Senior Vice President, Federal Affairs

The Senior Vice President, Federal Affairs has critical responsibilities in advocating for and elevating the consumer packaged goods industry with Congress and the administration. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, this role leads all federal lobbying functions of the organization and will lead the executional elements related to federal issue priorities, strategic initiatives and policy campaigns. The position also serves as an organizational subject matter expert on policy issues relating to nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency, and chemicals management.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Manage Consumer Brands’ policy and advocacy agenda, including all federal strategic and tactical functions to support short- and long-term priorities and campaigns.
• Partner with Legal and Regulatory and Technical Affairs to advance CBA’s integrated advocacy agenda.
• Drive Consumer Brands’ Congressional champion development efforts and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
• Maintain, build and leverage relationships with key administration officials (White House, FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.).
• Serve as a leading industry spokesperson, issue expert and thought leader on policy issues relating to nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency, and chemicals management in media interviews, external events and other communications forums.
• In coordination with communications and regulatory teams, develop leading-edge narratives to advance CPG industry priorities.
• Oversee key internal member communities, including the Food and Beverage Strategy Group, Household and Personal Care Strategy Group, Federal Affairs Committee and related exchanges, including soliciting executive engagement.
• Oversee and grow the political action committee.
• Oversee the development and execution of related education, events and marketplace solutions.
• Manage consultants and vendors providing federal affairs services to the association.
• Lead a team with a focus on collaboration, professional growth and development, accountability for results, strong morale and retention.

Experience & Education

• A minimum of a BA/BS degree is required; an advanced degree such as an MS is a plus.
• 12–15 years of work experience required, preferably in the legislative and/or executive branch.
• Consumer packaged goods industry experience and policy expertise on nutrition, ingredient safety, consumer transparency and chemicals management is preferred.
• A track record of demonstrated results in government, association and/or political environments.

Skills

• Expert understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and proven ability to influence policy through strong relationships with Congress, federal agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret complex policy and translate it into business impact.
• Experience designing and executing federal policy strategies, campaigns and coalition efforts aligned to organizational goals.
• Ability to be productive and drive results in the face of ambiguity.
• Superior interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Strong public speaking skills with the executive presence to effectively engage association Board members, represent the organization in media settings and serve as a spokesperson at industry forums and events.
• Results-oriented leadership, including the ability to drive consensus, achieve member alignment and manage and mentor a high-performing advocacy team.
• Team player who thrives in a high-energy, multitasking and collaborative work environment.
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities and balance short-term deliverables with long-term strategic goals while producing high-caliber work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Sense of humor.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The Consumer Brands Association is an equal opportunity employer that supports a diverse workforce. We seek candidates for employment based on knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to job performance. We do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

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