Vice President, Downstream

API - American Petroleum Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

American Petroleum Institute (API) seeks a visionary executive to serve as Vice President of Downstream. You will lead all API work on fuels, refining, marketing and refinery safety programs, directing the Downstream Committee and coordinating with senior executives across the organization.

You will advance regulatory and legislative policy in support of a robust U.S. refining industry, reporting to the Senior VP of Policy, Economics & Regulatory Affairs and serving on the API Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Requires 15+ years in refining, fuels or energy sectors with leadership or government exposure.
• Strong subject matter expertise in U.S. refining operations, safety and markets.
• Experience influencing public policy and regulatory agendas at national level.

Responsibilities

• Lead API's Downstream Committee and policy strategy for U.S. refining.
• Coordinate across policy, regulatory, legal, communications and safety programs.
• Advocate for Downstream interests before Congress, agencies, and industry forums.
• Direct development and execution of Downstream initiatives aligned with member needs.
• Advise senior leadership on industry trends, risks, opportunities and policy issues.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Downstream team and manage budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Policy/Advocacy

Public speaking

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Vice President of Downstream leads all of API’s work associated with fuels and refining, as well as marketing and refinery safety programs. The Vice President manages the Downstream Committee, a segment level committee comprised of senior executives from API’s downstream member companies which reports to the API Executive Committee. In this leadership role, the Vice President will advance regulatory and legislative policy that supports a strong U.S. refining industry and will be a leading voice and advocate for the industry. The Vice President will be a member of the API Leadership Team and reports to the Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics & Regulatory Affairs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads API's Downstream Committee and on policy, advocacy, and member engagement strategy, working closely with member companies to establish policy priorities for the U.S. refining industry, shape advocacy strategy, and advance API’s strategic objectives.
• Serves as API's leader on Downstream issues, driving coordination and alignment across the organization, including policy, regulatory, legal, communications, and safety programs.
• Advocates for the Downstream industry, representing API and its members as needed before multiple stakeholders, including Congress, federal and state agencies, industry forums, member leadership, and the media.
• Directs the development and execution of Downstream initiatives, ensuring programs, advocacy efforts, and resources are aligned with member needs, organizational priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Advises API senior leadership on Downstream industry trends, risks, opportunities, and emerging policy issues, helping shape the association's strategic direction and advocacy agenda.
• Leads, develops, and inspires a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and excellence across the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Leads the Downstream department, comprised of a ~10 person team covering the full suite of regulatory issues impacting the U.S. refining industry as well as coordinating with API’s standards and certification functions to ensure safety programs meet industry objectives.

Key Relationships

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the refining, fuels and energy industry, with trade association, industry and/or government experience.
• Deep subject matter expertise in the U.S. refining industry, including refining operations, transportation and liquid fuels markets, refinery safety and process safety management.
• Demonstrated expertise in fuels policy, environmental regulation, energy policy, and legislative affairs, with a strong understanding of the federal and state policies that impact refining, fuels production, and fuel distribution.
• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in business, engineering, law, public policy, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with senior corporate executives, government officials, regulators, industry associations, and external coalitions. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible environment while managing multiple priorities and competing demands.
• Strong strategic, political, and business judgment, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, assess risk, and develop effective advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams, managing budgets, and aligning organizational resources to strategic priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, including experience speaking before industry audiences, policymakers, regulators, the media, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong member and stakeholder orientation, with a track record of building trusted relationships, achieving consensus among diverse interests, and advancing shared objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25%

Percentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email [e-mail].

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found atapi.org/about/careers/benefits.