Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs

Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs

The Aluminum Association (TAA), based in Arlington, VA is searching for a Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs. Established in 1933, TAA is the trade association for the North American aluminum industry and has a $10M budget. The Aluminum Association is the industry’s leading voice in Washington, D.C., providing global standards, industry statistics, trade policy and expert knowledge to member companies and policy makers nationwide. Highly engaged in public policy and technical forums, the Association is committed to advancing aluminum as the sustainable metal of choice around the world.

This role, which reports to the President & CEO, will lead the four-person Government Relations and International Programs department.

Serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs provides strategic leadership for advancing the mission and vision of the Association. Manages the Association’s Government Relations department and leads policy development, government relations strategy, and lobbying activity in support of aluminum industry priorities. Leads the Association’s engagement with international organizations that impact the U.S. aluminum industry. Works with membership in developing policy positions and strategies; provides leadership in working with the industry on compliance issues, and coordinates industry response on policy and advocacy priorities.

Responsibilities

1. Serves as chief point of contact to all relevant agencies, Congress, and key stakeholders to monitor policies, develop policy strategy, and deliver industry messages and actions.
2. Develops key policy positions with membership and disseminates timely and relevant analysis on public policy issues affecting the industry.
3. Directly advocates with U.S. policymakers and coordinates industry response to government stakeholders, including federal agencies and Congress. (E.g., includes coordination with legal counsel, and meetings, comments, and interaction between member companies and government representatives.)
4. Staff executive and leader for Government Affairs Committee and selected working groups to facilitate discussion, positions, and actions, as appropriate, on current or prospective issues affecting the industry. Serves as liaison to other Association committees and divisions on trade policy issues.
5. Leader for internal and external resources supporting policy and advocacy initiatives. Aligns staff and external resources against desired outcomes to support goals and communication of all policy positions – including trade, climate, recycling, infrastructure, and workforce policy issues.
6. Serves as Association representative to industry interest groups (Congressional Aluminum Caucus) and external committees, coalitions and working groups on key policy issues.
7. Collaborates with the VP, External Affairs and VP, Market Growth and Development to promote sustainability initiatives that grow markets for aluminum.
8. Identifies, implements, and directs opportunities for testimony, briefings, and meetings in not only Congress but federal agencies and other bodies as well; directs and oversees the Association’s government relations and policy communications.
9. Works with outside consultants and vendors to carry out trade and other policy actions as directed by the Executive Committee and the Board. Manages lobbying consultants and trade activities related to government relations.
10. Manages team responsible for industry Environmental Health and Safety initiatives and government regulations affecting the industry and its sustainability initiatives.
11. Leads the Association’s political programs, including the Aluminum Political Action Committee. Supervises the work of the PAC Manager in developing and executing effective fundraising campaigns, managing lobbyists, maintaining financial oversight, developing giving strategies, creating and maintaining relationships with PAC members and elected officials, and building and maintaining effective relationships with fundraisers. Represents the Aluminum Association at political fundraisers and events.
12. Develops and manages the approved budget for all activities and staff related to the formal Government Affairs Program for the Association and its membership.
13. Assumes additional responsibilities as appropriate or as requested.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s Degree in Trade Policy, International Relations, Government Affairs, or related discipline, or extensive demonstrated competency in these areas.
• 10 -15 years’ experience in trade policy or government/international affairs. Experience with a relevant Federal or state entity.
• Demonstrated ability to track, analyze, synthesize, and report on trade policy developments in the regulatory and legislative arenas.
• Proven track record of working in teams as well as autonomously, and leading teams (staff and constituents) on specific domestic and international projects.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver presentations at domestic and international association meetings, such as the Chinese and International Aluminum Associations, the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and member committees and divisions.
• Knowledge of or experience with metals or materials manufacturing industries and/or global trade and WTO processes.
• Existing registered lobbyist status at the Federal level or the ability to obtain such registration upon employment.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with competing priorities and exercise sound judgment in evaluating such situations and issues.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

What Can the Aluminum Association Offer to the Right Candidate?

The Aluminum Association is a collaborative organization with a high degree of communication, trust, and mutual respect among employees. Your colleagues are professional and committed to their work; they are respectful and work well together as a team.

We have a light and modern workplace in Crystal City, close to the metro, VRE, bus stops, and a range of restaurants and eateries. Amazon’s new offices are in our neighborhood.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, paid parking, 401k, 12 paid days off for holidays, 5 days of paid time off for sick and medical care, 12 days’ vacation in year one with added vacation days with years of service and more.

How to Apply for the Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs position:

Simply email your resume to [email protected] with “VP, Government Relations and International Programs” as the subject of the email. Please include your resume as a Word or PDF attachment to the email and paste your cover letter in the body of your email with your salary requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. This position may require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history.