Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications

Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications

American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)

Washington, DC | Hybrid

Salary: $120,000–$135,000 + up to $20,000 annual performance bonus

About AAEI

The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) is a leading national trade association representing companies and professionals engaged in international trade. For more than 100 years, AAEI has served as a respected voice on customs, trade policy, supply chains, tariffs, export controls, and other issues affecting the global movement of goods.

Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications

American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports to: President & CEO

Position Level: Senior Leadership

Position Overview

The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) seeks an experienced, collaborative, trusted, and results-driven Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communications to strengthen the Association’s government affairs, strategic partnerships, external engagement, and policy communications.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this senior leader will serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner, combining policy expertise, relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and management experience to translate organizational priorities into measurable results.

The President & CEO retains primary responsibility for AAEI’s strategic direction, lobbying priorities, formal policy positions, Board relations, and senior-level government relationships. The Senior Director will support these efforts through effective coordination, implementation, and accountability while providing strategic oversight of the Marketing & Communications function. The Marketing and Communications staff will retain responsibility for day-to-day operations and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Government Affairs: Support the CEO’s advocacy priorities, monitor trade policy developments, and coordinate congressional, agency, and coalition engagement.
External Relations: Build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and represent AAEI at industry and government events.
Communications Leadership: Oversee Marketing & Communications and align messaging with AAEI’s advocacy, membership, and organizational priorities.
Executive Communications: Support speeches, policy statements, presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
Organizational Execution: Coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage deliverables, supervise staff, and ensure accountability for results.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

8–12+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, public affairs, communications, trade associations, corporate affairs, advocacy organizations, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience coordinating government affairs initiatives and working with policymakers, federal agencies, industry associations, or coalitions.
Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Experience managing professional staff, establishing performance expectations, and coordinating cross-functional activities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and effective messaging.
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
Experience working directly with senior executives and implementing leadership priorities.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment.
A collaborative management style and demonstrated ability to build trust across organizational functions.
Experience supporting external relations, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with international trade, customs, tariffs, supply chains, export controls, trade facilitation, or related policy issues.
Experience in a membership-based trade association or nonprofit organization.
Familiarity with federal agencies responsible for international trade, including CBP, Commerce, USTR, and other relevant agencies.
Experience coordinating outside consultants, government affairs firms, or strategic partnerships.
Prior federal government service or senior-level experience in government affairs.

Former and retired government professionals are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $120,000–$135,000

Annual Performance Bonus: Up to $20,000

How to Apply

AAEI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of interest outlining their qualifications and interest in advancing AAEI’s mission and public-affairs work.

Please send resumes to: [email protected].