Senior Specialist, Government Relations

Senior Specialist to join our Government Relations (GR) team supporting Walt Disney World External Affairs. The GR team serves as Walt Disney World Resort’s liaisons to local and state officials as well as many industry groups. You will demonstrate success by leading multiple projects, thinking strategically, researching and analyzing complex topics, and possessing an advanced understanding of the current government relations landscape in Florida. You will also assist in the preparation of analysis and research on various policy issues affecting Walt Disney World.  This position supports the Sr. Manager, Government Relations by assisting with the development of policy and issue briefs, tracking and reporting on legislation, coordinating meetings and events with industry stakeholders and officials; and the ongoing monitoring of government and industry meetings. Last but not least, you will bring the ability to form relationships both internally and externally, as well as manage stakeholder and political events on property.

What You Will Do:

• Government and Industry Relations: Assist in monitoring legislation and reporting of legislation progress. Manage government, industry and business association calendars to monitor upcoming meetings and provide briefs and updates on relevant issues as needed. Facilitate meetings for government relations.  Maintain contact with state government officials to obtain information and provide assistance and support as needed.
• Research and Monitoring: Monitor policy issues that impact Walt Disney World operations to help further the development of proactive and reactive strategies to position the company appropriately. Conduct research and prepare reports concerning legislation and other governmental matters, as an aid in planning and decision-making. Assist in research and develop materials for internal projects and communications, including weekly briefs to key internal stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in building and maintaining relationships with government officials and other external stakeholders.  Facilitate meetings between senior leadership and key stakeholders and help plan and implement site visits, as needed, and participation in related meetings. 
• Political Operations: Assist in the tracking of political campaigns and candidates. Assists in the coordination of conferences, political fundraisers and other events.
• Collaboration and Business Integration: Work with internal teams to understand how emerging issues may impact WDW operations and provide support to help develop strategies that enable WDW GR to achieve policy and political objectives. Effectively manage schedule, produce timely correspondence and fulfill other administrative duties as assigned by leadership. Assist with data entry on key customer relationship management platforms.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Excellent written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with a passion for service to others
• Strategic understanding of business objectives and outcomes associated with government relations
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and partnering/networking skills
• Creativity to find new solutions and improve reporting, storytelling, and other aspects of government relations
• Ability to work independently but also collaborate as an effective team member
• High level of corporate integrity with well-adapted organizational skills in all aspects of job performance with strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or another relevant major
• Experience with local, state, or federal government
• Experience as a cast member, or solid understanding of Walt Disney World property

Education

High school diploma or equivalency