Manager, Congressional Affairs

Description

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.

The Manager, Congressional Affairs will handle important policy-related projects of interest to AAR and its members. The position reports to the SVP, Government Affairs, and works closely with the entire Government Affairs team, as well as with the Washington representatives of member companies. The Manager, Congressional Affairs must possess an understanding of the inner workings of Congress and relevant federal agencies. They will work to influence congressional consideration of legislation, consistent with the objectives of the Association and will be a registered lobbyist. The Manager will also manage AAR’s participation across various coalitions with the aim of heading off harmful initiatives and supporting ones beneficial to the railroad industry and our members.

The Manager maintains daily liaisons with the legislative and executive branches of the government and appropriate federal agencies. The Manager is responsible for monitoring and tracking legislative developments of importance to the industry and AAR member companies. The Manager is required to frequently meet with congressional staff and attend congressional hearings ensuring proper representation at work sessions and public hearings on legislation affecting the industry. The incumbent will attend industry fundraisers and represent the industry at various organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The Manager also acts as the Department’s intern coordinator.

Principal Accountabilities

• Monitor and track important legislative and regulatory issues.
• Attend and report on congressional hearings and briefings as directed.
• Report on legislative and regulatory activities as they relate to the industry.
• Develop issue papers and talking points on legislative issues affecting the industry.
• Attend and participate in industry fundraisers.
• Provide strategic input on issues facing the industry.
• Maintain close working relationships with appropriate members of congressional staff and keep abreast of current and pending legislative issues as they relate to the industry.
• Advocate industry positions with congressional members and staff.
• Develop and maintain relations with strategic partners including the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
• Organize and run, under the SVP’s direction, the Department’s internship program, including identifying possible interns, interviewing them, coordinating their arrival and departure, and overseeing their day-to-day activities.

Qualifications

The ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with congressional staff.

An equivalent combination of formal education, training, and experience is required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related discipline.
• Three years of legislative experience or specialized experience in managing and/or lobbying on issues at the highest level of the government.
• Incumbent must possess an understanding of the inner workings of Congress and relevant federal agencies.
• Excellent writing and communication skills are necessary.

About AAR

Founded in 1934 and located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, AAR is a top-tier trade association representing major freight and passenger railroads operating in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In addition to representing its members on legislative and regulatory policy matters, AAR sets standards for rail cars and rail car components, certifies manufacturing and repair facilities, and audits facilities for compliance.

Its research subsidiary, MxV Rail, headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, is the world’s leading railroad research facility, undertaking cutting-edge research for railroads and their suppliers from around the world. AAR’s information technology subsidiary, Railinc, located in Cary, North Carolina, provides IT services to the railroad industry.

For more information on AAR and its subsidiaries, see www.aar.org.

Learn more here