Vice President, Public Affairs

Manage and direct federal and state government relations team

• Based on member priorities, develop relationships and strategies for legislative outcomes that advance the interests of the electroindustry
• Hire, manage, and evaluate outside consultants to deliver legislative support at federal and state levels including full compliance with federal and state lobbying rules and registration requirements
• Form and direct coalitions to achieve NEMA objectives by teaming with other trade associations and/or professional organizations
• Coordinate efforts with NEMA Divisions, including medical imaging (MITA)
• Manage grassroots efforts that include organizing visits by legislators to Member company facilities
• Lead NEMA Political Action Committee (NEMAPAC)

Lead outcome-based policy team, integrating with NEMA Technical Affairs as needed

• Lead development and implementation of policy strategies with agencies at federal and state level including DOE, DOT, EPA, DOC and DOD, to deliver NEMA preferred objectives
• Develop and maintain relationships with agencies of jurisdiction
• Lead team to develop compelling, science-based comments to regulatory agencies relevant agencies as directed by member companies
• Develop and maintain persistent lines of communications with stakeholders and collaborate with Member company representatives, NEMA management and staff

Lead Advocacy Communications in Support of Strategic Legislative and Policy Objectives

• Build and maintain enduring relationships with the media to advocate for, and advance NEMA positions.
• Create and promote advocacy objectives to target internal and external audiences; including members, the media, public officials, and key influencers
• Act as official NEMA spokesperson as required
• Promote NEMA member interests across any array of communications channels: earned media, paid media, social media, and trade press.
• Advance NEMA and its members’ profiles on key advocacy issues, including speaking opportunities for NEMA members, executives and staff
• Create and oversee execution of focused, issue-specific advocacy communications campaigns, including grassroots and grasstops, as needed

Management Responsibilities

• Lead Board-level Government Relations & Communication Committee
• Lead public affairs staff team, including mentoring and development
• Develop annual government relations and advocacy budgets to achieve association strategic priorities and support Section and non-Section projects and objectives

• 
  10 years or more of experience in government relations, public affairs, or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Strong relationship builder with executive presence, ability to use policy-making and regulatory processes in support of NEMA’s mission and goals
• Trade association experience desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to persuasively advocate in private and public settings
• Innovative thinker and leader, individually proactive and outcome-oriented, and a team builder and coach
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, multidiscipline environment with challenging timeliness for multiple projects occurring simultaneously