Senior Vice President, Government Relations

Ipaa; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) seeks a seasoned Senior Vice President, Government Relations to lead federal policy, advocacy, and political engagement. The role reports to the President & CEO and sits on the executive leadership team.

The SVP will direct the Government Relations team, develop IPAA's policy agenda, and strengthen relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and industry stakeholders. Occasional travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; JD preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in government relations, public policy, or political strategy, with senior leadership.
• Energy/oil and gas policy experience preferred; strong Capitol Hill relationships.
• Proven ability to develop advocacy strategies and manage senior professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead IPAA's federal policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Oversee IPAA Wildcatters Fund operations and compliance.
• Plan and direct the Annual Congressional Fly-In.
• Represent IPAA with Congress, federal agencies, and coalitions.
• Serve as Corporate Secretary and maintain governance records.
• Provide executive leadership to the Government Relations team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy advocacy

Relationship building

Communication

Public policy

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD preferred

Job description

Senior Vice President, Government Relations

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) seeks an experienced and strategic Senior Vice President, Government Relations to lead the Association’s federal policy, government relations, legislative advocacy, and political engagement efforts. Reporting to the President & CEO, this position serves as a key member of the executive leadership team.

The SVP oversees the Government Relations team and is responsible for developing and advancing IPAA’s federal policy agenda, advocating on behalf of independent oil and natural gas producers, and strengthening relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and key industry stakeholders.

The position oversees the IPAA Wildcatters Fund and the Annual Congressional Fly-In through the Vice Presidents of Government Relations, represents the Association on the North American Production Expo (NAPE) Board, and serves as Corporate Secretary.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations and Policy

Lead the Government team, setting strategic priorities and ensuring effective execution of IPAA’s federal advocacy agenda.

Serve as the Association's principal policy and political advisor on legislative, regulatory, and industry matters.

Develop and carry out federal advocacy strategies that advance the interests of IPAA and its member companies.

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, assess their impact on the industry, and recommend policy positions.

Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and industry coalitions.

Direct the development of legislative priorities, congressional testimony, and policy recommendations.

Oversee litigation strategy and management relating to federal policy.

Represent IPAA at congressional meetings, industry conferences, and policy forums; deliver speeches to member companies and state-level associations; and serve as spokesperson on federal policy issues, including responding to press inquiries.

IPAA Wildcatters Fund (Political Action Committee)

Provide strategic direction to the Fund. A Vice President of Government Relations manages its day-to-day operations, including contribution strategy, budgets, member solicitation, fundraisers, and compliance with federal election laws.

Advise the Fund and the federal policy committees so their activities align with the Association's priorities.

Annual Congressional Fly-In

Provide strategic direction for the Annual Congressional Fly-In. A Vice President of Government Relations manages planning and execution.

North American Production Expo (NAPE)

Represent IPAA on the NAPE Board and serve as the primary liaison for the annual NAPE Summit.

Secure speakers, moderate panels, and coordinate programming that strengthens IPAA's visibility at NAPE.

Corporate Secretary

Maintain accurate Board minutes, resolutions, and official governance records.

Support Board operations and ensure appropriate documentation of Association activities.

Member Engagement and Meetings

Build and maintain relationships with member company executives and government affairs leaders through direct outreach, policy briefings, and issue-driven engagement.

Communicate the value and impact of IPAA's advocacy so members see clear return on their investment, supporting membership retention.

Collaborate with the Meetings team to shape policy programming, secure speakers, and support major member events.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Vice President, Government Relations (2)

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or political strategy, including senior-level leadership.

Energy industry experience preferred, particularly in oil and natural gas policy and regulation.

Extensive knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes, with established relationships on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies.

Demonstrated success developing advocacy strategies, influencing policy outcomes, and managing senior-level professionals.

Working knowledge of political action committees and federal election compliance preferred, sufficient to oversee the Fund effectively.

Strong political judgment, strategic leadership, and the ability to navigate complex policy and regulatory issues.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior policymakers, industry executives, and other stakeholders.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, provide executive-level counsel, and represent the Association effectively.

Willingness to travel regularly.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished government relations and policy executive with strong political acumen, established relationships in Washington, D.C., and at the state level, and a proven ability to influence federal and state policy. This individual is a collaborative leader who can manage a senior team, build consensus, and advance IPAA's mission on behalf of independent oil and natural gas producers.

Work Arrangement

This is an in-person position that requires travel to support the Association’s government affairs, advocacy, and industry engagement activities.