• Strategic Partnerships: Identify and foster partnerships with public sector organizations, industry groups, and other stakeholders to enhance Bentley’s visibility and influence in the state and local government market.
• Compliance and Procurement: Provide guidance on navigating state and local government procurement processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing opportunities for Bentley’s solutions to be adopted.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with Bentley’s leadership, product development, and legal teams to align government relations efforts with corporate strategy and product offerings.
• Event Representation: Represent Bentley Systems at industry conferences, public hearings, and government-related events to promote the company’s mission and solutions.
• Reporting and Insights: Provide regular updates to senior leadership on government relations activities, policy developments, and market opportunities, offering actionable insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% to engage with government stakeholders and attend industry events.
• This is a full-time role expected to work 40 hours per week, home-based in the US.
• Requires sitting or standing at will while performing work on a computer (or any other physical requirements). The role requires communication with managers, peers, and other colleagues of the company in person (on occasion), and by utilizing Microsoft Teams chat, calling, and meeting functions.  

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, a related field, or equivalent training and experience; advanced degree preferred. 
• 7+ years of experience in the public sector, government relations, public affairs, or a related role, with a focus on state and local government engagement.
• Proven track record of building relationships with government officials, agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of state and local government procurement processes, infrastructure funding mechanisms, and regulatory environments.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure, engineering, or technology sectors; familiarity with software solutions or digital twins is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze policy trends and align them with business objectives.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with or within state/local government agencies or infrastructure-related industries.
• Established network of contacts within state and local