Job Description

Vice President, Government Affairs

Washington, DC | Hybrid Work Environment

About Us

We are a leading national trade association representing a major U.S. industry—including formulators, chemical suppliers, and packaging companies that develop products used every day to ensure health, hygiene, and economic vitality. The association and its members are dedicated to advancing science-based policies that protect people and the environment, promote innovation, and support growth across the value chain.

Overview

The association seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as Vice President, Government Affairs —a key member of the executive team responsible for driving one of its core strategic pillars: policy leadership and external influence. This is not a traditional head-of-government-affairs role. The VP will design and execute an agile influence strategy across federal and state arenas; anticipate and shape outcomes amid a rapidly evolving policy landscape; and position the organization as a credible, proactive thought partner to policymakers and stakeholders. Reporting to the President & CEO, the VP will set direction, lead the Government Affairs team, and deliver measurable policy impact for member companies.

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

• Lead the design and evolution of a multi-year government affairs strategy aligned to the association’s mission and business priorities.
• Translate political dynamics, emerging risks, and macro trends into actionable strategies and decision frameworks for leadership and the Board.
• Integrate advocacy priorities across the association’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with regulatory, technical/scientific, and communications teams.
• Establish outcome-oriented policy agendas with milestones, metrics, and accountability.

Strategic Influence & Relationships

• Build and sustain high-trust relationships with senior officials in Congress, the Administration, regulators, and state legislatures, as well as with business leaders, think tanks, and industry partners.
• Elevate the association’s voice through executive-level engagement, positioning it as a trusted and solution-oriented leader on cleaning, hygiene, and public health.
• Serve as a senior spokesperson before policymakers, external forums, and media, and represent the association in industry coalitions and partnerships.

Federal–State Strategy, Regulatory Engagement & Execution

• Drive coordinated engagement across federal and state levels, aligning legislative and regulatory strategies to amplify impact and credibility.
• Oversee key issue portfolios (e.g., chemical management and packaging).
• Lead regulatory advocacy across agencies (e.g., EPA, FDA, OSHA, and others): shape rulemaking and guidance, lead comment strategies, track implementation, and coordinate multi-jurisdictional responses.
• Direct advocacy planning, stakeholder mapping, and sequencing to secure durable outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all lobbying disclosure, ethics, and reporting requirements.

Issues Management & Rapid Response

• Establish proactive horizon-scanning and issues-management capabilities to anticipate shifts and mobilize rapid responses.
• Lead coordinated responses during high-stakes moments and drive scenario planning and risk assessment for leadership and the Board.

Coalitions & Public Positioning

• Participate in and help steer pragmatic coalitions that align stakeholders behind shared policy objectives.
• Shape visibility strategies in partnership with Communications to reinforce the association’s reputation as a science-based, trusted voice.
• Deliver compelling testimony, comment letters, and thought leadership that influence substance and narrative.

Team Leadership & Organizational Integration

• Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing Government Affairs team and manage external advisors.
• Drive a collaborative, inclusive culture; embed effective operating rhythms, clear KPIs, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure seamless integration with all internal teams to amplify impact for members.

What Success Looks Like

• Policy wins that advance priority outcomes at both federal and state levels.
• Enhanced executive-level relationships and champions across parties who view the association as an indispensable thought partner.
• Trusted counsel to the President & CEO and Board; strong member satisfaction with advocacy efforts.
• A high-performing team with measurable progress against KPIs.
• A strengthened reputation for credibility, transparency, and science-driven leadership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory advocacy within a trade association, corporate, consultancy, or government setting.
• Demonstrated track record of policy impact and coalition-based wins; mastery of federal and state legislative/regulatory processes.
• Executive presence with outstanding communication skills; comfortable engaging at C-suite and senior government levels.
• Established relationships across Congress and relevant federal/state agencies (e.g., EPA, FDA, OSHA).
• Experience advising CEOs/Boards and translating complex policy into business strategy.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams; manage consultants; and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP/MPA, public policy or related field) preferred.

Additional Details

• Travel: Flexibility for overnight travel.
• Compensation: Base salary range $250–280K, plus an annual bonus.

Equal employment opportunities are provided to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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