Local Government Engagement Lead

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

What you’ll do

Scout Motors is revitalizing an American icon—designing and building next-generation trucks and rugged SUVs with a focus on innovation, capability, and community. With a growing presence in the Carolinas and across the U.S., we are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and a long-term community partner.

Position Overview - The Local Government Engagement Manager will establish and lead Scout Motors’ engagement strategy at our Charlotte headquarters, serving as a visible and trusted representative to local government stakeholders and related civic organizations, including chambers, nonprofits, workforce partners, and neighborhood groups. This role will work in close partnership with the External Relations/Public Affairs team within Scout Motors’ Communications team to build and nurture relationships that strengthen Scout Motors’ regional impact, support talent pipeline efforts, and elevate our commitment to social responsibility, and economic development. In addition to supporting the establishment of Scout Motors’ headquarters, this role will provide leadership on Scout Motors’ local engagement in South Carolina, home to our Production Center, and the future expansion of Scout Motors’ retail operations across the country. This role reports to the Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs.

The ideal candidate is relationship driven, proactive, and highly skilled at building partnerships that benefit both the community and the company.

Key Responsibilities:

Local Government Engagement & Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison with local government as Scout Motors establishes its new Headquarters in the Charlotte and broader Carolinas community.
• Build trusted relationships with local government, nonprofits, chambers, workforce and education partners, and community groups to strengthen the company’s presence in the region, and advancing initiatives that reflect Scout Motors’ values, commitments, and long‑term community impact
• Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy for Charlotte and the broader region integrating Scout Motors executives and other team members into relevant business, nonprofit, and philanthropic networks of Charlotte and the broader Carolinas community
• Cultivate strong relationships, and partner closely together with Scout Motors’ Strategy and Brand, HR, and Legal teams on local community engagements, plans and strategies.
• Support Scout Motors’ Strategy & Brand team as they identify strategic opportunities for Scout Motors to support local priorities such as workforce development, STEM education, environmental stewardship, and economic mobility.
• Partner with other functions and develop strategies to raise awareness of Scout Motors’ local contributions across the region.
• Establish, manage, and execute a government & community affairs playbook to build local support for future Scout Motors sales and service centers as they expand across the U.S.

Corporate Citizenship & Programs

• Support, as a member of the Charlotte community, Scout Motors’ Strategy and Brand team as they establish a strategy for philanthropic giving, sponsorships, and community investment programs.
• Assist in facilitating volunteer programs partnering with the HR (Employee Experience team) and Public Affairs teams.

Stakeholder Relations & Communications

• Work closely with Strategy and Brand, Communications, HR, and Government Relations to align messaging and community initiatives.
• Represent Scout Motors at public events, community forums, and civic engagements as needed.

Measurement & Reporting

• Develop and track metrics to assess community impact and report outcomes to leadership.
• Monitor community sentiment and identify opportunities or risks related to Scout Motors’ presence.

Location & Travel Expectations :

• This position is based in Charlotte, North Carolina at the new Scout Motors Headquarters.
• The responsibilities of this role require attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Government Affairs, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in government affairs, external relations, or equivalent fields.
• Deep connections within the Charlotte and greater Carolina community, including the local government, business, non-profit, educational, and philanthropic networks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management abilities, with experience building, developing and executing a cross functional local government and community engagement strategy.
• Excellent organizational skills ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
• Ability to work well cross functionally and strengthen company culture through effective collaboration.
• Strong relationship building, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with local government, civic organizations, and community leaders.
• Comfort representing the company in public settings.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, energy, or economic development industries a plus.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up. This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation. In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
    

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $140,000.00 - $170,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC7

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].