Director/Senior Director, Government Affairs

About the Job

Title: Director/Senior Director of Government Affairs
Reports to: Senior Vice President
Location: Alexandria, VA (Hybrid, Tues–Thurs onsite required)
Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until July 25.

Position Summary

The Director/Senior Director of Government Affairs plays a leading role in developing and executing NWPCA’s federal advocacy strategy and related strategic projects. This position is ideal for a government affairs professional ready to assume a more independent, externally facing role with increased responsibility and a significant amount of time on Capitol Hill conducting in-person advocacy.

The Director/Sr. Director manages core components of the association’s government affairs program, represents NWPCA before Congress and the Administration, and leads engagement with coalitions, industry partners, and, most importantly, with NWPCA membership.

They will also manage the day-to-day operations of the association’s political action committee (PAC), including filing FEC reports, fundraising, and coordinating with the SVP to attend fundraisers. The Director/Sr. Director will work alongside the SVP on strategic initiatives that have a nexus with government affairs.

Position will be filled at the Director or Senior Director level, depending on the experience and skills of the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Help shape and execute the association’s federal policy agenda in coordination with the SVP.
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional offices, committees, and the Administration.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, providing analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Represent NWPCA in industry coalitions, meetings, and public policy forums.
• Prepare policy briefings and background materials for internal and external use.
• Assist in managing outside lobbyists.
• Plan and execute annual U.S. Congressional Fly-In.
• Draft advocacy-related content, including newsletters, alerts, talking points, and magazine columns.
• Collaborate with communications staff to integrate advocacy messages into broader communication strategies.
• Support the development of digital content and social media messaging tied to policy priorities and PAC activities.
• Manage PAC operations, including compliance tracking, donor communication, and contribution processing.
• Support fundraising campaigns and organize PAC events during annual conferences and fly-ins.
• Attend fundraisers and represent NWPCA at PAC-supported events as appropriate.
• As a key member of the NWPCA team, work alongside other departments on strategic initiatives that impact or are impacted by policy priorities. In the past, this has included grant applications, a workforce development research study conducted in collaboration with the National Association of Manufacturers, and an ongoing national study on residuals.
• Serve as staff liaison to relevant NWPCA member committees. This includes working with the volunteer committee chair to set priorities, organize meetings, and develop meeting agendas.

Qualifications and Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in federal advocacy, government affairs, or policy work—preferably with a trade association, Hill office, or federal agency.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process and regulatory environment.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.
• Experience working with or managing a political action committee is a plus.
• Strong team player.
• Some travel (10-15%) is expected, including for NWPCA events, congressional plant tours, and PAC trips.

Location and Work Environment

This position is based at NWPCA’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, with a hybrid schedule that requires three in-office days per week (Tuesday through Thursday). The office is Metro-accessible via the King St–Old Town station.

Compensation

Compensation for this role will vary depending on the successful candidate’s experience, demonstrated expertise, and other considerations. The salary range is $85,000 – $120,000. The NWPCA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k), PTO, medical and dental insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Organizational Overview

The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is the largest organization of wood packaging professionals worldwide, with over 850 member companies in more than 40 countries engaged in the manufacture, repair, and distribution of wood pallets and containers. NWPCA advances the use of wood packaging to support the secure and efficient movement of goods in global supply chains and maintains strong relationships with federal agencies and policymakers.