Jobs

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade association for the U.S. and Canadian recreational boating industry (nmma.org), the primary advocate for the boating business community and boating consumer, and the leading producer of consumer boat shows in the United States.

Member-owned and driven, the NMMA team manages an annual budget of $50M. As part of this work, NMMA runs the industry’s consumer-facing Discover Boating initiative (DiscoverBoating.com), which has an annual campaign budget between $5-7M and attracts 4-5 million potential boat buyers to DiscoverBoating.com. Additionally, Discover Boating consumer boat shows attract 500K attendees to its 14 events each year, with an annual marketing and communications budget between $3-4M.

NMMA represents 85% of the U.S. and Canadian recreational marine manufacturing market including companies that make boats, marine engines, and accessories. NMMA members deliver an estimated $45 billion in new marine products each year to consumers around the world to enjoy the boating lifestyle. On behalf of its members, who sell products to countries around the globe, NMMA provides business intelligence and statistics; product standards and certification; regulatory and government affairs; and consumer and B2B promotion.

NMMA is a frequent and influential collaborator with the leading business trade organizations focused on advancing recreation in America including the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Recreational Boating, and Fishing Foundation, American Sportfishing Association, Center for Sportfish Policy, and many others.

NMMA Mission

Our Why: Creating Transformational Experiences
Our Vision: Recreational boating is the #1 leisure activity in America.
Our Mission: To ensure the growth and success of the recreational boating industry.
Our Core Values: Respect/Serve Others/Be Curious/Collaborate/Focus on the Consumer

Our Promise to Members:

• Convene, unify, and expand the North American recreational boating market.
• Foster a favorable business environment for members.
• Cultivate a best-in-class boating experience for consumers.
• Encourage continuous improvement of recreational boating products.
• Champion industry information, learning, and knowledge.
• Ensure the health and success of NMMA and Discover Boating.

COMPANY SIZE AND LOCATION

NMMA is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has an office in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, the team is working remotely, and some are hybrid. In addition to Washington, DC, and Chicago, members of NMMA’s team are based in regions where it produces its consumer boat shows including Boston, Louisville, Miami, Minneapolis, and New York. NMMA offers a flexible work environment.

We’ve got an inspiring story to tell, and a growing brand focused on improving the lives of millions of peopleall while getting them outdoors to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of the boating lifestyle.

NMMA is one of the most financially sound trade associations in the global recreation industry. As a $45B industry sector, companies across recreational boating provide meaningful outdoor and leisure experiences for millions of Americans.

The recreational boating market is strong and growing. In 2020, the industry saw a near twenty-year record with 313,000 new boats sold. Looking ahead, as Americans continue seeking ways to spend quality time with family and friends, and experience a life well-lived on the water, we are estimating strong demand for recreational boating products in the years to come. The Discover Boating and NMMA brands play a leading role in building long-term demand and sustainability for the industry.

Job Summary:

The Manager of Federal Government Relations will be responsible for developing and executing strategic advocacy and lobbying efforts to advance the interests of the recreational boating industry before the federal government. This position will require an understanding of the political and regulatory landscape and the ability to effectively communicate the industry’s priorities to key policymakers, lawmakers, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have three to five years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, and advocacy, with experience in navigating complex legislative and regulatory environments.

The Manager of Federal Government Relations will work closely with the DC team and will play a critical role in shaping the policy environment for the recreational boating industry. This is an exciting opportunity for a government affairs professional to make a significant impact on behalf of a dynamic and growing industry.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a comprehensive federal government relations strategy to promote the interests of the recreational boating industry.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key federal policymakers, lawmakers, and stakeholders.

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and identify opportunities and threats to the industry.

Advocate for industry priorities, including policies related to access to waterways, tax and trade issues, and environmental and conservation matters.

Build and maintain a strong coalition of stakeholders in support of the industry’s policy agenda.

Represent the industry in meetings, hearings, and other public events, as needed.

Develop and maintain expertise in relevant policy areas and effectively communicate the industry’s positions to policymakers and stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with other industry associations and stakeholders to advance shared goals.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

At least 3-5 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, or advocacy.

Understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes and experience navigating complex policy environments.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, lawmakers, and stakeholders.

Ability to work collaboratively with other industry associations and stakeholders.

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Knowledge of the recreational boating industry a plus.

Learn more here