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Government Relations Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Rayonier, Inc.

Director, Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA · On-site

We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will ...

Rayonier

Director, Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA

We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will ...

City of Atlanta

APD-Code Enforcement Officer I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). 2 years' of experience in code enforcement, planning and zoning, or government relations (or ...

Capital NYC

Public Relations Assistant

Atlanta, GA

$43K - $51K/yr

Public Relations Assistant at Capital NYC Position: Public Relations Assistant Location: Atlanta, GA Salary: $43,000 - $51,000 per year Company Overview: Capital NYC is a leading communications and ...

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All JobsGovernment Relations JobsGovernment Relations Jobs in Decatur, GA

Government Relations information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$50.3K

$104K

$165.5K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations in Decatur, GA is $104,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a career in government relations?

A career in government relations involves managing interactions between an organization and government agencies to influence policy, secure approvals, or advocate for specific interests. Professionals in this field often analyze legislation, build relationships with policymakers, and use communication skills to represent their organization's goals. It typically requires knowledge of public policy, regulatory processes, and strong negotiation abilities.

What is government relations?

Government relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining relationships between an organization and government officials, agencies, or legislators. Professionals in this field advocate for their organization's interests by monitoring legislation, communicating policy positions, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. They often represent organizations during policy discussions and legislative processes, working to influence public policy decisions. Effective government relations can help organizations navigate regulatory environments and anticipate changes that may impact their operations.

What are government relations jobs?

Government relations jobs focus on interaction with the government on various levels, such as acquiring permits for a company, lobbying for legislation, or providing information to legislators on specific topics. Titles in this field include things like government relations director, government relations specialist, and similar terms. Government relations employees often provide advocacy on various topics, help direct company policy towards state and local governments, ensure lines of communication are available to the public, and address concerns from citizens. In this job, you may also work on a proposal for future interaction with each level of the government.

What is the difference between Government Relations vs Public Affairs Specialist?

AspectGovernment RelationsPublic Affairs Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in government or policyBachelor's degree, communication or public relations background
Work EnvironmentLobbying, government meetings, policy advocacyMedia relations, community outreach, communication campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesCorporations, PR firms, advocacy groups
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve communication and advocacy, Government Relations focuses on influencing policy and building relationships with government entities. Public Affairs Specialists handle media, public perception, and community engagement. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the public sector and corporate communication fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in government relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Government Relations, you need a solid understanding of public policy, regulatory frameworks, and strong written and verbal communication skills, often supported by a degree in political science, law, or public administration. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, stakeholder management tools, and sometimes certifications like a Registered Lobbyist status are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to build relationships make professionals stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively advocating for organizational interests and shaping public policy outcomes.

How does a government relations professional typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives?

Government Relations professionals regularly coordinate with internal departments like legal, compliance, public affairs, and executive leadership to ensure that the organization’s messaging and policy positions are consistent and strategic. Externally, they build and maintain relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to advocate for the organization’s interests. This role often involves preparing briefings, organizing stakeholder meetings, and facilitating dialogue to anticipate policy changes and align company strategies with regulatory requirements. Effective collaboration is essential for staying informed and influencing public policy in ways that positively impact the organization.
More about Government Relations jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Government Relations jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Government Relations jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Government Relations jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Government Relations job openings:
Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,001 per year, or $50 per hour.

Director, Public Affairs

Rayonier, Inc.

