Senior Federal Affairs Director

Department: Governmental Affairs

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

As a Senior Federal Affairs Director supporting the Governmental Affairs Team, you’ll take a lead role in shaping and advancing Southwest’s federal policy priorities before Congress. You’ll independently drive lobbying strategies, provide experienced guidance on emerging public policy issues, and take greater ownership of key political relationships and initiatives while partnering across Teams to ensure advocacy efforts align with Southwest’s business and operational priorities.

Additional Details

Due to the nature of this role, you’ll be required to work from our Washington, D.C. facility and may need to work evenings as business needs require. This role may also require travel for trainings, meetings, conferences, and other business needs.

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

Responsible for building and holding direct relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and key administration officials for the purpose of effectively advocating Southwest’s interests

Lead advocacy on Federal legislative actions, including preparing memos, briefing papers, talking points, and draft legislation

Interact directly with senior executives/business unit leaders on their priorities, developing and implementing external engagement plans

Lead coalitions within the Company and with external groups in support of Southwest advocacy.

Direct and oversees plans across the Team, leveraging and coordinating internal and external resources through A4A, consultant management, and other outside resources

Draft reports, briefings, letters, and testimony

Serve as liaison to Southwest CEO’s office for trips to D.C. or elected official visits to Company headquarters, including scheduling, creation of read-ahead materials, and in-person briefing support

Identity, monitor, analyze, and brief Internal Stakeholders on new policy issues with Company impact as they arise

Represent the Company externally at hearings, high level policy meetings, industry functions, policy/advocacy associations, and community events

Synthesize internal SME information for departmental memos and/or communication and education of policy makers.

May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Flexible, agile and works collaboratively with colleagues in multiple locations while understanding the importance of the company’s single external face

Understands Southwest business strategy & commercial drivers as well as specific legislation, regulations and impacts

Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills, including the mastery to present information in a clear and compelling way through excellent verbal and written communication

Adept at simultaneously leading multiple projects in a busy, time-sensitive environment and able to deliver results when given broad guidance on approach and method of work

Self-starter with the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy applying effective prioritization, analytical problem-solving and planning skills

Builds effective working relationships with a high level of passion towards evolving challenges that will enhance the success of the business

Education

Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in : Substantive legislative or policy experience working within or directly with the federal government (i.e., Congress or a federal agency) related to aviation/transportation

Familiarity with navigating federal agencies

Writing legislative and/or regulatory comments

Preferred: Experience advocating for organizational priorities or industry priorities before Congress

Preferred: Experience within the aviation industry or representing aviation-related interests

Preferred: Demonstrated project management experience with strong organizational skills

Preferred: Experience developing strategic plans and driving successful execution

Licensing/Certification

N/A

Physical Abilities

Ability to perform work duties from limited space workstation/desk/office area for extended periods of time

Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job

Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

Other Qualifications

Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines

Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

Travel required to support Company goals and strategies

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $160,550 per year to $178,400 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love:

Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)

Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**

Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***

Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)

Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.

Explore more Benefits you’ll love: Benefits | Southwest Careers

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.

Job Posting End Date 11/10/2026