The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Position: Director, State Government Affairs

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Location: Washington, D.C.

American Beverage, the trade association representing America’s leading non-alcoholic beverage companies, is seeking a Director, State Government Affairs. 

Position Summary: Responsible for representing and advocating for the interests and initiatives of the American Beverage Association and its members in designated states. Working with, and as directed by, the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, the Director will liaison with member companies, state association executives, industry consultants, allied associations and partners and elected officials. The Director works with Government & Public Affairs staff to develop plans for engaging these organizations to deliver the industry’s key messages to these critical audiences. As a member of the GPA team, the position is also called upon for regular interface with senior level executives, member companies, state beverage associations, all internal staff, trade associations, and other individuals in state and federal government and private industry who conduct business with the department and association. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.

• Proactively plans and engages with the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, on all matters in designated states pertaining to the beverage industry’s national strategy of outreach and advocacy.
• Assists on outreach and advocacy efforts on behalf of the American Beverage Association directly with member company government and public affairs teams, state associations, allies, and state and public officials.
• Serves as key representative to these organizations and represents ABA on any key committees and work groups established by these groups. Seeks proactive ways to leverage relationships with these organizations to deliver key industry messages.
• Researches and monitors all state and local government activities for designated states for potential impact to the beverage industry.
• Responsible for the daily identifying, tracking, and monitoring of state and local legislation in designated states of interest to the beverage industry.
• Responsible for building key stakeholder relationships and grassroots activities to support advocacy work.
• Ensures that member companies are engaged in planning for the work done with these internal and external groups and that the members are kept apprised of the work.
• Works to implement the outreach plans for external organizations and with key elected officials identified by developing meeting schedules, sharing information, etc.
• Assist Government Affairs department in executing strategic plans, events and activities for local, state and federal affairs activities, as needed.
• The ability to travel as needed including overnight. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• A proven ability to craft strategies, or take existing strategies, and execute for high-quality results – the ability to “make things happen.” Excellent oral and written communications and interpersonal skills; an understanding of technology applications and their relevance to the advocacy and outreach environment; a track record of building and sustaining partnerships; initiative and creativity in addressing partnerships.

• A skilled leader able to engage others, think strategically, tell a compelling story and move others to action; able to serve as a bridge between various groups; able to exhibit honesty, respect for others; a combination of creativity and execution that will see a project through to fruition; who values a team atmosphere and who enhances the performance of those around them.

• Team-oriented. Must be a team person, who can effectively collaborate with other departments while ensuring the needs and demands of the Government and Public Affairs Department are being served and met.

• Strong people skills. Must be able to bring people together toward a common goal or solution. This includes bringing competitors together in working with each other as well as bringing co-workers together on projects. Must be confident and able to work productively with executives within industry and at companies who may be more senior in title and experience.

• Effective communicator. Must be a good writer and verbal communicator capable of expressing industry positions to lawmakers, stakeholders, and members. Also, strong communication skills that keep members and others informed of legislation, activities, and other issues essential for effective execution on advocacy.

• Strong under pressure. Can handle deadlines, multiple issues and projects, and high-pressure situations with assurance and produce high quality work.

• To the organization, colleagues, members, and the long-term health of the industry. Knows the importance of being here and getting the job done. A desire to be part of something special. 

• Effective traveler. The position will require a healthy amount of travel. Must be willing to do so and able to execute their job effectively, and promptly, while on work travel.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; five to seven years related experience and/or training; executive-level interaction with senior officials or members; previous government affairs and communications experience within a trade association or public office campaign experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Computer Skills: Knowledge required of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, as well as Adobe PDF, WordPress, and content management software.

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of members, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Organization skills: Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects at same time. Must be strategic, possess excellent judgment and able to excel in deadline-driven, high-pressure situations. Hard worker dedicated to the job, team, association, and industry.