Director, Federal Affairs

## Summary

As Director of Federal Affairs, you will advocate for the coatings industry’s highest priorities. This position reports to ACA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. The role manages multiple fast‑paced conversations on issues such as housing, international trade, and chemicals management. You will have direct contact with ACA members, affiliated industry organizations, Members of Congress, their staff, and staff for congressional committees.

A typical day includes building and maintaining a strong network of contacts with Members of Congress and their staff, engaging in activities relevant to analyzing and advocating on legislative initiatives (including hearings and numerous meetings), and corresponding with key members of the coatings industry.

ACA provides a flexible hybrid working environment in the Washington, D.C. area. The ideal candidate is 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.

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## 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, and other activities that 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 related subcommittees
• Work collaboratively with ACA’s professional teams (Events and Engagement, Communications, etc.) to accomplish ACA’s Strategic Goals
• Represent the industry at political functions
• Monitor political activities on a continual basis to advise the 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 the D.C. fly‑in

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## Background/Education Requirements

• Minimum 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 in this role

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## Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Robust knowledge of the political and legislative process
• Deep understanding of the political landscape and strong political acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem‑solving, troubleshooting, 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
• Ability to work with candidates and professionals from both parties

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## Location and Travel

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and operates within a hybrid work environment (onsite and remote). Travel will be required in this role.

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## Employment, Salary and Benefits

This is a full‑time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience and ranges 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.

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## 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.

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## 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.