Director, State Government Relations

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance plans

Dental and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life insurance and AD&D

Paid leave and 401(k)

Disability coverage

Commuter benefits

Professional development

Wellness resources

Fitness center on site

Job summary

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is seeking a Director, State Government Relations to lead outreach at local, state and national levels. The role requires frequent travel and involves educating officials, coordinating with staff, and managing coalitions to advance AFPM’s policy priorities.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in third‑party outreach, strong energy policy knowledge, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Six+ years of experience in third‑party outreach and issues advocacy.
• Experience in industry, association, issues or campaigns is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulatory and legislative processes in energy.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and presenting advocacy positions.

Responsibilities

• Educate state, local and federal officials on AFPM issues, including coordinating with third‑party entities.
• Collaborate with staff to identify and prioritize state‑level outreach efforts.
• Assist in managing the State and Local Outreach Committee and monthly meetings.
• Represent AFPM at conferences and events, including public speaking when needed.
• Manage a coalition of groups and coordinate with independent contractors and other coalition members.
• Maintain effective communications with membership and align outreach with member expectations.
• Coordinate with Communications to develop proactive messaging for social media, op‑eds and blogs.
• Engage other associations to coordinate educational and relationship‑building efforts.

Skills

Outreach experience

Policy advocacy

Communication skills

Media knowledge

Travel willingness

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in government relations, communications, or a related field

Job description

AFPM employees combine both in-office and remote work into their schedules using up to 6 remote workdays a month. Only local candidates will be considered at this time.

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is a dynamic trade association representing high‑tech American manufacturers of virtually the entire U.S. supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, other fuels, and home heating oil, as well as the petrochemicals used as building blocks for thousands of vital products in daily life, from paints to plastics, space suits to solar panels, and medicines to mobile phones. As a national trade association representing American refineries and petrochemical companies, AFPM brings together staff, members, affiliates, and thought leaders at major conventions and smaller gatherings, both virtual and in‑person, throughout the year.

At AFPM, our greatest asset is our team of talented professionals who consistently fuel our success. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are excited to announce an opening for a Director, State Government Relations. The Director plays a key role in the development, implementation, and management of AFPM’s outreach strategy at the local, state, and national levels. This position requires frequent local and regional travel.

Responsibilities

• Identifies opportunities to educate various state, local and federal‑level elected officials on issues important to AFPM’s membership, including working with third‑party entities, to deliver AFPM’s message to assigned legislative bodies.
• Collaborates with AFPM staff to identify and prioritize issues that constitute the focus of AFPM’s state‑level educational engagement.
• Assists in managing the State and Local Outreach Committee, keeping members informed of all legislative and regulatory issues important to the industry and helping plan and execute monthly committee meetings.
• Represents AFPM at conferences and events, including direct interaction with a broad spectrum of state‑level elected officials to articulate AFPM’s positions on a range of critical policy issues, and occasional public speaking engagements.
• Manages a coalition of groups engaged in issue‑specific, regional educational advocacy efforts, including coordinating with independent contractors, monitoring legislative developments, and serving as AFPM’s primary point of contact for coalition members.
• Works closely with the Senior Director, State and Local Outreach to maintain efficient and effective communications with membership to ensure that AFPM’s outreach efforts remain aligned with member expectations and that members are well‑informed regarding the outcomes of our engagement.
• Coordinates with AFPM’s Communications department to develop proactive messaging through social media, op‑eds, speaking opportunities, blog posts and other means.
• Identifies and engages other relevant associations and entities to coordinate strategic educational and relationship‑building efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years' experience in third‑party outreach and issues advocacy.
• Previous industry, association, issues or candidate campaign management, and/or congressional or state legislative work experience highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulatory and legislative processes in connection with energy issues.
• Firm understanding of the regulatory processes and implications of federal energy and environmental regulations at the state level.
• Exceptional communication skills, including presentation skills, evidenced by experience in communicating advocacy positions verbally and in writing.
• Strong working knowledge of traditional and new media, including social networks and web multimedia.
• Keen attention to detail, including the ability to proofread and fact‑check accurately and quickly.
• Experience managing a team of professionals, collaborating and working in a team environment, and working alongside and with other departments.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally, regionally and nationally as required. 50% travel anticipated.
• Bachelor’s degree in government relations, communications, or a related field.

Salary at AFPM is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The projected compensation range for this position is $140,000.00 to $170,000.00 (annualized). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of AFPM’s total compensation package for employees.

Benefits

• Choice of two medical insurance plans with prescription coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% employer‑paid life insurance and AD&D coverage for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner, child(ren), and other dependents
• Supplemental life insurance option for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner, child(ren), and other dependents
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, parental, bereavement, and other paid leave benefits
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with generous employer contributions
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Pre‑tax parking and commuter benefits
• Personal device / cell phone allowance
• Professional development and educational assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, mental health coverage including telehealth, and other wellness resources
• Free on‑site, clean, and modern fitness center and locker rooms
• Free snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, seltzers, bottled water, and much more!

AFPM is an equal opportunity employer. AFPM does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law or regulation. AFPM does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.