Vice President, Political Affairs - PAC & Grassroots

Company: Public Affairs Council
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

Vice President, Political Affairs - PAC & Grassroots U.S. Travel Association Washington, DC This position is responsible for two primary key areas (PAC and Grassroots) with a secondary role to engage in federal lobbying. Responsibilities include managing a range of government relations and public policy strategies to enhance U.S. Travel's profile and presence with Congress and federal agencies. For PAC, this position is responsible for creating and implementing fundraising strategy for various membership constituencies. For grassroots, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining and improving U.S. Travel's grassroots program to increase political education and involvement of U.S. Travel members and the broader travel industry. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Lead TravelPAC fundraising events throughout the year during CEO Roundtables, board meetings, the summer auction and other industry events in coordination with EVP.
• Develop a robust prior approval campaign to obtain authorization from U.S. Travel members and begin fundraising campaigns with approved member organizations.
• Work with campaign fundraisers to host campaign events with other industry stakeholders in coordination with EVP and government relations team.
• Maintain regular communication with PAC board of directors and donors (including emails, conference calls and newsletters).
• Increase visibility of TravelPAC at U.S. Travel events.
• Maintain regular communication with legal counsel to ensure FEC Compliance.
• Grow TravelPAC and develop metrics to gauge growth and execution of the program.
• Maintain and improve U.S. Travel's grassroots program to increase political education and involvement of U.S. Travel members and the travel industry.
• Draft communications to advocates, including newsletters and action alerts.
• Grow and improve U.S. Travel's advocacy focused social media outreach.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, including various U.S. Travel council gatherings.
• Aid in the planning process for annual fly-in event.
• Maintain the advocacy website (travelcoalition.org) and make appropriate and timely updates.
• Look for new ways to grow the travel industry voice.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with key officials in the federal government, as well as their staff.
• Identify and track legislation or regulations that impact the travel community and recommend necessary level of support or opposition.
• Help conceive and implement U.S. Travel policy positions and advocacy agenda before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies in coordination with EVP and government relations team.
• Compose, edit, update and transmit legislative advocacy documents such as issue papers, talking points, testimony, speeches and letters.
• Monitor, attend and report on relevant hearings, briefings and meetings.
• Respond to needs of U.S. Travel members, including on unique or sector-specific demands.
• Collaborate with internal teams to advance U.S. Travel initiatives.
• Work with outside stakeholders, including consultants and travel industry lobbyists.
• Build/maintain business relationships with key associations, think tanks and nonprofits.
• Attend PAC events and other political and industry functions that often require attendance in early mornings or evenings.
• Represent U.S. Travel at public briefings, roundtables, conferences and workshops, which will require 25% domestic travel (pending current business travel policy).
• Demonstrates and promotes a spirit of cooperation within and outside work unit.
• Effective collaborator and mediator that listens attentively, shares information and responds appropriately.
• Ability to build good relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to recognize the need for action, confront issues, take appropriate action and pursue an issue until the problem is solved.
• Serve as a mentor by training, coaching and counseling others continually by developing capabilities through formal and informal training, as well as coaching reports in their pursuit of career goals.
• A problem-solver who identifies issues affecting the work unit or U.S. Travel Association and who takes early corrective action to avoid problems, as well as generate new ideas and practical solutions.
• An exceptional leader who can influence and motivate others to achieve a common purpose, develop and maintain an atmosphere of trust and cooperation and demonstrate behavior consistent with the expectations communicated to others. Qualifications
  • Ten-fifteen years prior advocacy, PAC, and grassroots work experience. Association PAC experience is preferred. Trade association and/or travel industry experience a plus.
  • Seven-ten years prior management experience developing and managing staff and public policy initiatives.
  • Proven track record of PAC growth.
  • Knowledge of federal compliance and regulation regarding political fundraising.
  • Skilled in advocacy for the travel and tourism industry would be considered a plus but is not required.
  • Understands the legislative process and has good political instincts.
  • Has experience with U.S. Travel's international and domestic agenda, from border security and visa policy, to transportation infrastructure and government meetings.
  • Preferably holds congressional committee experience with Homeland Security, Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, Commerce and Foreign Affairs. Education and Experience Undergraduate degree in Political Science, Public Policy or Communications or an applicable field. Masters' degree preferred but not required. To apply submit your cover letter, resume and reference list to--careers@ustravel.org --with "Vice President, Political Affairs - PAC & Grassroots" listed in the subject line.

Keywords: Public Affairs Council, Washington DC , Vice President, Political Affairs - PAC & Grassroots, Executive , Washington, DC