Govt. Relations Sr. Principal Specialist

Job Purpose

This role will set strategic direction for Honda's federal advocacy surrounding safety and emerging technologies, including automated and connected vehicles, artificial intelligence, innovation, repair, privacy and intellectual property, and will serve as the primary interface with Congress, Political Appointees in the Executive Branch, and other policy influencers on these policy issues, including trade associations and coalitions. While the role will have policy and advocacy responsibility for certain product lines, the individual will also represent Honda enterprise wide (across all product lines) and therefore must gain knowledge of all the businesses; understand policy implications to the businesses; set policy and advocacy direction that reflect the businesses; communicate and advocate business complexities in a concise manner. This position will enhance Honda's leadership within the relevant trade associations, industry groups and coalitions. This individual will be responsible for educating Honda's leadership and internal working groups on the potential challenges, risks and opportunities surrounding safety and advanced vehicle technology policy. While this role does not have any direct reports, the individual is responsible for management of outside consultants and leadership of relevant trade associations and industry groups within their portfolio.

Key Accountabilities

• Set strategic direction to and advance Honda's interests and policy positions with Congress and the Administration, primarily related to safety, advanced and emerging vehicle technologies, and innovation.
• Drive Honda's leadership in trade associations, industry related groups and coalitions to advance Honda's interests and positions
• Utilize various resources, including political context and intelligence, to develop policy positions and develop legislative/policy strategic responses. This includes building and leveraging relationships with key policymakers (elected officials and staff)
• Proactively anticipate and track federal policy and legislation in safety and advanced and emerging technologies, including automated and connected vehicles, artificial intelligence, repair, privacy, innovation, and intellectual property.
• Promote Honda's value to America with policymakers and other policy influencers

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field or equivalent professional experience
• Ten plus years professional experience with public policy and advocacy, congressional or other government service, or related field knowledge of automotive industry preferred
• Past experience working on transportation policy and/or emerging technologies
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, and the ability to understand legislative and regulatory text
• Ability to influence others
• Ability to anticipate problems and take proactive measures to advance Honda’s interests
• Extensive network of contacts in the Federal GR space