Head of Government and Corporate Affairs

Auto req ID: 52887  
Title: Head of Government and Corporate Affairs  
Job Function: Legal  
Location: Washington D.C. 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company  
Full or Part-Time: Full Time  
 

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It’s our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

Job Summary
The Head of Government & Corporate Affairs will play a critical role in advancing Harley-Davidson’s reputation, policy priorities, and stakeholder engagement strategy by leading the company’s corporate affairs and corporate communications functions. This role will develop and execute integrated strategies across government and public policy, and external engagement to strengthen Harley-Davidson’s profile and protect the company’s interests.

Working closely with Legal, Communications, Government Affairs, and senior business leaders, the Head of Corporate Affairs will help shape the company’s voice in public policy debates, manage corporate reputation, and ensure alignment between policy advocacy, and the company’s broader business strategy.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience at the intersection of public policy, and corporate communications, particularly as it relates to manufacturing, trade, mobility, workforce, and regulatory issues affecting iconic American brands.

What You’ll Do
Corporate Affairs & Public Policy
•    Develop and execute sophisticated strategies to advance Harley-Davidson’s corporate affairs, public policy, and advocacy priorities through industry groups, coalitions, and key influencers.
•    Evaluate policy developments through the lens of Harley-Davidson’s operating model, global manufacturing footprint, dealer network, workforce, and rider community.
•    Monitor and assess political, legislative, and regulatory developments at the federal and state levels, identifying emerging risks and opportunities.
•    Serve as a trusted advisor to internal business leaders on public policy, reputation, and stakeholder considerations.
•    Help shape and advance the company’s positions on key issues affecting the manufacturing and mobility sectors.

Corporate Communications & Reputation Management
•    Lead corporate communications strategies that strengthen Harley-Davidson’s reputation among policymakers, media, industry stakeholders, and the broader public.
•    Lead crisis communications planning and response, including the development of rapid-response messaging, executive guidance, and cross-functional coordination to protect the company’s reputation during high-risk or high-visibility situations.
•    Develop and manage messaging frameworks that align public policy priorities with the company’s brand and corporate narrative.
•    Draft and oversee the creation of high-impact communications materials including financial calendar communications, executive speeches, op-eds, media statements, talking points, and briefing materials.
•    Support executive leadership with communications preparation for media interviews, public appearances, and policy engagements.
•    Manage corporate positioning on key issues and ensure message consistency across external platforms and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement
•    Maintain strong working relationships with media, industry and trade associations, consultants, thought leaders, and internal stakeholders to align messaging and advance strategic objectives.
•    Coordinate closely with Government Affairs, Legal, and senior leadership to ensure integrated advocacy and communications efforts.
•    Help build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, and third-party advocates.

Crisis Communications Execution
•    Anticipate and manage reputational risks through strategic messaging, media monitoring, and proactive communications planning.

What It Takes
•    Bachelor’s degree required.
•    Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in corporate affairs, corporate communications, public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
•    Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated public policy and corporate communications strategies.
•    Experience working with both international and national media, shaping executive communications, and managing complex reputational issues.
•    Congressional, regulatory, trade association, or manufacturing-sector experience preferred but not required.
•    Experience in crisis communication.
•    Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives.
•    Strong knowledge of public policy issues relevant to manufacturing, trade, transportation, labor/workforce, taxation, and regulatory policy.
•    Proven ability to build, manage, and grow strategic relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
•    Strong political and business acumen with the ability to navigate complex, fast-moving environments.
•    Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines with attention to detail.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Harley-Davidson is an equal opportunity employer that continues to build a culture of inclusion, belonging and equity through our commitment to attracting and retaining diverse talent from all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in fairness and providing a level playing field for all. We foster a culture that thrives on diverse perspectives and contributions to ignite the creativity and innovation to fuel our business and enhance the employee and customer experience.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.

 
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

 
Direct Reports: Yes 
Travel Required: 10 - 25% 
Pay Range: $246,900-$407,300 
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer 
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country) 

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