Senior Director, State Affairs Southwest Region

American Chemistry Coun; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Profit-sharing

Performance bonuses

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

American Chemistry Coun in Austin, Texas, seeks a Senior Director of State Affairs for the Southwest region. The role directs ACC’s grassroots program and regional public affairs, coordinating state-level advocacy, coalition development, and local communications projects.

Reports to the Vice President, State Affairs. The position requires navigating legislative processes, supervising staff, and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in government affairs, political science, or related field.
• 10 years’ professional experience in grassroots or political arena.
• In-depth knowledge of state-level political processes.
• Ability to make sound political judgments and strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel within the United States.

Responsibilities

• Direct ACC’s grassroots program and regional public affairs.
• Lead state/local advocacy and coalition development in the Southwest.
• Coordinate advocacy strategies and monitor state legislation.
• Engage with elected officials, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver speeches and presentations to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying filings and related expenses.
• Supervise staff and manage regional budget and contracts.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Public speaking

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in government/public affairs

Masters or JD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Director, State Affairs Southwest Region

American Chemistry Coun Austin, Texas, United States

About this position

Position Summary

The position is responsible for directing the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) grassroots program which provides industry engagement for both the State and Federal Affairs departments. The position is also responsible for directing a multi-faceted regional public affairs program that includes state and local advocacy, coalition/alliance development, grassroots outreach and local communication projects. The position reports directly to the Vice President, State Affairs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluates the effectiveness of internal advocacy on an ongoing basis.
• Reports relevant program activities to State Government Affairs Committee (SGAC)/FLRT.
• Serves as an ACC advocate at the state level with members of congress, state legislators, etc.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with relevant elected officials, regulators, and customer organizations.
• Prepares and delivers speeches and presentations to senior leaders and boards of directors.
• Monitors bills introduced in state legislatures and state/local regulatory agencies to determine impact and recommends appropriate position(s) for ACC.
• Directs responses to pending legislation/regulations in conjunction with business allies, contract lobbyists and/or constituent groups.
• Develops strategies to present the chemical industry’s position(s), including selecting witnesses, preparing testimony (as appropriate), and monitoring progress.
• Interacts frequently with elected officials, regulators and other constituencies (e.g., State Chemical Industry Councils, coalition groups, downstream customer groups, etc.) for purposes of developing an effective information network.
• Maintains detailed records of all legislative and regulatory developments in the region.
• Directs advocacy-based events and activities in the field.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with appropriate internal staff resources as well as external contacts, including ACC members, consultants, vendors, coalition/trade association partners and government agencies.
• Ensures all lobbying and campaign filings, registrations and related expenses are in full compliance with state and/or local laws.
• Supervises the daily work activities of assigned staff, including establishing performance objectives, conducting performance reviews, and facilitating employee development.
• Develops and tracks regional budget, including contracts for external consultants.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in government affairs, political science, or related field.
• 10 years’ professional experience in grassroots or political arena.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of political, legislative and regulatory processes on the state level.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound political and public affairs judgments, decisions and strategies.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues, projects, tasks, and information/requests.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to cultivate and manage high quality stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel, as needed, within the United States.

Preferred

• Masters’ degree in relevant field or Juris Doctorate.

• ACC offers medical, dental, vision as well as 401(k) matching contribution up to 6% and a 6% contribution to the Profit-Sharing Plan, both vested immediately at 100%.
• Additionally, employees are eligible for performance-based merit increases and discretionary bonus program.