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Public Affairs Council
 

Director, Congressional Affairs

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The Director, Congressional Affairs will be responsible for the strategic development and management of selective federal legislative and regulatory issues and programs. These issues would include, but would not be limited to, intellectual property, criminal justice and antitrust. The Director will develop a strategy to strengthen SAP's position with Members and staff of the House and Senate Judiciary and Appropriations Committees and the Administration. Additional Committee focus (House and Senate) would include: Armed Services, Commerce, Government Reform and Government Affairs, Foreign Relations and International Relations, Homeland Security, Rules, House Administration and Transportation. The successful congressional affairs candidate will work to further SAP's business development efforts within the public services sector by assisting with political outreach, as well as with think tank and third party relationships to Members of Congress and the Administration involved in setting software and procurement policy. These efforts will support SAP's overall marketing objectives, support SAP's customers, and improve SAP's significant position in the world.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS

  • Help strengthen the SAP America Washington, D.C. office by assisting in the development and growth of the Government Affairs practice.
  • Help develop and implement SAP's legislative and regulatory agendas on matters relating to intellectual property, criminal justice and antitrust issues of interest and concern to SAP, both domestically and internationally.
  • Assist in increasing SAP's visibility and presence on The Hill, particularly in the House and Senate Judiciary and Appropriations Committees.
  • Be a proactive strategic agent on behalf of SAP America clients' interests.
  • Evaluate pending legislation and regulations that may impact SAP, domestically and internationally. This will include close consultation with the Vice President, CongressionalAffairs to develop recommendations and prepare communications for senior management andthe CEO.
  • Establish and maintain a strong political network on Capitol Hill and in the Administration.
  • Represent clients' interests in on-going, face-to-face meetings with the political and bureaucratic leadership in Washington, advising them directly on specific legislative and regulatory proposals that may affect them.
  • Engage in existing accounts and generate new business as it relates to government affairs by maximizing relationships with SAP America's clients.
  • Advise clients on the impact of public policy, procedures, issues and matters under negotiation. Take a leading or advisory role in negotiations with the federal government.
  • Provide clients with information, advice and perspective concerning federal government leadership, policies, politics and activities.

    WORK EXPERIENCE
  • The successful candidate will have a minimum of ten years experience as a government relations executive, a Congressional staffer, or as a senior public servant in a relevant government department, agency or business. Specific information technology experience as well as international affairs experience would be an asset. Previous experience and qualifications should include:
  • A thorough understanding of U.S. legislative process, including an understanding of the roles
  • Established relationships on Capitol Hill and with key agencies, specifically with the House and Senate Judiciary and Appropriations Committees, to name a few.
  • A good working knowledge of issues affecting the software industry and SAP, including but not limited to: commerce and trade issues and restrictions, information technology policy, tax policy, export policy, international relations.
  • An in-depth understanding of intellectual property, criminal justice and antitrust issues, specifically, issues of cyber security, homeland security, privacy, trade, international antitrust divergence and Hart-Scott Rodino Reform.
  • Experience working with and managing outside counsel and coalitions. Ability to advise/influence senior-level corporate executives.
  • Experience assisting in the development and implementation of federal affairs programs for large business organizations.
  • The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest level of government and business.
  • A proven record of accomplishment in advancing important issues through the legislative process.
  • Understanding of international issues and how a company can strategically face the challenges of entering foreign markets.

    • To apply contact: Jeff.liddy@sap.com
    SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 09/02/10