Senior Vice President, Federal Affairs

# Description

## Position Overview
The **Senior Vice President, Federal Affairs** plays a critical role in advocating for and elevating the consumer packaged goods industry with Congress and the administration. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, this leader directs all federal lobbying functions and oversees execution of federal issue priorities, strategic initiatives, and policy campaigns. The position also serves as a subject matter expert on policy issues related to nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency, and chemicals management.

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# Key Areas of Responsibility

– **Policy & advocacy agenda** — Manage Consumer Brands’ policy and advocacy agenda, including all federal strategic and tactical functions supporting short‑ and long‑term priorities and campaigns.
– **Cross‑functional partnership** — Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and Technical Affairs to advance CBA’s integrated advocacy agenda.
– **Congressional engagement** — Drive Consumer Brands’ Congressional champion development efforts and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
– **Administration relationships** — Maintain, build, and leverage relationships with key administration officials (White House, FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.).
– **Industry spokesperson role** — Serve as a leading spokesperson and thought leader on policy issues related to nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency, and chemicals management across media, events, and external forums.
– **Narrative development** — In coordination with communications and regulatory teams, develop leading‑edge narratives to advance CPG industry priorities.
– **Member community oversight** — Oversee key internal member communities, including the Food and Beverage Strategy Group, Household and Personal Care Strategy Group, Federal Affairs Committee, and related exchanges, including executive engagement.
– **PAC leadership** — Oversee and grow the political action committee.
– **Education & events** — Oversee development and execution of related education, events, and marketplace solutions.
– **Vendor & consultant management** — Manage consultants and vendors providing federal affairs services.
– **Team leadership** — Lead a team with a focus on collaboration, professional growth, accountability, morale, and retention.

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# Experience & Education

– **BA/BS degree** required; an advanced degree (e.g., MS) is a plus.
– **12–15 years of experience** in the legislative and/or executive branch preferred.
– **Consumer packaged goods industry experience** and policy expertise in nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency, and chemicals management preferred.
– **Demonstrated results** in government, association, and/or political environments.

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# Skills

– **Legislative & regulatory expertise** — Expert understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and proven ability to influence policy through strong relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and industry stakeholders.
– **Policy interpretation** — Ability to interpret complex policy and translate it into business impact.
– **Strategy & campaigns** — Experience designing and executing federal policy strategies, campaigns, and coalition efforts aligned with organizational goals.
– **Ambiguity management** — Ability to be productive and drive results in ambiguous environments.
– **Communication skills** — Superior interpersonal and written communication skills.
– **Public speaking** — Strong public speaking skills with executive presence to engage Board members, represent the organization in media, and serve as spokesperson at industry forums.
– **Leadership** — Results‑oriented leadership with the ability to drive consensus, achieve member alignment, and mentor high‑performing advocacy teams.
– **Collaboration** — Team player who thrives in a high‑energy, multitasking, collaborative environment.
– **Adaptability** — Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and balance short‑term deliverables with long‑term strategic goals while producing high‑quality work.
– **Technical proficiency** — Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
– **Sense of humor.**

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# Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The Consumer Brands Association is an equal opportunity employer that supports a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are based on knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to job performance. The organization does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

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