Director, Federal Affairs

PaintCare; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

PTO

Medical and dental insurance

Life insurance

Commuter benefits

Wellness reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

American Coatings Association is seeking a Director of Federal Affairs in Washington, DC, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. You will manage fast-paced conversations on housing, trade and chemicals management, interfacing with Members of Congress, staff, and trade associations.

A flexible hybrid work environment in the Washington, DC area is offered. The ideal candidate has Capitol Hill or trade association policy experience and a proactive, detail‑oriented approach to

Qualifications

• Minimum BA degree in political science, legislative policy or other related field.
• Minimum of five years of legislative experience (Capitol Hill or trade association).
• Travel will be required in this role.

Responsibilities

• Identify key policymakers and build and maintain positive relationships.
• Identify and analyze legislative proposals that impact the industry and craft responses.
• Support grassroots efforts and identify key policymakers for campaigns.
• Participate in legislative meetings, hearings and events to advance the industry’s position.
• Develop legislative strategies to achieve the industry’s goals.
• Support ACA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee and subcommittees.
• Collaborate with ACA teams to achieve Strategic Goals.
• Represent the industry at political functions.
• Monitor political activities to advise on political races.
• Assist in organizing Congressional facility tours and DC fly‑ins.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Compliance deadlines

Bipartisan collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field

Job description

Summary

As Director of Federal Affairs, you will be advocating for the coatings industry’s highest priorities. This position will report to ACA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. The position will manage multiple fast‑paced conversations on issues such as housing, international trade, and chemicals management, to name just a few. In this role, you will have direct contact with ACA members, affiliated industry organizations, Members of Congress, their staff and staff for congressional committees.

A typical day will include building and maintaining a strong network of contacts with members of Congress and their staff, engaging in a variety of activities relevant to analyzing and advocating on legislative initiatives, including hearings and countless meetings, and corresponding with key members of the coatings industry. ACA provides a flexible hybrid working environment in the Washington DC area. The ideal candidate for this role will be a forward thinker with initiative, a strong work ethic, Capitol Hill experience, and a desire to work in policy and politics. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in Washington, D.C.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify key policymakers and build and maintain positive relationships
• Identify and analyze legislative proposals that impact the industry and work with industry experts to craft responses
• Support the identification of key policymakers for grassroots efforts
• Participate in legislative meetings, hearings, fundraisers, etc. which will advance the industry’s position on high priority issues
• Develop legislative strategies to achieve the industry’s goals
• Support the management of ACA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee and all related subcommittees
• Work collaboratively with ACA’s professional teams (Events and Engagement, Communications, etc.) to accomplish ACA’s Strategic Goals
• Represent industry at political functions
• Monitor political activities on a continual basis to advise association on political races across the country
• Assist in organizing facility tours for members of Congress and their staff
• Coordinate grassroots/grassroots strategy including grassroots alerts and communications
• Assist in the organization of DC fly‑in

Background/Education Requirements

• Minimum BA degree in political science, legislative policy or other related field
• Minimum of five years of legislative experience (Capitol Hill or trade association)
• Travel will be required in this role

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Robust knowledge of the political and legislative process
• Deep understanding of political landscape and high political acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem solving, trouble shooting and follow‑through abilities
• Tenacity and drive to learn and take on new tasks
• Big picture thinking with an obsession for details
• Customer service skills and proven ability to work as a team
• Ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
• Work with candidates and professionals from both parties

Location and Travel

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, DC and will operate within a hybrid work environment (working both onsite and remotely). Travel will be required in this role.

Employment, Salary And Benefits

This is a full time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience, but can range from $120,000 to $150,000. ACA provides generous benefits including 401(k) match, PTO, medical, dental, and life insurance, commuter benefits & wellness reimbursement, and professional development/training opportunities.

Apply

To apply for this position, please visit https://american-coatings-association.breezy.hr/. Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your motivations for applying and your salary requirement. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

About American Coatings Association

ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered. The association focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, and offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.