The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
Arlington
Schaumburg, IL
Hybrid in Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL-Hybrid Workplace
Rosemont, Illinois
Schaumburg
Posted: 09-Feb-26
Location: Arlington
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
POSITION SUMMARY:
SOCMA is the leading trade association representing the specialty chemical industry. Advocacy is a core pillar of SOCMA’s mission, and the Vice President of Government Relations serves as the organization’s senior leader responsible for advancing member interests through policy engagement, reporting directly to the President & CEO.
In this role, the Vice President of Government Relations leads SOCMA’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts, develops and executes federal policy strategies, and represents the association before Congress and key federal agencies most notably the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with additional engagement as appropriate with the Department of Commerce (DOC), the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The position requires federal lobbying registration. While the role is primarily focused on federal advocacy, the Vice President also leverages SOCMA’s relationships with state chemistry councils and partners to engage selectively on state-level legislative and regulatory issues with national or member-wide implications.
Key Responsibilities
Federal Government Relations & Policy Strategy
- Develop and execute SOCMA’s federal legislative and regulatory strategy.
- Advocate on behalf of SOCMA members before Congress and federal agencies.
- Monitor and analyze federal legislative and regulatory developments impacting the specialty chemical industry.
- Develop federal policy positions and recommendations aligned with member priorities.
- Clearly articulate and demonstrate return on investment (ROI) for SOCMA’s government relations efforts.
Advocacy, Coalitions & External Engagement
- Build and lead coalitions with other trade associations, stakeholders, and partners, including state chemistry councils, to advance shared policy objectives at the federal level and, when appropriate, on state-level issues.
- Represent SOCMA publicly through Capitol Hill advocacy, industry events, conferences, and external partnerships.
- Serve as a spokesperson and thought leader on federal and state policy issues affecting SOCMA members.
Member Engagement & Value Delivery
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with SOCMA member company executives and boards.
- Assess members’ needs and align advocacy and policy strategies accordingly.
- Assist members in understanding federal and significant state legislative and regulatory issues.
- Support member retention and recruitment efforts by collaborating with SOCMA’s membership department through the lens of effective advocacy and engagement.
Advocacy & Issue Committee Leadership
- Oversee SOCMA’s advocacy- and issue-focused committees, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and member needs.
- Work with committee leadership and members to develop and execute advocacy strategies, policy positions, and action plans.
- Facilitate collaboration between committees, staff, and external partners to advance SOCMA’s advocacy objectives.
Organizational Leadership & Management
- Lead, manage, and develop SOCMA’s government relations team.
- Contribute to SOCMA’s overall strategic planning and organizational leadership.
- Manage external consultants and advisors supporting government relations initiatives.
- Engage and demonstrate thought leadership on communications, events and content.
- Provide strategic oversight and direction of policy-related communications, including member alerts, newsletters, and advocacy materials.
- Develop overarching themes and target audiences for SOCMA meetings, events, and policy forums.
- Support the development of content for in-person, virtual, and committee meetings.
- Oversee the creation and distribution of advocacy and industry support materials.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Deep knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes, including Congress and federal agencies.
- Ability to assess state-level policy developments and coordinate with partner organizations when
appropriate. - Proven ability to develop and execute effective government affairs and public policy strategies.
- Strong coalition-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Demonstrated ability to translate members needs into clear advocacy and policy priorities.
- Strong leadership, supervisory, and team-development skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative advocacy.
- Significant experience working with or within trade associations, member-driven organizations, or industry coalitions.
- Demonstrated experience engaging federal policymakers and senior stakeholders.
- Experience in chemical or manufacturing industries.
- Bachelor’s degree required in political science, public policy, public administration, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. Scientific or technical policy experience is a plus.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements outlining their qualifications and experience to jobs@socma.org or submit on ASAE career center.
