Manager of Government Relations and Public Policy

Full Job Description

About the Position

NMEDA is seeking an experienced and strategic advocacy professional who is eager to make a lasting policy impact and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. Trusted with overseeing and coordinating all aspects of our government relations and public policy efforts, this role will be responsible for developing and executing effective advocacy strategies to influence public policy and legislative/regulatory decisions in alignment with the organization’s objectives. Applicants should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, political acumen, and the ability to cultivate thriving relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of government and industry. This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a respected association and a vitally important industry that has revolutionized the accessible transportation marketplace. Veterans, association management professionals (CAEs), and individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Do

The Manager of Government Relations & Public Policy is a senior-level position that reports to the Chief Executive Officer and plays a critical strategic and business role in helping to develop, implement, and manage NMEDA’s government affairs and public policy initiatives by achieving the following:

• Develop comprehensive advocacy strategies and implementation plans to advance the organization’s mission and GR objectives, with a focus on improving the delivery of accessible transportation solutions to people with disabilities.
• Interact with federal and state legislators and regulatory authorities, engaging in direct lobbying related to transportation, accessibility, healthcare, and disability policy issues. Existing knowledge of accessible transportation solutions and adaptive driving technology is not required but will be considered an asset, as will working knowledge of VA and/or state Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and their respective approaches to funding accessible transportation solutions.
• Effectively represent the association and persuasively communicate its policy priorities in a variety of venues, including but not limited to, legislative meetings, agency meetings, legislative hearings, regulatory comment dockets, town hall meetings, webinars, PAC fundraisers, and partner organization conferences, galas, and other events.
• Maintain the lobbying reputation and presence of NMEDA at all levels of government and develop your own strong relationships with policymakers and regulators to advance federal and state matters of importance to NMEDA and its members.
• Identify, analyze, track, and report on federal and state legislative efforts and regulatory matters relating to NMEDA and its members’ business operations.
• Respond quickly to legislative and regulatory challenges impacting the organization’s GR initiatives by utilizing contacts and mobilizing support to mitigate adverse impacts.
• Collaborate with other NMEDA departments – especially Communications, Education & Training, Partner Relations, and Quality Assurance – to understand overlaps and enhance inter-departmental efficiencies and execution of strategic plan initiatives.
• Partner with other organizations, advocacy groups, and disability community leaders to build coalitions and amplify NMEDA’s advocacy efforts while developing grassroots support for the NMEDA brand. Good working relationships with veteran service organizations or other veterans groups will be considered an asset.
• Develop and disseminate persuasive communication materials, including position papers, white papers, talking points, briefing documents, and other publications.
• Engage and oversee consultants, lobbyists, and other third parties as necessary or appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant FEC and lobbying disclosure laws.

What You’ll Bring

Intelligence, curiosity, integrity, adaptability, resourcefulness, a sense of humor, and a growth mindset are a few of the qualities that we are looking for in the candidate that will fill this multidisciplinary position. Applicants should be comfortable interacting with others and operating in a collaborative environment. Here’s what else you’ll bring:

• Minimum three years’ experience in a government affairs, advocacy, lobbying, and/or public policy role, preferably in a nonprofit or corporate setting.
• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field. In lieu of a traditional 4-year degree, we will consider candidates who have accumulated 5+ years of professional experience in a GR or association management role.
• Political acumen and strong knowledge of federal and state legislative processes.
• Fluency in federal regulatory and rulemaking processes, with VA, DOT, or NHTSA rulemaking experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills as well as a proven ability to work well across departments and strengthen organizational culture through effective collaboration.
• Experience and desire to play a key leadership role in an ascendant organization, and to provide strategic advice to the board of directors and other leaders within the organization.

What You’ll Gain

The benefits of joining NMEDA include the chance to create real and lasting policy changes on behalf of a fascinating industry dedicated to providing safe, reliable automotive independence to people with disabilities. NMEDA additionally offers competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be expected to work a minimum of three days per week from the NMEDA headquarters in Tampa, FL (fully remote candidates located in DC will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year

Email [email protected] for more information on how to apply.