The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The mission of the NAM is to be the voice for all manufacturing in the United States.
Job Title: Associate Director, International Policy
Division: External Affairs
Department: Policy
Reports To: Vice President, International Policy
FLSA Status/Level: Exempt/Professional
Location: Headquarters DC
Position Overview:
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is seeking an Associate Director of International Policy. The Associate Director, International Policy will support the team’s trade policy and international engagement efforts, including initiatives related to tariffs, international standards and technical barriers to trade, export finance, and other issues. Responsibilities include tracking legislative and policy developments, conducting policy research on priority issues, and working with other policy experts and internal groups to develop advocacy strategies that ensure the NAM is responsive to the needs of manufacturers.
In collaboration with the VP of International Policy and the broader International Policy team, the Associate Director will work closely with key internal stakeholders, including government relations, membership, public affairs and marketing, and legal to advance advocacy, communicate policy updates, demonstrate member value, and assess legislative and regulatory proposals.
The successful candidate has a track record of collaborating with team members and analyzing complex policy issues and communicates clearly to a variety of audiences. The position will also fulfill certain administrative tasks, as assigned, to support the NAM Trade Forum and other key events.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Policy and Advocacy:
- Engage with member companies, elected officials, executive agencies, other associations, and coalitions to develop policy positions, strategies, and tactics to achieve advocacy successes that encourage the growth of manufacturing in the United States.
- Serve as a lobbyist for specific policy areas.
- Develop compelling written work product that advances the association's policy goals.
- Lead development and execution of the International Policy team’s external programming, including all planning and logistical facets of the recurring Trade Forum program, receptions, conferences and other events involving U.S. and foreign officials.
Impactful Presence:
- Make strong contributions to the International Policy department's activities.
- Maintain a learning culture that adapts to the changing political landscape and policy developments.
- Complete work with the highest ethical standards.
Interdepartmental Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with the other departments within the NAM to ensure that policy development and advocacy work are aligned with overall organizational goals and objectives.
- Contribute to a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose among department members that allows for open communication, appreciation of diversity of viewpoints and perspectives and cohesiveness.
The above list of responsibilities is representative of the position and not intended to limit or preclude other responsibilities and tasks that may be associated with or added to the position.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position has no direct reports.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5-7 years of trade policy experience in the Executive Branch, on Capitol Hill, and/or in the private sector.
- Exceptional understanding of legislative and administrative policymaking processes. Some familiarity with foreign government policymaking processes preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, quality and goal-driven environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary Range: $78,000 - $92,000 annually. This salary range represents a good-faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The National Association of Manufacturers is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness here at the NAM. We provide equal opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We also consider qualified applicants with conviction histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. At the NAM, we believe in Second Chances! The NAM is committed to offering equal employment opportunities to ALL. We only require that you have the qualifications, talent and passion to be successful in your role.
The NAM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States and one of the nation’s most influential advocates for manufacturing. By joining the NAM, you become part of a spirited and dynamic team that is driven to succeed. We recognize and reward our staff with competitive pay and annual performance-based bonus programs. We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, SmarTrip, and a 401(k) Salary Deferral plan with employer match and contributions, vacation and sick leave, complimentary on-site gym access and healthy snacks in the break room. Become part of a fast-paced team passionate about keeping the United States the world leader in manufacturing.
Get involved. Make an impact. Join the NAM team.
Learn more at
www.nam.org/careers
The NAM is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- 3+ years of related Capitol Hill, Executive Branch, and/or association policy development experience
- Exceptional understanding of legislative and administrative policymaking processes
- Familiarity with foreign government policymaking processes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, quality- and goal-driven environment
What We Do
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the leading U.S. trade association representing manufacturers ranging from small businesses to global companies across industrial sectors. It advocates for policies that strengthen manufacturing and U.S. competitiveness, while providing members with expertise in workforce development, legal action, operational solutions, industry news, research and analysis. NAM describes itself as a one-stop resource and influential advocate for American manufacturing.









