Director, Federal Affairs

The Beer Institute (BI) is a national trade association representing the entirety of the U.S. beer industry, including large and small brewers, beer importers, and industry suppliers. The organization traces its roots back to the early 1860s and is one of the oldest trade associations in Washington, D.C. The U.S. beer industry generates more than $471 billion in economic activity and supports more than 2.42 million American jobs.

Position: Director, Federal Affairs

The Beer Institute is seeking a Director of Federal Affairs who will execute the beer industry’s advocacy strategy on its key federal policy priorities in Washington, D.C. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the successful candidate will develop and maintain relationships with members of Congress and staff, key Administration officials, and represent the beer industry interests before a broad array of stakeholders. This position also collaborates closely with representatives of BI’s member companies, Beer Institute staff, industry suppliers, distributors, and other allied trade associations.

Responsibilities include:

Develop and execute strategies that advance the beer industry’s key legislative initiatives, working through collaborative frameworks of external and internal stakeholders.

Establish and maintain working relationships with senior officials in Congress, federal agencies, the executive branch, industry trade associations, member lobbying firms, and public policy groups.

Proactively build and enhance key government affairs program initiatives; advance legislative and regulatory opportunities while protecting against legislative and regulatory threats.

Foster key bipartisan, bicameral relationships and identify and leverage collaborative opportunities with various stakeholders, including brewers and importers, industry suppliers, and distributors.

Monitor, review, and analyze Capitol Hill activity, including identifying emerging industry issues to determine potential impacts on the industry and ensure timely and effective communication with BI members and association staff.

Liaison with House and Senate Ethics Committees to ensure compliance with Congressional Ethics rules.

Manage a team of outside government affairs consultants to ensure alignment and advancement of key BI priorities.

Oversee, ensure compliance, and grow BEER PAC, the BI’s bipartisan, bicameral political action committee.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field, including political science, public policy, communications, or business-related field.

Minimum 5–7 years of professional experience in government affairs or public policy. Capitol Hill, Administration, or federal agency work is strongly preferred.

Excellent analytical, interpretive, evaluative, and constructive thinking skills to solve problems and utilize issue management tools and processes adopted by BI.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including developing public policy and advocacy materials, public speaking experience, handling critical audiences with skill and diplomacy, and negotiating skills.

Proven skill and experience in explaining complex legislative positions.

Excellent knowledge of the legislative process and procedures, and the inner workings of federal government departments and agencies.

This full-time position has total compensation between $150,000–$175,000 DOE and outstanding health and retirement benefits. The Beer Institute maintains a hybrid work environment, with staff expected in the office Monday–Thursday and Friday being an optional remote workday. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to the Beer Institute at [email protected]
with “Director, Federal Affairs” in the subject line. No phone calls, no resume drop-offs, and no recruiters.