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
Come grow with us! We are One Rayonier, a team that works together to create value by prioritizing safety, challenging the status quo, giving back to our communities, and driving innovation through continuous learning. With nearly 100 years of experience, we're still discovering new ways to make lives better with our trees, our land, and - our most important resource - our people.
At Rayonier, we strive to create an employee experience where you feel valued and proud to be part of our team. We foster a respectful, inclusive and collaborative environment that celebrates your unique talents and perspectives. Experience the Rayonier difference: We're big enough to offer exciting career paths, but small enough for you to know your colleagues by name. Come join a team that empowers you to make a difference!
Are you a strategic leader who excels at navigating complex public policy, shaping legislative outcomes, and building powerful community relationships? Do you have a passion for formulating public affairs strategies that accelerate revenue opportunities, reduce corporate liabilities, and enhance company reputation?
We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will manage all aspects of our advocacy campaigns across Idaho, Arkansas, Texas, Washington, and Louisiana, ensuring tight alignment with regional business units while fostering an environment in which Rayonier can operate profitably.
How You Will Contribute
Reporting to Public Affairs Leadership, you will drive our success across several critical areas:
  • Strategic Advocacy Leader: Translate business objectives into clear regional policy priorities, legislative strategies, and advocacy campaigns that protect and increase asset value.
  • Government & Industry Champion: Build and leverage a strong network of state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies, and industry trade associations to shape policies that support timberlands, wood products, real estate, and energy/minerals.
  • Governance & Compliance Monitor: Manage political giving budgets while maintaining strict oversight of campaign finance and ethics laws across multiple state and local jurisdictions.
  • Collaborative Advisor & Storyteller: Partner with internal communications teams and external PR agencies to develop compelling communication tools and messaging that support our regulatory positions and highlight our work as a trusted corporate neighbor.

Key Accountabilities
Legislative Strategy & Public Policy
  • Track legislation, provide testimony, and actively engage in the legislative process to shape policy outcomes beneficial to Rayonier and the industry.
  • Formulate strategies to improve revenue opportunities, reduce corporate liabilities and expenses, and protect company assets across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.
  • Direct contract lobbying consultants to ensure execution against their scope of work and maximize return on investment.
  • Oversee political giving budgets in full compliance with state and local ethics and campaign finance laws.

Cross-Functional Engagement & Stakeholder Relations
  • Collaborate closely with regional managers across timberlands, wood products, real estate, energy, and minerals to identify key issues and revenue opportunities.
  • Develop strong working relationships with government agencies regulating land use, air, water, wildlife, and regional economic development.
  • Build collaborative relationships with key industry trade associations in the timber, real estate, wood products, and energy sectors.
  • Represent the company at legislative hearings, political fundraisers, community boards, and industry public events.

Strategic Communications & Community Engagement
  • Partner with communications teams and external public relations agencies to develop effective advocacy materials, strategic messages, and PR tools.
  • Collaborate with regional teams to drive strategic community affairs programs and foster mutually beneficial relationships with local constituencies.
  • Promote corporate goodwill through public outreach programs such as National Forest Products Week, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and school partnerships.

What You Bring to the Team
Required Qualifications
  • Education:A Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, Natural Resources, or a related field.
  • Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, issues management, coalition building, community affairs, or strategic communications.
  • Regional Network & Knowledge: An existing network of contacts with state and local officials in Idaho, Arkansas, or Texas, and a strong understanding of the legislative processes and political dynamics across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.
  • Strategic Mindset & Professional Influence: Superior capacity to convey personal trust and credibility, exercise good judgment, and maintain sensitive discussions in strict confidence. Exceptional written and verbal communication, time management, and stakeholder collaboration skills.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in natural resource policy, government agencies/executive branch, industry associations, or contract lobbying.
  • Proven background in strategic communications, public relations, and multi-project management.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
This role is based in Atlanta, GA and requires extensive travel to meetings, hearings, and site visits outside the office. May include occasional exposure to forest environments and wood products and lumber manufacturing facilities.
What We Offer
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability, identity theft protection, and paid parental and caregiver leave. We also offer a health savings account, a dependent care spending account, and an employee assistance plan. We provide wellness reimbursements, employee discount programs, annual health screenings, wellness incentives, wellness seminars, and financial counseling and planning tools.
  • Our 401(k) retirement savings plan includes company matching contributions (60% match on the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals) as well as a 3% enhanced retirement contribution that does not require an employee contribution.
  • We recognize the importance of work-life integration and offer flexible work schedules and hybrid work from home options (for most positions), along with a minimum of three weeks paid vacation, five paid personal days, 11 paid holidays and paid sick leave each year.
  • We provide a comprehensive employee development program which provides career planning tools and resources, mentoring program, leadership development, training programs and an 80% tuition reimbursement.

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