Senior Director, US Government Relations

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Job Description

Senior Director, U.S. Government Relations

Location:Washington, D.C. (On-site)
Team:U.S. External Affairs
Reports to:Vice President, U.S. External Affairs
Direct Reports:Director of Congressional Relations, Director of Policy, Director of State Government Relations

About the Role

Albemarle is seeking a seasoned and strategic Senior Director of U.S. Government Relations to lead our government affairs work across federal, state, and local levels. This position will serve as a key member of Albemarle's U.S. External Affairs team and play a central role in advancing our company's policy agenda, managing a high-performing team, and ensuring consistency and alignment in engagement with elected officials, third-party influencers, and key stakeholders. The role must have a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the current geopolitical climate to achieve significant policy and advocacy advancements for organizational-wide impact.

The ideal candidate is a proactive strategist and a strong operational leader-someone who can shape and drive advocacy efforts while also effectively executing directives from senior leadership. This role requires a dynamic communicator with excellent writing skills, deep experience in political, policy, and corporate settings, and a proven track record of building trusted relationships in Washington and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and manage the Washington, D.C. office's day-to-day operations, supervising a team of three directors across federal, congressional, and state government relations.
• Develop and implement integrated, forward-looking government relations strategies that support the company's policy and business objectives at all levels of government.
• Formulate and advocate for company positions on key policy issues.
• Shape and support development of policy positions in collaboration with internal business leaders; advise on political trends and potential policy scenarios affecting the company.
• Oversee federal lobbying compliance and ensure timely registration and reporting.

Policy Expertise

• Provide high-level guidance and analysis to senior leadership on political and legislative developments.
• Provide advanced knowledge and insights on the critical mineral business and policy environments.
• Monitor and analyze federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting the critical mineral industry.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key elected and appointed officials, legislative staff, regulators, and third-party stakeholders critical to Albemarle's operations.
• Support and maintain a formal public policy posture for the company, rooted in transparency, credibility, and long-term stakeholder trust.

Communication

• Serve as an effective spokesperson and senior company representative in meetings with policymakers, external stakeholders, and at public events, conferences, and industry forums.
• Ensure consistency of messaging across all government relations efforts, both proactive and responsive.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading advocacy, communications, political campaign, or public policy teams, including complex public affairs initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in designing and executing government relations strategies that achieve measurable policy outcomes.
• Previous experience working in a government, campaign, or trade association setting required.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, mentoring talent, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; must be comfortable serving as a public-facing representative of the company.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the federal policy landscape; existing bipartisan relationships with key influencers in D.C. and at the state level strongly preferred.
• Experience in or familiarity with the critical minerals, energy, or infrastructure sectors is a plus.
• Must be registered or eligible to register as a federal lobbyist.
• Some travel required.

Who You Are

• A trusted leader and communicator with presence and professionalism, and deep policy acumen.
• Strategic, solutions-oriented, and politically savvy.
• A self-starter with a proactive mindset and commitment to excellence.
• Passionate about the role of business in shaping public policy and building long-term societal value.
• A relationship builder who cultivates strong collaboration and relationships with diverse stakeholders externally to address our critical mineral objectives.

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.