Director of Government Affairs

Key Responsibilities Policy Development And Advocacy Develop and implement multi-jurisdictional strategies to influence public policy and legislative initiatives across the US and European markets. Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies that affect the organization's interests and values in key markets including the United States, Italy, and other European Union countries. Craft position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials tailored to different regulatory environments and cultural contexts. Engage with policymakers and staff to represent the organization’s perspective and participate in public policy discussions and government-led initiatives. Promote the organization's values and advance its three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equity, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action – across international communities served through core verticals, soccer, wine, and real estate, fostering positive influence in diverse global markets. Global Government Relations Establish and maintain relationships with government officials, legislators, regulatory agencies, and policymakers across the US and European markets. Build strategic partnerships with international diplomatic missions, trade organizations, and cross-border business councils. Represent the organization at legislative hearings, policy forums, and international conferences. Coordinate meetings and briefings with government officials in multiple countries to advocate for the organization's policy positions. Navigate complex international regulatory frameworks and ensure compliance across jurisdictions. Manage relationships with European Union institutions and member state governments, with particular emphasis on Italian political landscape. Lead a coordinated engagement plan with City of Des Moines, Polk County, and State of Iowa stakeholders to support major development work and ensure unified messaging around community benefits and economic impact. Strategic Planning Lead the development and execution of a formal, organization-wide global government relations strategy—including vision, mission, values, and policy tenets adapted for international markets. Develop annual strategic plans that include legislative engagement, political giving (where legally permissible), stakeholder mapping, metrics, and risk mitigation across multiple jurisdictions. Oversee and strategically guide European political efforts, managing external firms and local consultants in key markets. Coordinate and advise on the establishment of advocacy structures including a US 501(c)(4) and equivalent European entities, including mission development and governance setup. Identify emerging political and regulatory issues across global markets that may impact the organization and develop proactive cross-jurisdictional strategies. Advise the organization's leadership on international political and policy developments and their potential impact on global operations. Develop crisis management protocols for political and regulatory challenges across different time zones and legal systems. International Stakeholder Engagement Manage and collaborate with external lobbying or legal teams, consultants, and government relations firms across multiple countries. Build and maintain influential relationships with policymakers, regulators, political organizations, and allied coalitions in key international markets. Organize and participate in international stakeholder meetings, roundtables, and collaborative initiatives including trade missions and diplomatic events. Serve as advisor to leaders within the organization on global political trends, policy developments, and international stakeholder opportunities. Support cross-functional alignment by educating internal departments, functions or businesses on the impacts of international legislation and policy decisions. Coordinate with business leaders to ensure government relations activities support local market strategies. Provide internal education on legislation and policy impacts. Cultivate alliances with major employers, chambers, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and civic organizations to strengthen regional support for development projects and deepen community partnerships across Des Moines. Global Communication And Representation Serve as the primary point of contact for government-related inquiries and communications across all operating jurisdictions. Prepare and deliver presentations, speeches, and reports to internal and external audiences, adapting messaging for different cultural and political contexts. Ensure that all government relations activities are communicated effectively within the organization and comply with disclosure requirements across jurisdictions. Represent the interests of all Krause Group entities, including the family, Foundation, wholly-owned businesses, and minority investments, in all relevant legislative and government relations matters globally. Ensure alignment across philanthropic and commercial efforts while respecting different regulatory environments and cultural norms. Communicate government relations activity across the organization. Develop a consistent policy narrative that highlights community benefits, economic development, and long‑term value for Des Moines. Knowledge And Experience 8+ years of progressive government relations, public policy, or political experience. 5+ years of experience managing international or cross-border government relations programs. Demonstrated experience working with multiple levels of government (local, state/regional, federal/national, supranational). Proven track record of successful advocacy campaigns and policy influence across different jurisdictions. Experience with 501(c)(4) formation or similar advocacy organization structures. Background in managing and coordinating external legal consultants, firms, and international services. Experience in one or more of Krause Group's core verticals: sports/soccer, wine/agriculture, real estate, or hospitality preferred. 10+ years in government relations, legal, policy, or related fields. Lobbying experience preferred. Strong understanding of Iowa’s political system. Familiarity with U.S. and Iowa political landscapes; EU familiarity preferred. Skills, Knowledge, And Competencies Deep understanding of US political systems and regulatory frameworks at federal, state, and local levels. Working knowledge of European Union institutions, processes, and policy-making mechanisms. Familiarity with Italian political landscape, government structures, and regulatory environment highly preferred. Experience navigating international trade policies, cross-border business regulations, and diplomatic protocols. Understanding of global political risk assessment and mitigation strategies. A politically astute leader with a strong sense of social responsibility and the ability to build influence through values-driven coalitions. Deep understanding of political giving structures (PACs, 501(c)(4), etc.). Experience navigating legislative cycles and building strategic plans. Highly collaborative, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills. Growth mindset and ability to operate with agility in high‑change environments. High level of integrity and ethical standards. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Strong business acumen and commercial understanding. Politically savvy with strong influence and coalition-building skills. Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills. Agile, collaborative, and capable of thriving in dynamic environments. Krause Group Purpose Our purpose is to enhance the way people experience the world. Krause Group Mission Our mission is to nurture our family of brands, creating opportunities to do good in the world. Krause Group Values Agility – We challenge the status quo with open minds, flexibility, and speed. We are comfortable being uncomfortable. We view change as an opportunity. Courage – We take risks. We innovate. We win or learn. We push limits, disrupt norms, and define our own path. Growth Mindset – We are building an organization and legacy that will outlive us. We are continuously learning. There is no final destination, only the journey to be better than we were yesterday. Inclusion – We actively seek and welcome alternative points of view. Diverse perspectives improve decision‑making and make us all more successful. Integrity – We do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. We do not take shortcuts and always take accountability. Community Focused – We are committed to positively impacting our communities, stakeholders, and associates. We do good and encourage others to join us. Krause Group believes in People First. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer building a culture of equity and inclusion. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Industries Business Consulting and Services #J-18808-Ljbffr