Director, State Affairs

Reporting to the Vice President of State Affairs, the Director of State Affairs

The Director of State Affairs is the industry’s lead policy representative across the northeast region, actively working with state legislative and administrative personnel to advance member interests. This position will assist in assessing legislative opportunities and threats, as well as evaluating and developing strategies for engagement. The Director will manage interactions with member company policy staff, as well as an in-state lobbyist network in the assigned region. The position will represent association interests in state capitols and at policy conferences as required. The Director will also be responsible for assisting in the management of special events and projects to advance both the industry and the association’s interests and policy positions throughout the year. This role will work closely and regularly with other departments within the association to successfully advocate in the states on a wide range of issues impacting the auto industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors, evaluates, engages, and apprises the Auto Innovators’ leadership, staff, and member companies of trends in state policy that impact the industry.
• Consults regularly with member companies on policy priorities, issue positioning, appropriate messaging, and legislative engagement strategy and tactics.
• Collaborates with staff and members to prepare comments, correspondence, and deliver hearing testimony as needed to state legislative and regulatory bodies.
• Serves as a thought leader on state policies impacting the industry as part of panel discussions and in other public forums.
• Represents Auto Innovators in strategic partnership efforts and other public venues advocating adoption of recommended policies and initiatives.
• Identifies, develops, and maintains relationships with lawmakers, stakeholders, and other relevant organizations.
• Works closely with other departments within Auto Innovators to ensure a coherent, coordinated industry effort and proper messaging on issues.
• Collaborates and manages relationships with in-state lobbyists and consultants.
• Travels extensively, occasionally on short notice, to attend in-person meetings, hearings, or events.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of the state legislative process and advocacy strategies.
• Ability to review state legislation and effectively communicate its impact to Auto Innovators staff, member companies, and external stakeholders.
• Capacity to quickly understand and internalize complex policy concepts on a wide range of issues impacting the industry.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to quickly draft compelling written testimony and advocacy materials that translate association policies for non-expert policymakers.
• Comfort with public speaking before legislative committees, policy panels, and other public events.
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities to generate trust and find consensus among member company policy staff.
• Excellent judgment in priority setting between competing interests in a changing environment.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment requiring sustained collaboration and communication with colleagues.
• Bias for action with a demonstrated track record of translating strategic thinking into action plans and positive outcomes.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Five to ten years of experience working in a state legislature/administration, trade association, or other multi-state lobbying role.
• Strong interest in the automotive industry, including new and developing technologies, environmental protection, and roadway safety.
• Positive attitude, willingness to work hard, and interest in learning new and evolving policy areas.

Compensation and Benefits

To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base pay ranges for all US-based job postings regardless of state. We set standard base pay ranges for all roles based on function, level, and country location, benchmarked against similar-stage growth companies. The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000 to $175,000. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate location, skills, depth of work experience, and relevant licenses/credentials, and may vary from the range listed. This role may also be eligible for bonuses, equity, medical benefits, a 401(k) plan, and other company perk programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

At The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, we are committed to hiring diverse talent of different backgrounds. As such, it is important to us to provide an inclusive work environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, age, religion, sexual orientation, veteran or disability status, or any other protected class. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and welcome people of all backgrounds to apply.

Please send your resume to: [email protected]