Summary
As Director of Federal Affairs, you will be advocating for the coatings industry’s highest priorities. This position will report to ACA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. The position will manage multiple fast-paced conversations on issues such as housing, international trade, and chemicals management, to name just a few. In this role, you will have direct contact with ACA members, affiliated industry organizations, Members of Congress, their staff and staff for congressional committees.
A typical day will include building and maintaining a strong network of contacts with members of Congress and their staff, engaging in a variety of activities relevant to analyzing and advocating on legislative initiatives, including hearings and countless meetings, and corresponding with key members of the coatings industry.
ACA provides a flexible hybrid working environment in the Washington DC area. The ideal candidate for this role will be a forward thinker with initiative, a strong work ethic, Capitol Hill experience, and a desire to work in policy and politics. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in Washington, D.C.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify key policymakers and build and maintain positive relationships
• Identify and analyze legislative proposals that impact the industry and work with industry experts to craft responses
• Support the identification of key policymakers for grassroots efforts
• Participate in legislative meetings, hearings, fundraisers, etc. which will advance the industry’s position on high priority issues
• Develop legislative strategies to achieve the industry’s goals
• Support the management of ACA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee and all related subcommittees
• Work collaboratively with ACA’s professional teams (Events and Engagement, Communications, etc.) to accomplish ACA’s Strategic Goals
• Represent industry at political functions
• Monitor political activities on a continual basis to advise association on political races across the country
• Assist in organizing facility tours for members of Congress and their staff
• Coordinate grassroots/grasstops strategy including grassroots alerts and communications
• Assist in the organization of DC fly-in
Background/Education Requirements
• Minimum BA degree in political science, legislative policy or other related field
• Minimum of five years of legislative experience (Capitol Hill or trade association)
• Travel will be required in this role
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
• Robust knowledge of the political and legislative process
• Deep understanding of political landscape and high political acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem solving, trouble shooting and follow-through abilities
• Tenacity and drive to learn and take on new tasks
• Big picture thinking with an obsession for details
• Customer service skills and proven ability to work as a team
• Ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
• Work with candidates and professionals from both parties
Location and Travel
This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, DC and will operate within a hybrid work environment (working both onsite and remotely). Travel will be required in this role.
Employment, Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience, but can range from $120,000 to $150,000. ACA provides generous benefits including 401(k) match, PTO, medical, dental, and life insurance, commuter benefits & wellness reimbursement, and professional development/training opportunities.
Apply
To apply for this position, please visit https://american-coatings-association.breezy.hr/. Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your motivations for applying and your salary requirement. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
About American Coatings Association (ACA)
ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered. The association focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, and offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.
Skills Required
- BA degree in political science, legislative policy, or related field
- Minimum of five years of legislative experience (Capitol Hill or trade association)
- Travel will be required
- Capitol Hill experience
- Robust knowledge of the political and legislative process
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem solving, troubleshooting and follow-through abilities
- Tenacity, drive to learn and take on new tasks
- Big picture thinking with attention to details
- Customer service skills and ability to work as a team
- Experience coordinating grassroots/grasstops strategy
What We Do
ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered. The association also devotes itself to advancing industry efforts with regard to product stewardship, through its signature Coating Care® resources, and focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, as well as online training opportunities. In addition, ACA offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.
