Vice President Government Affairs

Consumer Technology Association; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading association for the technology sector in Arlington, Virginia, is seeking a Vice President of Government Affairs to lead federal policy advocacy and political engagement. The role requires over 12 years of experience, ideally within Congress or the technology sector, and strong strategic thinking skills. You will oversee critical government affairs functions and develop relationships with policymakers to advance the association's mission. Excellent communication and leadership abilities are essential. This is a full-time position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in government affairs or public policy.
• Experience in Congress, Executive Branch, or technology sector preferred.
• 5+ years of leadership or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Advocate on Capitol Hill and with the White House.
• Develop and execute federal advocacy strategies.
• Build relationships with Members of Congress and federal agencies.
• Monitor federal legislative and regulatory developments.
• Oversee political engagement strategy and CTAPAC compliance.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Policy analysis

Relationship building

Leadership

Negotiation

Coalition-building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science

Advanced degree in law or public policy

Job description

The Vice President of Government Affairs serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing CTA’s federal policy, political engagement, and advocacy strategy.

This role leads CTA’s direct engagement with the White House, Congress, and key federal agencies to promote and protect the interests of the consumer technology industry. The Vice President helps shape organizational priorities and strategies, ensuring alignment between public policy advocacy, political engagement, and the association’s broader mission.

This role also oversees key government affairs functions including congressional relations, political affairs, CTA’s Political Action Committee (CTAPAC), and the strategic use of CTA’s event space to support policy engagement and stakeholder relationship-building.

Critical Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Government Affairs Leadership

• Serve as one of CTA’s principal advocates on Capitol Hill and with the White House, representing the organization and its members on key policy priorities.
• Develop and execute federal advocacy strategies that advance the interests of the consumer technology industry.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, administration officials, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor and analyze federal legislative and regulatory developments and advise CTA leadership and members on potential impacts.

Policy Development and Advocacy

• Advocate CTA policy positions with policymakers and regulators.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of congressional testimony, policy briefings, advocacy materials, and regulatory filings.
• Provide strategic guidance to CTA members on federal policy developments and engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate policy strategies with coalition partners, trade associations, and allied organizations.

Political Affairs and PAC Leadership

• Oversee CTA’s political engagement strategy, including the management and compliance of CTAPAC in accordance with FEC regulations.
• Develop strategies to strengthen relationships with key policymakers through responsible and strategic political engagement.
• Ensure compliance with all federal election laws and reporting requirements.

Event Space and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide strategic oversight of CTA’s event space as a platform for policy engagement, industry convenings, and relationship-building with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate across the organization to leverage the event space for briefings, policy discussions, and government outreach initiatives.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead and develop Government Affairs staff, including the Director(s) of Government Affairs.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, planning, and operational performance.
• Contribute to CTA’s senior leadership discussions and help guide the organization’s strategic priorities.

CES Government Engagement

• Provide strategic direction for government participation and engagement at CES, including coordination of government guest programs and policy-focused programming.

External Partnerships

• Serve as a liaison with other trade associations, coalitions, and stakeholder groups on federal legislative and regulatory issues.
• Represent CTA in external policy forums, industry discussions, and government meetings.

Professional Leadership

• Maintain expertise on emerging policy trends affecting the consumer technology industry through professional engagement, research, and participation in relevant policy networks.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as required to support CTA’s mission and strategic priorities.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, congressional relations, or federal regulatory engagement.
• Experience working in Congress, the Executive Branch, a trade association, or within the technology sector strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of leadership or management experience overseeing teams or major initiatives.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science or related field, law or public policy advanced degree preferred.

Skills/Capabilities/Technical:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and policy analysis capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-level relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and coalition-building skills.
• Experience managing budgets and organizational initiatives.

Budget and Staff:

• Directly supervises Political Affairs and Innovation House staff positions.
• Responsible for departmental budget oversight and operational management.