The Aluminum Association (TAA), based in Washington, D.C., 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 operates with a $12M annual 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 policymakers nationwide. Highly engaged in public policy and technical forums, the Association is committed to advancing aluminum as the sustainable material of choice around the world. 

This role, which reports to the President & CEO, will lead the four-person Government Relations and International Programs department.  This position is a high-profile leadership role responsible for driving all TAA lobbying activities with Congress and the Administration.

Roles
Serving as an integral member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President, Government Relations and International Programs provides strategic leadership in federal affairs, trade policy, and broad government policy, for advancing the mission and vision of the Association. Additionally, this individual:

• Provides critical expertise in the current trade policy environment. 
• 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, in coordination with foreign aluminum industry associations.
• Works with membership in developing policy positions and advocacy strategies. 
• Provides leadership in working with the industry on trade and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates industry response on policy and advocacy priorities.
   

Responsibilities 

• Serves as chief point of contact to all relevant agencies, Congress, and key stakeholders to monitor legislative and regulatory developments, develop policy strategy, deliver industry messages and lead advocacy action.
• Develops key policy positions with membership. 
• Disseminates timely and relevant analysis on public policy issues affecting the industry, delivering political and policy insights to inform member companies.
• Directly advocates with U.S. policymakers and coordinates industry response to government stakeholders, including federal agencies and Congress.  (includes coordinating meetings between member companies and government representatives.)
• Provides critical trade policy expertise and leadership in today’s dynamic trade policy environment.
• Staff executive and leader for Trade Advisory Committee, 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.
• 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.
• Serves as Association representative to industry interest groups and external committees, coalitions and working groups on key policy issues.
• Collaborates with the VP, External Affairs and VP, Market Growth and Development to promote sustainability initiatives that grow markets for aluminum.
• 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.
• Works with outside consultants and vendors to carry out trade and other policy/advocacy actions as directed by the Executive Committee and the Board. Manages lobbying consultants and trade activities related to government relations.
• Manages team responsible for industry Environmental Health and Safety initiatives and government regulations affecting the industry and its sustainability initiatives.
• 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, maintaining financial oversight, developing giving strategies, creating and maintaining relationships with PAC members and candidates, and building and maintaining effective relationships with fundraisers. Represents the Aluminum Association at political fundraisers and events.
• Develops and manages the approved budget for all activities and staff related to the formal Government Affairs program for the Association and its membership.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as appropriate or as requested.
   

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s Degree or Law Degree in Trade Policy, Trade Law, International Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Government, 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.  Corporate and/or association experience preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and lead coordinated advocacy campaigns in support of business and trade policy objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to track, analyze, synthesize, and report on policy developments in the regulatory and legislative arenas.
• Knowledge of or experience with metals or materials manufacturing industries and/or global trade and WTO processes is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations for a domestic and international audience. Experience with a corporate or association Board of Directors is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. 
• Proven track record of working in teams as well as autonomously, and leading teams (staff and constituents) on specific domestic and international projects.
• 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.

Our member companies are highly engaged with the industry and with the Aluminum Association. You will have a dedicated set of corporate leaders to work with.

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 jobs@aluminum.org 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.