Manager of Government Relations

Job Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE: Manager of Government Relations

REPORTING TO: Vice President, Government Relations

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Summary
The Manager of Government Relations supports advocacy for ABA on a portfolio of broad policy priorities important to the commercial baking industry. Additionally, the Manager assists with liaison efforts with the ABA membership on policy activities and providing ABA with visibility in political and grassroots arenas. The Manager works in collaboration with the Government Relations (GR) team and must be highly organized, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player.

Primary Responsibilities
Federal Legislative and Regulatory Support
Support comprehensive lobbying of Congress, the Executive Branch, and Federal agencies through face-to-face or virtual engagement, written materials, and news media.

Support legislative and regulatory developments on critical policy priorities that have a direct impact on the commercial baking industry.

Assist with the review of various information sources for items of interest and communicate information to both the Government Relations Team, other ABA Teams, and the relevant ABA Professionals Groups.

Help to alert membership on relevant legislative and regulatory proposals and activities and solicit their input and active participation in drafting and developing consensus policy positions, communications of ABA policy positions, and statements to Federal agencies and other stakeholders, as appropriate.

Facilitate communication with ABA membership on legislative and regulatory developments to solicit their feedback and active participation and finalize consensus policy. Manage, develop, and disseminate ABA policy positions to membership including drafting of testimony and comments, coordinating the appearance of ABA members before legislative and regulatory panels, and assisting with Congressional and regulatory officials and staff meetings as appropriate. Disseminate appropriate information to professional groups on assigned policy issues.

Help to represent ABA and the commercial baking industry in Washington business coalitions, Congressional hearings, press conferences, meetings, and other legislative and regulatory functions. Maintain a high profile for the association in the policy arenas, and other issues as assigned.

Assist the GR Team with monitoring of issues, legislative research, write issue briefs, press releases, legislative alerts, testimony, and other tasks as assigned.

Help to organize the annual Bakers’ Dozen Award Program and work with the Events Team on event logistics.

ABA Professionals Groups
Assist with assigned Professionals Groups’ work.

Aid in response to legislative, regulatory, and technical inquiries from the ABA membership, including telephone calls and written correspondence.

Coordinate programming arrangements for meetings, invitation of speakers, oversight of accommodations, and oversee logistical coordination with the Events and Membership teams.

Political
Represent ABA at ABA and ABA PAC events.

Cultivate ABA visibility through attendance at political functions.

Grassroots
Serve as key contact on ABA grassroots activities.

Develop member engagement in legislative process and grassroots activities.

Act as co-lead on fly-in organization and itinerary development working in direct coordination with the Vice President, Senior Director and Director.

Programmatic and Administrative
Assist in executing policy strategy for ABA.

Report to and advise GR team management on legislative and regulatory issues of importance.

Contribute articles for ABA publications, website, and other publications as requested.

Coordinate Legislative Alert activities as needed.

Position duties are subject to change.

Skills & Requirements
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, agribusiness, economics, journalism, business, or related field or equivalent experience is required.

Related Master’s degree is desirable.

5-6 years’ relevant congressional, association, or corporate experience in public policy and/or public affairs.

Core Competencies/Skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with other staff and member leaders.

Ability to articulate an advocacy position, policy strategy, and inspire others to support the strategic objectives.

Ability to translate complex policies and processes to business audience and motivate action.

Ability to work well under pressure, to meet deadlines while making sound decisions, and to accommodate shifting priorities.

Ability to work as part of a team, establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relations with other staff, as well as ABA members and stakeholders, as appropriate.

Beyond teamwork, must also be able to work independently and make high level strategic decisions.

Must be a customer-focused, results-oriented team player.

Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic, hybrid work environment.

Pay & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position and is eligible for full benefits including health/dental/vision insurance, STD/LTD/life coverage, retirement benefits, and paid leave (vacation/sick/personal) plus holidays. This position is eligible for our hybrid work schedule of 3 days in-office, 2 days remote work. ABA operates on a 40-hour workweek; though longer hours may be required. Domestic travel will be required less than 10 percent.

About ABA
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is a non-profit trade association that represents the voice of the commercial baking industry. This is an opportunity to work in a results oriented, mission-driven environment that empowers staff to creatively carry out responsibilities. ABA is a fun, team-oriented atmosphere and has been selected as a Best Place to Work by the NAM Council of Manufacturing Associations and the Great Place to Work organization. ABA’s office is in downtown Washington, DC with convenient public transportation options nearby. ABA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Interested applicants please forward a cover letter and resume to:  [email protected]