Job Description

This job contributes to REI’s success by advancing REI’s community and government affairs in the interests of the co-op, its members, employees, and the outdoor recreation community. The role leads government affairs and civic engagement, establishing and executing federal, state, and local strategies. This position works with elected officials and their staff, agencies, trade associations, coalitions, and key stakeholders to advance REI Co-op’s impact and business goals. The director has oversight of the REI Cooperative Action Network for activating grassroots advocacy with REI’s members. They work in close partnership with key internal partners including Communications, Marketing, Trade Compliance, Stores, the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a public charity focused on making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

This position operates in a fast-moving corporate retail business, serving as a subject matter expert for REI’s executive leadership and frequently representing the co-op in public forums. Reports to the Divisional Vice President, Sustainability & Community Affairs and supports executive leadership. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.

Leading the Way

• As a member of the Leadership Forum, develops a deep understanding of, effectively communicates, and broadly supports execution of company strategies and priorities.
• Translates company strategies into actionable divisional plans and executes successful delivery.
• Works cross-divisionally to drive execution of specific divisional and company strategies, initiatives and projects.
• Identifies and communicates key responsibilities and practices to ensure the organization promotes a successful attitude, confidence in leadership, and teamwork to achieve business results.
• Supports the implementation of company programs, procedures, methods and practices to promote REI key messages.
• Challenges and inspires employees to achieve business results.
• Ensures employees adhere to legal and operational compliance requirements.
• Oversees training and development of employees directly and indirectly managed and makes effective staffing decisions.
• Conducts and ensures the completion of performance reviews.
• Provides coaching, direction and leadership support to employees in order to achieve department, company and customer results.
• Establishes and maintains visibility within the department.
• Monitors operational statistics, reports trends, variances and issues, and takes appropriate action.

Your Planning & Navigating Requirements

• Develop and execute REI’s civic engagement strategy at federal, state, and local levels.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-divisional partners to shape and implement REI’s public policy agenda.
• Identify and advance issues critical to REI’s business, including trade, regulations, public lands, recreation access, and conservation.
• Represent REI in legislative and regulatory matters.
• Build and manage relationships with elected officials, agencies, and key community partners.
• Evaluate and engage in strategic partnerships and coalitions to support REI’s objectives.
• Advise leadership and develop strategies to engage employees and members in civic participation.
• Manage REI Cooperative Action Network platform operations, team, and integration with REI’s broader impact initiatives.
• Develop and test localized engagement strategies to activate grassroots advocacy.
• Educate stakeholders through written materials, testimony, media, and public forums.
• Provide executive leadership with updates and strategic guidance on policy and civic engagement; support internal alignment and understanding.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with trade associations, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage consultants, lobbyists, and impact partners to support REI’s advocacy work.
• Develops and oversees a network of information resources, formal and informal, to detect, monitor and provide analysis on issues of potential consequence to REI and its business operations.
• Ability to proactively pursue REI policy and giving objectives while also being in a position to react to new and/or unforeseen opportunities and challenges.
• Work cross-divisionally with a high degree of proactive communication, transparency, and partnership.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years experience, including 7+ years of management experience, with government affairs work in a corporate/business environment
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time
• Experience overseeing direct reports and external consultants
• Strong ability to comprehend a diverse range of issues
• Proven ability in policy analysis and development
• Proven ability to develop an effective network with demonstrated results
• Ability to manage a financial budget and drive goals
• Builds capacity of individuals and teams through effective employee development, involvement, communication, and supervision efforts
• Creates a strong, mutually supportive work spirit and culture where people can do their best
• Establishes trust and inspires others

Preferred Qualifications

• Holds a Bachelors or Masters degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, or related field

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization . We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

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